Green Weddings: Can They Happen Now?

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on the wedding industry, with many weddings cancelled or postponed due to government restrictions. Now, as some countries move into the green phase of their pandemic plans, couples are wondering what this means for their nuptials. In this context, green refers to the lowest level of restrictions, but it does not mean a return to normal. Weddings in the green phase will still be subject to certain restrictions, such as limits on gathering sizes and social distancing requirements. In addition, the pandemic has prompted many couples to consider the environmental impact of their weddings, with an increasing number of green weddings that aim to reduce waste and carbon emissions.

Eco-friendly alternatives

Planning a wedding with an eco-friendly focus is a great way to reduce the environmental impact of your special day. From invitations to flowers, there are many ways to make sustainable choices.

One of the easiest ways to make your wedding more eco-friendly is to choose recycled or tree-free milled paper for your invitations. You could also use the internet to send out electronic invitations instead. You can also opt for an eco-friendly wedding-exit toss, such as dried flower petals, fresh leaves, or biodegradable confetti.

Flowers can have a huge impact on the environment due to the fertilizers used and the emissions released during transport. To reduce this impact, you can use a local and sustainable florist, or even grow your own flowers. You could also opt for potted flowers or plants, which can be replanted or gifted to guests after the wedding.

When it comes to food, opt for local and organic growers to reduce the number of chemicals used and transported. A seasonal menu is also more sustainable and readily available. If you're looking for an eco-friendly venue, consider a space that is LEED-certified or has implemented sustainable features.

Lastly, don't forget about your wedding attire! Opt for a dress or suit made from recycled or organic fabrics, or go vintage or second-hand to reduce waste.

By making these eco-friendly choices, you can have a beautiful and sustainable wedding while also reducing your environmental impact.

Environmental impact

The wedding industry has a significant impact on the global economy, generating billions of dollars in annual revenue. However, it also faces challenges in sustainability, particularly regarding food waste, energy consumption, flowers and candles, and unsustainable wedding dresses.

The average wedding produces 400 lbs of garbage and 63 tons of CO2, with American weddings being equivalent to 8.3 million cars on the road for a year. This waste includes flowers, paper products like invitations, textiles such as the wedding dress and suits, wedding favours, gas emissions from transportation, and food waste.

To reduce the environmental impact of weddings, couples can opt for a "green wedding" or an eco-friendly wedding. This involves integrating eco-friendly alternatives and conscious consumption of resources. Here are some ways to achieve a more sustainable wedding:

• Send electronic invitations instead of paper invitations to save trees and reduce paper waste.
• Choose an outdoor venue to connect with nature and utilise natural sunlight, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
• Rent, sell, or buy a second-hand wedding dress to reduce waste and the environmental impact of clothing production.
• Opt for local and sustainable food options to reduce transportation distances and stimulate the local economy.
• Compost and recycle waste produced during the wedding, and reduce waste by asking guests to RSVP in advance and opting for plated dinners instead of buffets.
• Choose potted plants or seasonal, local flowers as table centerpieces to minimise waste and transport emissions. These can be replanted or given to guests as gifts.
• Select a sustainable venue, such as one that uses renewable energy sources, offers eco-friendly transportation, or is surrounded by nature to reduce decoration waste.
• Choose recycled or biodegradable packaging materials for wedding favours, or opt for gifts that give back to the environment, like packaged flower seeds or potted plants.
• Opt for ethically and sustainably sourced wedding rings made from recycled or vintage pieces to reduce the environmental impact of mining.
• Plan an eco-friendly honeymoon by staying closer to home or using public transportation to reduce carbon emissions.

Wedding contracts

Importance of Wedding Contracts

When to Use a Wedding Contract

While not every detail of a wedding needs a contract, certain instances merit their use. These include contracts with wedding planners, rental agreements for venues, catering services, and wedding photography.

Elements of a Wedding Contract

• Planning: Before meeting with vendors, couples should discuss and plan their requirements, budget, and priorities to avoid misunderstandings later.
• Written Agreements: Verbal agreements are not sufficient; a written contract is necessary to outline specific terms and conditions and protect both parties.
• Cancellation and Termination Clauses: Include terms for cancellation by either party and a termination clause for unforeseen events beyond the control of either party.
• Indemnification Clause: This clause protects against liability if sued by a third party due to negligence or issues like damage to the venue.
• Photo Release Clause: This clause grants permission to use photos from the event for promotional purposes and is common in wedding planning contracts.
• Payment Terms: Outline the payment schedule, including initial deposits and milestones for subsequent payments.
• Extra Copies: Always obtain a copy of the signed contract for reference and protection against any unwanted changes.
• Read and Understand: It is crucial to thoroughly read and understand the contract before signing. Ask questions about unclear terms and ensure verbal explanations match the written agreement.

"Green Phase" and Wedding Contracts

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the "Green Phase" in places like Pennsylvania does not mean a return to normal. Wedding contracts during this phase are subject to various restrictions, including occupancy limitations, social distancing requirements, and mask mandates. These factors significantly impact the feasibility of weddings and the enforceability of contracts. It is essential to carefully review and evaluate each contract and situation individually.

Carbon footprint

The carbon footprint of a wedding is significant. The average wedding in the US creates about 400 to 600 pounds of garbage and emits 56 to 62 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This is more than double the average American's annual carbon footprint. The average British wedding produces one-third of a metric ton of solid waste and 14.5 tons of carbon dioxide.

There are several ways to reduce the carbon footprint of a wedding:

• Guest list and travel: The number of guests and their travel are the most carbon-intensive components of a wedding. Limiting the number of guests and choosing a local venue can significantly reduce emissions.
• Food and flowers: Sourcing food and flowers locally and seasonally can lower transportation emissions. Reducing meat consumption at the wedding can also decrease carbon emissions and water use.
• Eco-fashion: Opting for eco-friendly wedding attire, such as a handcrafted wooden ring or a vintage wedding dress, can be more sustainable.
• Stationery: Using digital invitations and minimising paper waste can reduce the environmental impact.
• Venue: Choosing an eco-friendly venue, utilising natural lighting and ventilation, and decorating with natural surroundings or local, in-season flowers can lessen the carbon footprint.
• Rings and jewellery: Selecting ethical wedding rings and jewellery, such as lab-grown diamonds or vintage pieces, can be more environmentally conscious.
• Decorations and favours: Opting for eco-friendly decorations, such as biodegradable confetti, and choosing sustainable or edible party favours can reduce waste.
• Vendors: Working with sustainable vendors, such as caterers who focus on reducing waste, can contribute to a greener event.
• Carbon offsetting: If there are emissions that cannot be avoided, carbon offsetting can be considered to neutralise the carbon footprint.

Green phase restrictions

The "green phase" is a reference to the Green" phase of Pennsylvania's pandemic plan. During the Green Phase, weddings are allowed to take place, but there are several restrictions that need to be followed.

Firstly, it's important to note that "green does not mean go". Even in the Green Phase, weddings may not be able to proceed as originally planned due to various restrictions. The main restrictions to consider are:

• Occupancy limitations: During the Green Phase, venues are permitted to operate at 50% of total maximum occupancy if they were not allowed to conduct in-person operations during the red or yellow phase. If they were operating in the red or yellow phase, the limit is 75%.
• Social distancing: Social distancing of six feet is still required, which may further lower the occupancy below 50%.
• Gathering limits: Gatherings are limited to 250 people in the Green Phase.
• Masks: The wedding venue can require all attendees to wear masks and has the right to remove violators. However, individuals who cannot wear a mask due to a medical condition (including children under 2 years old) are exempt and not required to provide documentation.
• Table arrangements: Tables must be six feet apart and can have a maximum of 10 people per table.

It's worth noting that these restrictions may not apply if the wedding takes place in a church, synagogue, mosque, or temple, as these locations are specifically excluded from the COVID-19 guidance limitations.

Additionally, it's important to be mindful of the impact of the Green Phase on guests' ability to attend. Some states may still have heightened restrictions in place, and high-risk guests (such as the elderly, very young, or immunocompromised) may be unable to attend due to the risk of the virus.

To make weddings more environmentally friendly, couples can opt for eco-friendly invitations, flowers, dresses, and photography. They can also choose to recycle waste, select a sustainable venue, and avoid unsustainable practices such as buying rings from unethical sources.

Frequently asked questions