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I am ALL about trying to save the environment, but when it comes to big events like weddings, it can be hard to plan with the earth in mind. Here are some tricks and tips to help you plan your big day while being a little bit more eco-friendly.

Wedding Dress:

1. Second Hand. Shopping for your wedding dress can be a difficult and expensive task. Before heading to an expensive boutique, check out wedding dress consignment stores, thrift stores, and Facebook Marketplace. If you find your perfect dress second hand, you’re not only saving some money but you’re saving the environment!
2. Renting. Yes, you heard me right, you can RENT your wedding dress. There might be a wedding dress rental shop in your area, but if you can’t find one, I know for a fact that there are wedding dress rental companies online. If you can’t find your perfect dress by renting, consider having your bridesmaids rent their dresses online. Rent The Runway has some killer dresses that your bridesmaid will look stunning in and can return or buy after the big day.

 

Food:

1. Glass. If it’s in your budget to serve your food with real silverware, glass plates, and glass cups– do it! Glass is truly the most eco-friendly option you can choose when it comes to food.
2. Bamboo. Bamboo is a great alternative to glass. Bamboo plates are also extremely sturdy compared to flimsy paper plates.
3. Plates, Cups, and Straws. Check with your venue to see if they will allow you to bring a compost bin for guests to use. Just be sure to make signs to put above your bins that let guests know what to trash, recycle, and compost. Here’s a link to my favorite compostable plates, cups, and straws.
4. Napkins. I think napkins are an afterthought for most people, but it’s an item that causes a ton of waste. Check to see if your catering company has the option of cloth napkins. If cloth napkins aren’t an option, spring for some compostable napkins.

Decor:

1. Renting. Although some DIY projects can save you a few bucks here and there, renting is a much better option. Check with your venue to see if they rent out any props that you can use on your big day, if they don’t, check your area or the venue’s area to see if there are any local event/wedding prop rental companies. The best part is, once you’re done using it, it goes right back! No wondering what to do with your 60 DIY centerpieces after the wedding is done.
2. Florals. Florals are a wonderful way to decorate your space and the best part is, once you’re done using them, you can compost them! Ask your day-of coordinator to put the florals into a compost bag when the cleanup process begins.
3. Venue. Instead of getting married at a place that requires a lot of TLC to make beautiful, spring to get married at a place that is already beautiful so you barely have to decorate.

 

Gifts

1. Wedding party gifts. Instead of giving your wedding party engraved gifts that will eventually end up in the trash, give them something they will actually use. Giving them their favorite coffee or tea or a gift card to their favorite restaurant and a beautifully written thank you card explaining why they mean so much to you to go with the gift is a great way to say thank you.
2. Glass Cups for Guests. If plated food isn’t in your budget, consider giving glass Mason Jars as a wedding gift to your guests. You can add a little piece of paper with the guest’s name and table number to the cup with a little note that says they’re to use their cup for whatever beverage they desire at the bar and to take the cup home with them at the end of the night.
3. Succulents. The best wedding I’ve been to gave out little succulents as guest gifts and I think it was the cutest thing ever! It’s a way the guests will remember your special day after the wedding is done.
4. No gifts at all. Hear me out, I understand that you want to give your guests a little something for taking time out of their day to come see you get married, but guests truly don’t care about gifts. They care about YOU, want to celebrate with YOU, and want to shower YOU with gifts. Remember that guest gifts are not a requirement, only a perk.