Wedding planning is the most beautiful journey, but when you try to make it eco-friendly, the obsession comes your way. The world is running with the environmental consciousness of most of the inhabitants; therefore, most couples want to reduce their carbon print in the air. Therefore, if at all you seem to be confused about planning a sustainable celebration of your love, the following are the tips and ideas to help add up and create an unforgettable green wedding.
Why Go for a Green Wedding?
Going green is not just a fad in weddings; rather, it is a commitment to our planet. Traditional weddings are, in fact, very wasteful. You wouldn't believe it, but an average wedding produces about 400 pounds of trash and at least 63 tons of CO2. Thus, by choosing to go green on your wedding day, you are not just saving waste but providing ripples of awakening in going environmentally friendly.
How to Plan a Sustainable Wedding
Venue Selection
The first prerequisite to have an eco-friendly wedding is the right kind of venue. While selecting a venue, search for those that really follow up on the commitment to sustainability. For this, outdoor venues like gardens, parks, and beaches are usually less polluting. In India, places like the eco-friendly resorts in Kerala or even the organic farms in Himachal Pradesh are destinations for an eco-sensitive bride and groom. Internationally, there is the Green Building in San Francisco or the Eden Project in the UK for an ideal wedding.
Invitations
Traditional paper invites are a welcome addition to deforestation and landfills. Go digitally, save the trees and the landfills. Only if one desires a physical invite, use recycle paper or seed paper, which can then be planted after the event. Companies like Plantable in India and Paper culture in the US offer beautiful, sustainable options.
Sustainable Clothing
The wedding attire forms a big part of your day but can also be eco-friendly. Think vintage, second-hand dresses and suits. Many designers now offer sustainable fashion lines. In India, brands like Doodlage and House of Wandering Silk are making waves with their eco-conscious collections. Globally, designers like Stella McCartney and Reformation are leading the way.
Green Catering
Food wastage is a big issue during weddings. Collaborate only with such caterers who are committed to sourcing products that are locally available and organically produced as far as possible. Besides being healthier, plant-based menus have a much smaller carbon footprint. With correct RSVPs, the amount of food to be prepared can be estimated and planned better, reducing food wastage. One such company that provides sustainable catering solutions in India is Green Catering Co, while The Sustainable Table offers such services globally.
Environment-friendly Décor
Don't compromise on the decor, but then, it need not hurt the environment either. Switch to biodegradable or reusable decor. Use of potted plants over cut flowers. DIY decoration gives a personalized touch and can be made from recycled material. In India, an organization like The Green Wedding Co. can help you plan eco-friendly decor, while companies like Eco-Party Time have sustainable solutions for you.
Waste Management
Arrange for effective waste management by setting up recycling and compost stations at the venue. Collaborate with your chosen venue on waste disposal arrangements. Involve your guests in the process by clearly labeling bins and encouraging them to separate waste.
Sustainable Travel
Air travel can rack up quite a few emissions. Cut down on the travel by picking a central location for the wedding. If guests are flying, offset their carbon for their flights. Implement shuttle services, encourage carpooling, and set up guest transportation.