Weddings are a beautiful, memorable event. But they can also generate a lot of waste, from decorations and food to leftover favors and packaging. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly way to celebrate your big day, you may be interested in exploring a zero waste wedding. A zero waste wedding produces no trash and minimizes the event’s environmental impact. This type of wedding requires a little extra planning and forethought. If done right it can be just as beautiful and meaningful as any other special day. Here’s how to pull off a successful zero waste wedding.
Start by Researching Where You Can Find Eco-Friendly Supplies
When planning your zero waste wedding, start by researching where you can find eco-friendly supplies. From recycled paper invitations to compostable utensils for the meal. Plenty of options are available if you know where to look. Look for suppliers who use sustainable materials in their products. Such as bamboo or hemp fabrics, and biodegradable materials, like jute or cotton paper. Ask vendors about their sustainability policies and what steps they are taking to reduce their carbon footprint. Ask advice from an eco-friendly wedding planner.
Go Digital
It’s easy nowadays to send digital invitations, RSVPs, and save the dates. Not only does this eliminate the need for paper, but it also helps you easily track your guest list. For example, sites like WeddingWire have tools that allow you to create digital invitations and RSVPs and manage your guest list in one place.
By opting for digital solutions instead of physical ones, you’ll be able to cut down on unnecessary waste while still providing all the essential information about your special day.
Planning Your Decorations – Reuse What You Can!
When it comes to decorations, try to reuse items wherever possible. For example, if you have friends or family members who have held weddings in the past, ask them if they still have any decorations that could be reused at yours. Or consider renting items like tablecloths and centerpieces instead of buying them outright so they can be used again at someone else’s event after yours is over. Other thoughtful touches include using potted plants or cut flowers from local growers instead of fresh flowers that will likely end up in a landfill after the event is done.
Think About Food Waste
Food waste can be one of the most significant contributors to landfill when it comes to weddings, so plan carefully when it comes to food selection and portion sizes. Consider serving buffet-style meals with smaller portions so that guests can take only what they want without wasting leftovers at the night’s end. Ask caterers about compostable plates and utensils and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Utilize food donation organizations like Feeding America, which will pick up excess food from your event and help distribute it to those in need around your area!
Zero waste wedding
With some planning and consideration, you can have the perfect zero waste wedding without sacrificing style or quality! By finding eco-friendly supplies, going paperless with digital invitations, reusing items for decorations, and planning to avoid food waste, you can reduce your carbon footprint while celebrating love in an eco-friendly way! So get creative and start planning your perfect zero waste wedding today!
