If you’re new to sustainability, we’ve got you covered. And if you’ve been practicing it a while, we think you may still find some fresh new ideas and inspiration here.

Keep reading to discover all the cool and creative ways you can put together a gorgeous dream wedding, without neglecting what’s important to you.

Eco Friendly Venue Options

Your wedding venue is a critical element—the epicenter of your wedding day.

The most eco-friendly wedding venue is obvious: The Great Outdoors. You’re not using any electricity, and if the outdoor space is in a semi-central location, you’re minimizing travel, too.

If you choose to have your wedding up in the mountains or shrouded beneath towering pine somewhere deep in the woods, you can always arrange a carpool or bus to transport guests.

If an outdoor wedding simply isn’t an option, check to see if there are any green wedding venues in your area or eco friendly resorts.

Eco Friendly Wedding Dress and Wedding Party Attire

There’s something absolutely dreamy about a vintage wedding gown. The craftsmanship, detail and quality are unbeatable.

Check out sites like Poshmark, eBay or even sites that specifically sell second hand wedding gowns. Local boutiques in your area may sell vintage wedding gowns as well. Remember, if the dress is not quite right, you can always get it altered.

Bridal party attire can always be thrifted—if you’ve got some good consignment and thrift stores in your area, make a fun day out of it. Fuel up with brunch, then venture out to see if there are any viable options. 

If you don’t find anything suitable, other options are to choose dresses made from sustainable fabrics or brands.

If you’re unsure where to start, Bella Bridesmaids has an incredible selection of bridesmaid and wedding-related attire.

For the groom and groomsmen, renting tuxedos and suits is one of the most sustainable options.

Eco Friendly Wedding Registry

Rather than registering for traditional gifts, you can set up a site where your guests can donate to your favorite charity, instead.

Or, have guests contribute to offsetting the carbon footprint of the wedding.

Eco Friendly Flowers, Lighting, and Décor

If you have a green thumb (or some green thumbed friends!) put it to use. Buy seeds, and use composted soil to grow your own flowers. They’ll look incredible in thrifted pots or recycled jars that you’ve painted or covered with fabric, for a more cohesive look. 

Or try your hand at making sweet little succulent gardens. They make beautiful centerpieces.

Other options are to use branches and clippings of greenery, and little bouquets of wildflowers in mason jars.

Some of the décor can be handmade, or even rented. Bring in your favorite textures—be it natural elements you’ve gathered or a collection of things you’ve thrifted such as delicate tea cups and saucers.

Natural light is the best light. But if you have to play it up a bit, beeswax candles are the way to go. They smell incredible, and cast a special soft warm glow over your wedding celebration.

Eco Friendly Food

If you’re having the meal catered, choose caterers that source ingredients locally. Serve food that’s low on the food chain—play around with vegetarian and vegan dinner options. Your guests will probably enjoy a fresh new spin on the traditional wedding meal of a protein and side of veggies and mashed potatoes.

If you’re taking care of the food yourself, put together a vibrant green salad bar—bonus points if the deliciously sweet cherry tomatoes were grown in your garden. Mix together different dressings and voilà: you’ve got a beautiful, healthy and delicious meal.

Cheese boards are always a hit as well. Perhaps you feature cheeses made by local artisans, along with fresh fruit, and chunks of fluffy chewy homemade herbed focaccia bread.

When serving food, steer clear of disposable cups, napkins, etc. and compost any uneaten food whenever possible.

Eco Friendly Wedding Reception Entertainment

Having an acoustic band play for everyone to dance and sing along to is about as green as they come!

If you choose not to have any amplification you may need to hire a troupe of musicians—a few more singers and instruments to increase the volume.

Check local listings to see if there are any bands in your area and don’t forget to inquire at nearby colleges or music institutions.

Eco Friendly Wedding Favors

In lieu of giving guests wedding favors, how about you donate to your favorite eco charity instead, in each of your wedding guests’ names?

Other sweet eco-inspired ideas are to send your guests off with seed packets. Perhaps the same seeds you used to grow those cherry tomatoes you served…

Conclusion:

Remember, sustainability is not about perfection. Rather it’s about doing what you can to reduce reliance on finite resources, and lead by example.

By showcasing some of the suggestions here, you’ll have an incredible wedding celebration. And who knows? You may even inspire your guests to incorporate some of the sustainability practices into their own lives, as well.