6 Ways To Keep Your Wedding Environmentally Friendly | Melinda Anita Photography, Hudson Valley Wedding Photographer
Are you planning a wedding and trying to be environmentally responsible? If so, you're in luck! There are many things you can do to make your wedding more sustainable. In this post, we'll give you some tips on how to reduce your environmental impact. Keep reading for more information.
Choose an outdoor venue to avoid excess waste - When planning a wedding, it's important to choose a venue that will help you avoid excess waste. A beautiful outdoor venue can be the perfect setting for your big day, and it can also help you keep your wedding environmentally friendly. Outdoor venues often have less elaborate decor, which means there's less waste to dispose of after the event. In addition, natural lighting can help you save on energy costs, and the fresh air can help keep guests comfortable and cool. In short, an outdoor venue can be the perfect way to have a beautiful and eco-friendly wedding. So when you're planning your big day, be sure to keep the environment in mind. Choose a venue that will help you minimize waste and make your wedding sustainable.
Use recycled materials for decorations - There are a lot of creative ways to incorporate recycled materials into your wedding decor. For example, you could use old bottles as vases for flowers, or mason jars as candle holders. You could even make your own paper bunting out of recycled paper. The possibilities are endless – and by using recycled materials, you'll be doing your bit to help the environment.
Use real flowers instead of silk or plastic flowers - One way to do this is to use real flowers instead of silk or plastic ones. Silk flowers may be cheaper, but they are not biodegradable and can end up in landfill sites. Plastic flowers are also non-biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to decompose. Real flowers, on the other hand, are completely natural and will eventually decompose, returning nutrients back to the earth. They are also more beautiful than their artificial counterparts. For couples who want to make a positive impact on the environment, using real flowers is a simple but effective way to do so. You can even donate your wedding flowers after your wedding day to a local hospital or nursing home.
Serve organic and locally sourced food - Weddings can also have a significant impact on the environment. According to one study, the average wedding generates 400-600 pounds of waste, much of which ends up in landfills. Fortunately, there are steps couples can take to reduce their environmental footprint. One way to do this is by serving organic and locally sourced food at the reception. Local produce requires less energy to transport, and organic foods are grown without the use of harmful pesticides and herbicides. Locally sourced food is also a great way to support your local farmers and businesses. This not only reduces pollution but also supports sustainable farming practices. In addition, choosing seasonal fruits and vegetables helps to further reduce your carbon footprint. So if you’re looking for ways to make your wedding more environmentally friendly, serving organic and locally sourced food is a great place to start.
Rent or borrow items instead of buying them new - This can reduce waste and help to save resources. For example, instead of buying new tablecloths, couples can rent tablecloths from a company that specializes in event rentals. Or, they could ask friends and family members to loan them vases, plates, and other items that they no longer need. You may be able to rent a designer dress or borrow better quality china and silverware than you could afford to buy new. So next time you're planning a wedding, keep the environment in mind and look for ways to reduce your impact by renting or borrowing instead of buying new.
Recycle everything possible after the wedding - One of the most important things you can do is to recycle everything possible after the big day. This includes everything from unused flowers to uneaten food. By recycling as much as possible, you can help to reduce your wedding's carbon footprint and show your guests that you're committed to being environmentally responsible. In addition, recycling can also save you money on disposal fees. You'll be able to look back on your wedding day knowing that you made a difference in the environment.
I hope this blog post has helped you think about ways that you can make your wedding more environmentally friendly. Every little bit helps, and I think that making your wedding more sustainable is a wonderful way to show your commitment to the environment. If you have any questions or need help getting started, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I would be happy to help in any way I can!