A wedding is one of the most important days in a couple’s life. If you care about the planet, why not integrate your principles into your big day? Going green doesn’t mean you have to compromise on your big day, though. By taking a look at the bigger picture, you can move beyond the usual decadence and consumption to create a truly personal, moving, and sustainable celebration that people will remember for years.
Engagement
Go for recycled gold. It may take a little searching but there are companies out there that work exclusively with recycled gold. When purchasing a diamond, always ensure it’s mined without conflict. Bonus: most Canadian-mined diamonds are conflict-free.
Invitations
The invites set the tone for the rest of the festivities, and there are a variety of recycled, tree-free, and organic-paper invitations available. There are even kits that you can buy and print/decorate your own invites. For more laid-back weddings, e-vites may be appropriate. And, for all your stationery needs beyond invites and thank you cards, create a wedding website or Facebook group. A simple website with a personal URL can be set up where everything from RSVPs to directions can be posted.
Flowers
You can also be environmentally conscious by choosing flowers that have not been grown using heavy pesticides. The best way to accomplish this is to purchase your flowers from a local grower or Farmer’s Market who you know does not use lots of pesticides, or grow the flowers yourself .
Venue
Bring the wedding to your guests. Pick a venue that is centrally located to most of your guests. If guests don’t have to travel far to get to the wedding, it will save everyone money and reduce the impact on the environment. If there’s no religious or sentimental reason for you to say your vows in a certain place, you should consider getting married outdoors. Local farms, historic sites, and gardens may allow you to hold your ceremony on-site.
Favours
Favours are more optional than ever. But if you are going to hand out favours at your wedding, ensure it’s something that won’t go to waste, such an edible treat such as homemade jam or chocolate. Some couples also opt to donate to a green cause on behalf of their guests in lieu of favours.
Catering
Use local vendors wherever possible. If you buy your food and drinks locally, it takes less fuel and energy to get them to you.
Wedding Dress
The simplest ways to green your gown are to buy something you’ll wear again or buy your dress second hand. If you must buy brand new, ensure your dress has a second life. Donate it to an organization that takes wedding dresses or sell it yourself.
Honeymoon
Luckily, you don’t have to sacrifice luxury to enjoy earth-friendly travel. In fact, there’s a whole industry built around eco-tourism. When planning your honeymoon, choose destinations where the people and the environment will benefit from your visit. And always ensure you’re being a responsible tourist by making sure the products and services you purchase will benefit the local economy (for example, ensuring the souvenirs you buy weren’t made in China – unless, of course, you’re honeymooning in China).
Your wedding is one of the most important days in your life, and it also provides you with an opportunity to be kind to the environment. So, for those about to get hitched or know someone who is, let supporting eco-friendly practices be a wonderful start to a lasting relationship.
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