Weddings are magical—but they can also be wasteful! From single-use décor to fast fashion and food waste, the average wedding produces over 400 pounds of garbage—yikes! This Earth Day, let’s change that. Planning a sustainable wedding isn’t just a trend—it’s a meaningful way to celebrate love while protecting the planet. Here are some eco-friendly wedding ideas to inspire your planning.
Choose a Sustainable Wedding Dress (Or Plan to Donate!)
Start with what you wear. Rewear or repurpose mom (or grandma’s) dress or look for gowns made with eco-conscious fabrics or recycled materials. Another great option? Thrift shops! Many often have vintage wedding dresses for sale—or at least some suuuper cute pieces for your pre-wedding events!
If you want to keep your gown on its own sustainable journey—you can also make a plan to donate your dress after your big day, so more eco-conscious brides like you have a chance at discovering their dream gown.
Pick Bridesmaid Dresses with Rewear Potential
It’s not just about your look, though. Opt for pre-loved bridesmaid dresses or styles they’ll actually wear again. Convertible styles, fuss-free fabrics, and rewearable colors like Dusty Sage, Steel Blue, or Latte aren’t just flattering—they’re sustainable by design.
Digitize Your Invites
Think about your invitations. No, seriously—it’s not just the invite itself. You have the paper for the invites, the paper for the RSVP card, the paper for the wedding weekend info, the paper for the envelopes, the list goes on! Not to mention the gas emissions from the mail carriers to deliver each and every one of those thoughtfully curated invitation suites. Instead, go paperless with digital wedding invitations or use recycled paper from stationery stars like Shutterfly for printed versions. Many companies also offer beautifully designed e-invites that reduce paper waste and your carbon footprint (and won’t get lost in the mail!).
Greenify Your Venue and Décor
Choose venues that prioritize sustainability: Botanical gardens, vineyards, or eco-certified spaces. Decorate with potted plants, reusable signage, and locally sourced flowers to reduce transportation emissions. Bonus: Send flowers home with guests or donate them to hospitals or nursing homes after the event!
Ditch Single-Use Plastics
Skip disposable cutlery, plates, and cups in favor of rentals or compostable options. Ask your caterer about sustainable serving options and ensure leftovers are donated or composted—you can even provide your guests with doggy bags to bring some food home!
Pick Eco-Friendly Favors
Let’s be honest—how many wedding favors have you received over the years that you seriously still have? We’re willing to bet the answer is close to zero. Change that by thinking beyond throwaways. Gift your guests seed packets, mini succulents, or reusable totes. Better yet, consider donating to a meaningful charity on behalf of your guests for a favor that keeps on giving.
Plan a Sustainable Honeymoon
Your eco-conscious choices don’t have to stop after “I do.” From the flights you book to the hotels you stay in, there are plenty of ways to make your honeymoon as sustainable as your wedding day.
Go for eco-friendly honeymoon destinations that prioritize conservation, local culture, and community support. Consider:
- Costa Rica: With eco-lodges nestled in the rainforest and a strong commitment to sustainability, this is a top choice for green getaways.
- Iceland: Powered almost entirely by renewable energy, Iceland offers unforgettable scenery with a minimal environmental footprint.
- The Azores (Portugal): Known for its geothermal energy and protected marine life, this hidden gem blends adventure and eco-luxury. In fact, the Azores became the first archipelago in the world to be certified as a sustainable tourist destination by EarthCheck!
If you’re staying stateside, consider low-impact travel like a road trip in a hybrid or electric vehicle, glamping under the stars, or booking a stay at a LEED-certified hotel or eco-resort.
Green travel tips for honeymooners:
- Choose direct flights whenever possible to reduce carbon emissions
- Support local businesses, artisans, and restaurants
- Pack reusable items like water bottles, utensils, and totes
- Offset your travel carbon footprint through a reputable program
Planning a wedding with the planet in mind doesn’t mean sacrificing style. It means making conscious choices, supporting ethical vendors, and embracing creativity. From your gown to your getaway, every detail counts.
Find even more eco-friendly tips from the experts at The Bouquet Toss here!
Looking for more inspo? Check out Pearl by David’s for all the latest trends, advice, and more.
