5 Simple Ideas for a Sustainable Wedding Day
Weddings are a wonderful day of love and celebration with our closest family and friends. However, even with the best intentions, weddings can be fraught with unnecessary waste and expenditure.
If you’re an eco conscious individual and want to reduce your impact on the environment, there are certain things you may want to consider for your ‘big day’.
Whether it’s minimising food wastage, choosing an eco friendly cake or arranging a sustainable menu for your guests, there are multiple ways in which you can turn your wedding into a more ethical event.
Although this is not an exhaustive list, it’s a good kickstart into exploring eco-friendly options.
1. CHOOSE AN ORGANIC & LOCALLY PRODUCED WEDDING CAKE
When you think of all the bits and pieces that have to be managed on your wedding day, this is one of the easiest to accomplish.
Get in touch with a local baker or wedding cake maker and find out the options available. Whether your goal is to source fresh and organic ingredients, seasonal fruits from local farmers or tasty vegan alternatives – there is an abundant choice of ethically produced cakes out there. All it takes is a little bit of research and off you go.
2. SUSTAINABLE FOOD MENU
Food is a very touchy topic for many people these days – gluten free, vegetarian, vegan and the list goes on.
Whether you choose a wedding venue for your meals or seek an external catering company, ask about where the ingredients come from.Are they ethically sourced? Do they use seasonal and organic produce? If the answer is ‘yes’ then you’re on the right track to having a sustainable food menu.
What about alcohol you say? Why not purchase organic wine, beer and cider from distilleries and wineries in your local region. Local = smaller carbon footprint.
3. ASK FOR CHARITABLE DONATIONS
There are many couples choosing not to accept traditional wedding gifts but are opting for charitable donations instead.
Take the time to think about which environmental cause resonates with you. Whether it’s a reputable charity such as Planet Ark, World Wildlife Fund for Nature, Sustainable Coastlines, Australian Conservation Foundation or Clean Up Australia, it’s the perfect way to give back to worthy organisations that need your support.
This is simply a small selection of wonderful charities doing their bit for the environment. Encourage your guests to donate to a worthy cause – because we all know how good it feels to give back.
4. Recycled & Digital Wedding Invitations
Not happy about paper wastage? Why not send digital invitations to your guests – it’s quick, effective and good for the environment.
Alternatively, if you prefer something more tangible, recycled paper is a good way to go. Get in touch with a local graphic designer or printer and take it from there. Design your own graphics, lettering and images for the perfect wedding invitation. If it’s reusable, recyclable and sustainable, the environment will thank you for it.
5. Reusable Wedding Décor & Finishes
Wedding décor is a very personal thing. Every couple has a different idea about what they prefer for their big day. For a more sustainable and eco-friendly wedding, perhaps you can look into recyclable items such as plates, glassware, tablecloths, dried flowers, herb pots or anything else that is considered biodegradable. Checkout Facebook marketplace, it' amazing what you can find!
Unfortunately, using balloons and confetti are not so good for the environment and can cause damage if not disposed of correctly. Doing your bit for the environment doesn’t have to be hard work. It’s those small choices we make on a daily basis that can have a positive impact on our lives – particularly on a day as special as your wedding day.
Creating a fully sustainable wedding is not entirely a realistic one. If you’re conscious about your carbon footprint and want to make a difference, the idea is to make ethical choices without compromising on the quality of your wedding celebration.
If you need any suggestions or help with this, feel free to get in touch with Jacob Heston Weddings & I can offer some advice & vendors.
Enjoy!
