Sustainability and environmental responsibility is increasingly important to modern couples, and the wedding industry is starting to reflect that. It’s entirely possible to have the day of your dreams while minimising your environmental footprint, so here are my top tips to an eco-friendly wedding:
Choose an eco-friendly venue Don’t be afraid to shop around for the perfect venue, and prioritise those that value sustainability as highly as you do. Many local venues take steps like banning single-use plastics to using solar power and tank water, and there are even tools like this wedding footprint calculator to help you track your day.
Keep the guest list small Sometimes it’s easier said than done, but minimising your guest list is one of the quickest ways to minimise your impact on the environment. Intimate weddings are actually rising in popularity, and it’s the perfect way to ensure you’re celebrating your day with the most important people in your life.
Think about your invitations There are so many options if zero waste is a top priority for your wedding. Sending out save-the-dates is an easy tradition to ditch, and many couples are opting for online invitations and RSVPs instead of printing anything at all. If you’d still like to send physical invitations, look for a company that uses recycled paper.
Put some thought into your blooms There are some truly beautiful options for floral arrangements that don’t necessarily involve, well, florals. First thing’s first, seek out local suppliers (a good rule of thumb in any category). Potted plants make for beautiful reception decor in lieu of freshly cut plants, but if you do go the traditional route, donate your blooms to local hospitals or look into a compost option.
Find THE dress With all things vintage exploding in popularity, it’s a great time to make the most of it. There’s something special about a family wedding gown handed down through generations, and places like Easy Weddings have a great marketplace for pre-loved dresses. If pre-loved isn’t your thing, track down a zero-waste local designer to help you out or even checkout Spell Bridal, whose dresses are designed and sampled in Byron Bay, and produced ethically in factories around the world.
