Green City Weddings: Simple Sustainable Celebration Tips

Planning a wedding in a city? Here are some tips to make the event more sustainable. Opt for a venue with LEED certification, choose local and seasonal food options, and ask your caterer about their sourcing and waste management practices. Use digital invitations and wedding websites to cut down on paper waste, and choose recycled paper or seed paper if you do need to print. For decor, rent or buy second-hand, and use natural lighting and candles instead of electric string lights. Choose a vintage, antique, or lab-grown diamond ring and shop for a wedding dress made from recycled fabric. Finally, keep your guest list small, and consider providing shuttle transportation to reduce car emissions.

Eco-friendly fashion: vintage or borrowed clothing, lab-grown diamonds, recycled fabrics, and faux fur

Eco-friendly fashion is a great way to make city weddings more sustainable. Here are some ideas to consider:

Vintage or Borrowed Clothing

Opting for vintage or borrowed clothing is a stylish and sustainable way to dress for a wedding. Whether it's a timeless vintage gown or a borrowed suit, choosing pre-loved or second-hand outfits reduces waste and gives new life to old pieces. It's also a unique way to incorporate "something old" into the wedding attire. Websites such as Etsy, Nearly Newlywed, and Preowned Wedding Dresses offer a range of vintage and pre-loved wedding dresses, while sites like The Black Tux and Generation Tux allow grooms and groomsmen to rent their outfits.

Lab-Grown Diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds are an eco-conscious alternative to traditional diamonds. They are human-made in a laboratory, using high-tech equipment that replicates the natural conditions under which diamonds are formed. Lab-grown diamonds are chemically identical to natural diamonds and offer the same sparkle at a more affordable price point. They are also sustainably grown and ethically sourced, making them a proud choice for couples. Several online retailers, such as Blue Nile, Brilliant Earth, and James Allen, offer a wide range of lab-grown diamond jewelry, including engagement rings, wedding bands, and earrings.

Recycled Fabrics

For the environmentally conscious couple, recycled fabrics are a great option for wedding attire. These fabrics use recycled yarn or non-oil-based raw materials, such as wood fibre by-products, to create beautiful and sustainable textiles. Eco-friendly fabric options include satin, mikado, organza, taffeta, tulle, faille, and eco crepe. By choosing recycled fabrics, couples can reduce their environmental impact and still look stunning on their special day.

Faux Fur

Faux fur is a stylish and eco-friendly alternative to real fur. It is perfect for brides, bridesmaids, and guests, adding a touch of luxury and warmth to their wedding attire. Faux fur stoles, wraps, and capes are widely available and can be found on websites such as Amazon and Etsy. By choosing faux fur, couples can make a statement against the use of real animal fur in the fashion industry and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Sustainable food and drink: farm-to-table catering, vegetarian options, organic alcohol, biodegradable cutlery, and donating leftovers

Sustainable food and drink options are an important part of eco-conscious weddings. Here are some ideas to make your city wedding more environmentally friendly in this regard:

Farm-to-table catering

Choosing a caterer that sources ingredients locally and prepares food in an eco-conscious manner is a great way to reduce your wedding's carbon footprint. Farm-to-table caterers can help identify seasonal and locally available produce, reducing the carbon emissions associated with food transportation. Tom Thornton's catering, for example, showcases organic, locally sourced produce in his dishes, creating joyful and abundant feasts.

Vegetarian options

Consider serving vegetarian and vegan dishes at your wedding. Plant-based meals consume fewer resources and can be just as delicious and satisfying as meat-based options. A vegetarian menu might include Indian spiced lamb rump, lemon and garlic roasted poussin, and deconstructed strawberry cheesecake.

Organic alcohol

You can also make sustainable choices when it comes to alcohol. Opt for organic alcohol, which is produced without the use of pesticides, fertilizers, dyes, or GMOs. This ensures that the ingredients come from environmentally-friendly sources.

Biodegradable cutlery

Instead of traditional china or glassware, you can use biodegradable plates and utensils. Bamboo plates, corn syrup utensils, and biodegradable straws are all environmentally friendly options. For a backyard or outdoor wedding, wooden cutlery can be a sturdy and chic option. These can be displayed in cups or vases, or wrapped in scrap paper and tied with baker's twine for an extra cute detail.

Donating leftovers

Finally, consider donating any leftover food to a local shelter or food kitchen. This ensures that excess food is not wasted and can help feed those in need. Some shelters and food banks may have specific requirements, such as refrigeration and food being no more than a day old, so be sure to check with them beforehand. Alternatively, you can encourage your guests and vendors to take leftovers home.

Green venues: LED lighting, local vendors, compost and recycling programs, and convenient locations

When it comes to choosing a wedding venue, there are several factors to consider to ensure it aligns with your sustainability goals. Here are some tips to help you select a "green venue" for your special day:

LED Lighting

Opt for a venue with LED lighting options, which can help minimize the amount of décor you need to bring in. LED lights are known for their energy efficiency, using up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. Not only will this choice reduce your environmental impact, but it can also help keep your energy costs down.

Local Vendors

When selecting a venue, prioritize one that supports local vendors and businesses. This could include caterers who source local and seasonal produce, florists who use locally grown flowers, and other local suppliers such as stationers, musicians, and jewelers. By choosing local, you reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support the surrounding community.

Compost and Recycling Programs

Inquire about the venue's waste management practices. Do they offer composting and recycling programs for their vendors and guests to use? Are there options for recycling items like glass, paper, and plastic, as well as composting food waste? These are important considerations, as proper waste management can significantly reduce the amount of trash that ends up in landfills.

Convenient Locations

Choose a venue that is conveniently located for the majority of your guests. This could mean selecting a central location that is easily accessible by public transportation or one that is close to where most of your guests are based. By reducing travel distances, you can lower the carbon footprint of your wedding and make it easier for your guests to attend.

Additionally, you may want to consider a venue with beautiful natural features, such as gardens or outdoor spaces, that can enhance the aesthetic of your wedding and reduce the need for additional decorations.

Remember, don't be afraid to ask questions and communicate your sustainability goals with your venue coordinator. They should be able to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.

Eco-conscious decor: potted plants, seasonal flowers, candlelight, and renting reusable items

Eco-conscious decor is a great way to make your city wedding more sustainable. Here are some tips to achieve that:

Potted Plants

Instead of cut flowers, opt for potted plants and flowers that will live long past your wedding day. Potted orchids, roses, and succulents can be used as centrepieces and later taken home by guests as eco-friendly wedding favours. You can also use large outdoor planters to set the altar apart during the ceremony, or hang baskets to create a cool ceiling installation. Miniature potted plants can also decorate tabletops and be given away to guests.

Seasonal Flowers

Choose seasonal blooms that are grown locally to cut costs and participate in sustainable floral practices. This reduces the carbon footprint of your flowers and supports local growers. You can also opt for ultra-realistic silk flowers, which are a fraction of the cost of fresh flowers and can be rented and reused.

Candlelight

Use candlelight instead of electric string lights to create a romantic atmosphere and reduce energy use. Dinner party-inspired dripping wax tapers are on-trend and sure to set the mood. Just make sure your venue allows open flames and take the necessary safety precautions.

Rent Reusable Items

Renting reusable items such as linens, furniture, and chandeliers is a more sustainable and often more cost-effective option than purchasing new decorations. It also allows you to support local businesses and cut down on waste. You can also look for vintage decor rentals, which give a unique touch to your wedding while being eco-friendly.

Sustainable stationery: recycled paper, seed paper, and e-vites

Sustainable stationery is an excellent way to make a lasting impression and showcase your commitment to the environment. Here are some ideas to make your wedding stationery eco-friendly:

Recycled Paper

Recycled paper invitations are a great option for environmentally conscious couples. These invitations are made from post-consumer waste, reducing the need for new paper production and minimising waste. You can find recycled paper in various colours, textures, and finishes to match your wedding theme. Some companies even offer premium quality recycled cardstock with a bright tone or a creamier tone for a luxurious feel. This option allows you to maintain the elegance of traditional invitations while being kind to the environment.

Seed Paper

Seed paper is a unique and innovative option for sustainable wedding stationery. This special type of paper is biodegradable and contains wildflower, herb, or vegetable seeds. After your wedding, guests can plant the invitations in their gardens or pots, and watch as the paper decomposes and the seeds grow into beautiful flowers, herbs, or vegetables. Seed paper is a wonderful way to reduce waste and give your guests a lasting memory that will flourish, just like your love. It also adds a natural and organic touch to your wedding stationery.

E-Vites

In today's digital era, electronic invitations are a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional paper invitations. E-vites can be personalised, interactive, and easily shared with guests via email or wedding websites. They eliminate the need for printing and mailing, reducing waste and saving resources. Digital invitations are also budget-friendly and ideal for destination weddings, as they facilitate communication and RSVP tracking. You can even include interactive elements such as RSVP tracking, additional event information, and maps. This option allows you to be environmentally conscious without compromising on style or convenience.

Frequently asked questions