Sustainable wedding planning is a real thing today that is becoming one of the most sought-after post-pandemic wedding trends. With almost every industry accepting sustainability and eco-friendly solutions in their modus operandi, the worlds of bridal fashion and the wedding industry are equally stepping up in this realm. Just like small drops of water make mighty oceans around the world, taking baby steps towards sustainability in your ways can lead to a better planet that we will be leaving to our next generations. Sustainable bridal checklists are a vast concept with so many different interpretations and definitions for what it represents. From buying second-hand wedding dresses to reselling your wedding décor as means to support upcycled wedding ideas, eco-conscious wedding planning is not only a wedding trend but also the need of the hour. So if you are an eco-conscious bride-to-be who wants to make a difference in her little ways and also make a statement with her sustainable bridal planning session let this article guide you through the world of sustainable bridal fashion, wedding dress rentals, reusable wedding décor, and conscious decisions.
Sustainable wedding fashion refers to bridal accessories and clothing that are produced, designed, or sold in environmental and eco-friendly ways. Eco-conscious bridal wear is becoming one of the most raging bridal trends because the little steps toward sustainability mean that the society has clean and fair access to renewable resources that will go on to sustain life. These sustainable bridal purchase decisions help to reduce the carbon footprint that is directly related to the wedding industry, which is also ironically one of the topmost waste-producing industries. Therefore these eco-conscious bridal decisions go a long way to support sustainable earth rather than harm it. It also has a direct effect on the people who are creating our beloved wedding dresses and accessories along with the future generations who will inhabit our planet. Eco-friendly wedding planning choices before and after saying "I do" will speak volumes for your striking personality and stay as a classic example of how little steps can have a positive domino effect on everybody following your footsteps. In this article, we will talk about environmentally conscious pre and post-wedding decisions that can vouch for your eco-conscious soul!
Eco-friendly pre and post-wedding decisions that shows you care -
Eco friendly and ethical wedding jewelry
Wedding jewelry has a long negative history of being harmful to the environment and laborers due to diamond and gemstone mining and the use of precious metals. As a result, the first green decision you make for your wedding day should be to select ethical and environmentally friendly wedding jewelry. By going vintage, you can change up your approach to finding the perfect engagement ring with little or no environmental impact. Instead of going to the jeweler, consider reusing or recycling a beautiful retro ring that is both unique and environmentally friendly. Propose with a family heirloom engagement band or a one-of-a-kind piece from an estate jewelry store. You can even melt down the gold and refine it as a sustainable step, or use an existing diamond to create a new band. Many wedding jewelry dealers use conflict-free and lab-grown diamonds along with recycled metals. These lab-grown diamond engagement and wedding bands are not only environmentally friendly but also budget-friendly.
Choosing a sustainable wedding dress
Who says you can't be environmentally conscious while still looking stunning on your wedding day? Fast fashion is a major source of pollution and water consumption. To lessen your impact, look for wedding gowns from sustainable bridal designers. Although many wedding gowns are designed as "fast fashion," this does not rule out the possibility of finding your wedding gown. Many wedding gown designers emphasize ethical production and environmentally friendly fabrics. There are dozens of eco-friendly wedding gown designers out there who are extremely thoughtful about their process, and choosing a sustainable wedding gown can be an excellent choice. Choose from one of the many eco-friendly and fair-trade bridal collections.
Wear a second-hand wedding dress
Wearing a second-hand designer wedding gown means giving an old gown a new breath of life. There are many second-hand designer bridal shops online that resell preloved bridesmaids and wedding dresses and have a large database of donated and preloved wedding gowns. Not only are the prices significantly lower than those of a typical boutique, but help you to score your dream designer bridal gown at almost half the price. And if you are a vintage fan, many reliable second-hand bridal stores are brimming with vintage wedding gowns just waiting for you to take them home! You can also repurpose a previously worn wedding gown. This is a fantastic way to get the dress of your dreams without having to spend a fortune and going the sustainable route!
Eco-friendly wedding invites
As wedding vendors become more environmentally conscious, finding eco-friendly wedding invitation suites printed on recycled paper or using alternative materials such as upcycled fabrics, leather, and wood is easier than ever. While shopping for a stationer, look for companies that give back to the environment. Many eco-friendly wedding invite dealers are even giving back to the community with every purchase like planting a tree or supporting free education. Print invitations, programs, and menus on seed paper for the most environmentally friendly stationery. Seed paper is a biodegradable material that, when planted in soil, sprouts into flowers. There are many eco-friendly wedding invite vendors that have a wide range of custom plantable paper products, so you are sure to find something that works for both your wedding and your garden!
Avoid single-use plastics and papers
This is something we see a lot, especially with DIY or low-budget weddings. You want something simple and easy, and you believe that using single-use paper and plastics for your dishes, cups, or utensils will save you money, but keep in mind that all of those items will end up in the landfill. Request sustainable, compostable, or reusable dishware and paper goods from your wedding caterer. Even something as simple as removing plastic straws and replacing them with environmentally friendly alternatives can have a significant impact. However, don't forget to keep some plastic straws on hand, as eliminating them may annoy some of your guests.
Pick an eco-friendly wedding venue
What's the simplest way to have an eco-friendly wedding and reduce your event's carbon footprint? Choose a ceremony and environmentally conscious reception location. You can look for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certifications and Energy Star ratings in hotels and event spaces. You won't have to sacrifice style to be sustainable, with so many beautiful venues going green. You can also choose an outdoor location to exchange your vows. This is a beautiful way to be one with nature on your wedding day: say "I do" in a lush forest, rolling hills, or a picturesque vineyard. Many beach fees include proceeds for cleanup efforts, and booking a wedding at a national park helps fund its conservation. This way you are also going to save on your energy usage that would have been otherwise consumed by decorative wedding lighting- all thanks to natural sunshine! The natural lighting will also create amazing sun-kissed wedding photographs.
Be conscious with your wedding flowers
Freshly cut plants and exotic blooms hurt the environment. Fortunately, there are some fantastic eco wedding flower options, and you don't have to forego the flowers entirely. Consider using potted flowers, such as orchids or spray roses, or plants, such as herbs or trees, that can be used at home, on a patio, or transplanted to the garden after the event. Potted succulent plants and flowers for weddings can be used for wedding decoration, and be doubled as favors when the party ends. Potted plants for reception are great if you want flowers at your wedding without waste. If you are going to choose cut flowers, go for the ones that are locally sourced and sustainably grown. Seasonal wedding blooms that are locally grown by sustainable wedding florists who work with small local farms or grow flowers by themselves are a great step towards sustainability. Certain sustainable wedding flower vendors might also choose to compost the greens after the wedding, so it's always a good idea to be asking the right questions about appropriate arrangements.
Create an eco-friendly wedding registry
Are you committed to hosting an eco-friendly wedding? Register for items for your wedding registry that will help you achieve your goals while also keeping sustainability in mind. When it comes to creating your wedding registry, we understand how easy it is to go a little scan-crazy. Make a list of sustainable items that you and your new spouse would like to add to your home before going shopping. While browsing your registry, your guests can join in the fun, and they might even be inspired by your pledge toward the environment. You will receive an abundance of super-cute stainless steel straws, silicone cupcake liners, and metal tea bags that can also be donated later on. You can also shop at stores that support environmental causes. There's usually a sustainable alternative to our everyday household items or décor, whether it's recycled ceramic or reclaimed wood. If you would rather not receive gifts, ask your guests to donate to a charity of your choice instead. There are so many charities to choose from, whether you are passionate about feeding furry friends or educating children. Get creative and find a cause that resonates with you and the difference you want to create.
Sustainable weddings are the future. We know that weddings generate a huge amount of waste, especially since every couple wants to have the most picturesque wedding day. This accelerates a high impulse to buy lots of items and accessories to make the day more aesthetic, which goes on to contribute to growing landfills and higher carbon emissions. From tossed paper confetti to excess food being thrown away, and wilted leftover flowers being dumped in the garbage without a second thought. By no means do we mean that you should stay away from throwing an amazing wedding party or skip those gorgeous wedding details. But if you identify yourself as an eco-conscious bride with a conscience who wants to reduce the adverse environmental effect of your wedding, the small eco-friendly changes can have a big impact.
Planning a green wedding is not much harder than planning a regular wedding. It only means that you have to consciously inculcate certain changes instead of the regular ones. And with the growing demand for sustainable wedding ideas- from eco-friendly wedding decorations to second-hand bridal shops to responsibly sourced engagement rings to have a paperless wedding, eco-friendly wedding ideas and resources are plentiful. You just have to pick what suits you better and skip the ones that serve no purpose. This way you can have the most soul-satisfying wedding that will be talked about and celebrated by everyone!
Please wait!
