wedding 2024 | tips for greening your wedding

date posted: February 28, 2024

You’re planning this whole celebration because of love, yes? So what could be more loving than a deep green, sustainable wedding that showers that love on Mother Earth Herself? Eco-friendly ideas can be infused throughout your wedding plan without making it any less lavish or memorable. Here are some simple ways to do that.

Be thoughtful about your gem. Non-conflict, lab-grown diamonds catch the light just as beautifully. Repurposing a vintage or heirloom piece can add layers of meaning. Use recycled stationery. Many stationers offer recycled paper choices. Or go superbly symbolic by using seed paper that can be planted.

Go green for your reception. Some of the most enchanting venue choices take great pride in their eco-friendly practices, whether that means an efficient building, a great recycling program, or both and more.

Use natural décor. Look for spots with built-in beauty: gardens, wineries, greenhouses, farms, parks, exposed beams, brick, stone, flowing water, mountain backdrops. The more you love what’s already there, the less you’ll need to bring in from elsewhere—saving money, effort, and the planet in one smooth move.

What could be more loving than a deep green, sustainable wedding that showers that love on Mother Earth Herself?

Encourage justice. In making your registry, look for ethically sourced and Fair Trade gifts made by companies that value making the world better. Or, if you’d rather, create a charity registry focused on environmental causes.

Apparel choice matters. Check out the wares of sustainably-minded and ethical wedding dress designers, or see what’s available on the growing variety of pre-loved wedding gown sites out there. Consider renting tuxes: Very few people actually need a full-time tuxedo in their closet these days.

Live plants are a great choice. Potted flowers and greenery can make a gorgeous alternative to displays of cut flowers. If you do need some blooms (as one does sometimes!), opt for local and in-season choices from a florist who’s eco-conscious. Get the best life out of your floral and decor items by dropping them off at a hospital, senior center, youth center, or homeless shelter after the festivities.

Be mindful of food/beverage choices. Look for sustainably minded caterers who source from local farms, and serve local beverages. (Not that hard to find in the Hudson Valley and Cats, if we do say so ourselves.)

Potted flowers and greenery can make a gorgeous alternative to displays of cut flowers.

Share the love (and food). See if you can arrange to get reception leftovers to some hungry people; at nationalgleaningproject.org you’ll find Hudson Valley-based food recovery organizations who can help.

Avoid disposables. Rent real china, glassware, and table linens instead of adding more single-use, single-serving piles to the landfill. Eco-friendly, and more attractive besides.

Consider useful favors. Also eco-friendly and chic: locally made snacks and artisanal foodstuffs as edible favors.

Rice is not nice. Skip the rice or confetti throwing. If something must be thrown, go with fresh, fragrant herbs or micro-flowers.

Research your post-wedding destination. Honeymoon with love! It’s easier than ever to find cool destinations that are mindful of their carbon footprints.