How To Plan a Sustainable Wedding

Weddings are a beautiful celebration of love and joy, but there’s no doubt they can leave behind a large carbon footprint if not planned carefully. Excess food thrown away, single-use plastics, and leftover flowers dumped in the garbage can have a seriously negative impact on the environment. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a party!  As wedding experts, we understand the importance of planning a celebration that not only captures the beauty of love but also honors our precious planet. Sustainable weddings are more than just a trend; they’re a commitment to reducing waste and making environmentally conscious choices without sacrificing style or elegance. 

Let us guide you through the journey of planning your dream sustainable wedding with these 7 minimal-waste ideas:

Choose your location wisely: Consider the environmental impact of travel when selecting your wedding venue. Opt for a location that minimizes the need for excessive transportation, reducing carbon emissions.

Partner with eco-conscious vendors: Align yourself with vendors who share your values and prioritize sustainability in their business practices. From caterers to florists, choose partners who are committed to minimizing their environmental footprint.

Select a sustainable wedding venue: Look for venues that prioritize sustainability by sourcing local supplies, minimizing waste, and implementing energy-efficient practices. An all-inclusive venue can streamline your wedding planning process while minimizing environmental impact.

Support local businesses: Embrace the charm of your community by supporting local businesses for your wedding needs. From flowers to catering, choosing local vendors not only reduces carbon emissions but also contributes to the vitality of your community.

Give back to the community: Reduce waste by donating surplus food, flowers, and decor to local shelters, food banks, or charities. By repurposing items from your wedding, you can make a positive impact on those in need in your community.

Now, let’s explore 7 sustainable wedding ideas that will elevate your big day while minimizing waste:

Rethink your floral arrangements: Consider alternative options such as silk or paper flowers to minimize the environmental impact of traditional floral arrangements. Alternatively, explore creative alternatives to floral decor to add a unique touch to your wedding aesthetic.  We partner with foam free florists, and you can read more about sustainable floral choices HERE.  

Reduce single-use plastic: Opt for reusable plates, cups, and utensils to minimize the use of disposable plastic items. Vintage china adds a touch of elegance while reducing waste and adding a unique vintage flair to your table settings.

Embrace digital invitations: Say goodbye to paper waste by creating digital wedding invitations and RSVPs. Not only are digital invitations eco-friendly, but they also offer a convenient way to manage guest responses and streamline communication.

Upcycle and reuse decorations: Choose natural and reusable materials for your wedding decor to minimize waste. Get creative with upcycled or repurposed items to add a personal touch to your wedding decor while reducing your environmental footprint.

Consider second-hand attire: Opt for second-hand wedding attire or encourage your wedding party to wear clothing they already own. Embracing second-hand fashion not only reduces waste but also adds a unique and sustainable touch to your wedding style.

Partner with an event composting service: Minimize waste by partnering with a composting service to dispose of organic materials from your wedding. From food scraps to biodegradable decor, composting ensures that your wedding is truly eco-friendly from start to finish.

Choose sustainable jewelry: Consider lab-grown or vintage diamonds for your engagement ring to minimize the environmental impact of diamond mining. Sustainable jewelry options offer a beautiful and ethical choice for your wedding day.

Remember, planning a sustainable wedding is about progress, not perfection. Every eco-friendly choice you make contributes to a greener future for our planet. At Zingerman Cornman Farms, we’re here to help you plan the sustainable wedding of your dreams. Contact our team to schedule a tour of our beautiful Ann Arbor property and start your journey towards a more sustainable celebration of love.