As a wedding photographer and member of the Green Wedding Alliance in Chicago, I’ve seen how small choices can make a big difference in hosting a sustainable wedding. Weddings are incredible celebrations, but they often generate a lot of waste. The average one-day wedding produces the amount of trash that 4 Americans do in a year combined!
With thoughtful planning, you can reduce your environmental footprint while creating a day that’s just as beautiful and memorable. From flowers to catering and decor, here’s how to have an eco-friendly wedding that aligns with your values.
Check out Green Wedding Alliance’s website for more local like-minded vendors to hire for your wedding day!
1. Opt for Local and Seasonal Flowers
Choosing local, seasonal flowers supports farmers in your area while reducing the carbon footprint of transporting blooms from far away. Seasonal flowers also tend to be more affordable and require fewer chemicals to grow. Work with a florist who prioritizes sustainability, and after the event, donate your flowers to local hospitals or nursing homes to extend their joy instead of letting them go to waste.
2. Mindful Catering Practices
Large buffets often result in significant food waste. Opting for plated dinners or smaller, thoughtfully planned menus can help manage portions. Partner with a caterer who uses locally sourced, organic ingredients to support sustainable farming practices and reduce food miles. Composting food scraps or donating leftovers to local organizations are additional ways to make your catering greener.
3. Decor and Favors That Don’t Contribute to Waste
Renting decor allows you to use beautiful pieces without the environmental cost of single-use items. Many rental companies offer reusable options like vintage furniture and tableware. For favors, consider practical gifts like reusable cloth napkins or small potted plants that guests can take home and grow. Skipping unnecessary items entirely can also reduce waste and save money.
4. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle Paper Products
Paper products like invitations and programs can contribute to wedding waste. Digital invitations are a sustainable alternative, or you can use recycled paper for printed materials. Consolidate designs to reduce the number of items needed—for example, programs that double as fans or signs with multiple purposes. Recycle any leftover paper products after the event.
5. Eco-Friendly Transportation
Transportation is often overlooked but can have a big environmental impact. Encourage guests to carpool or use group shuttles, and consider eco-friendly options like electric buses or hybrid vehicles for your wedding day transport. If feasible, choose venues that reduce travel between locations, like having the ceremony and reception at the same place.
6. Partner with Green Vendors
Working with eco-conscious vendors makes it easier to stick to your sustainability goals. The Green Wedding Alliance connects couples with vendors who prioritize reducing waste, sourcing responsibly, and adopting green practices. From florists to caterers and photographers, these vendors can help make your day both beautiful and environmentally friendly.
Planning how to have an eco-friendly wedding is all about making thoughtful choices. By choosing sustainable flowers, mindful catering, and reusable decor, you can celebrate your love while reducing your impact on the planet. With resources like the Green Wedding Alliance, it’s easier than ever to create a meaningful, low-waste celebration that aligns with your values. Let’s honor both your love story and the earth with a wedding that makes a difference!
To see more of my work, click here! To book with me, click here!
Kind Words
“Emma did an amazing job capturing the most perfect day! Everyone will tell you how fast the day goes, you won’t even remember it. But through Emma’s photos you can look back on your perfect day and remember even the finest of details. She is so professional but so fun at the same time and takes all the stress of the day away! But besides all of that, the quality of her work is outstanding. Thank you Emma for doing such an amazing job! It was so much fun to work with you!!”
