Waste Not, Want Not: How to Host a Zero Waste Wedding

Committing to Sustainability: Practical Tips for Hosting a Zero Waste Wedding

A couple of months ago, Alexis and Dean joined forces to create a one-of-a-kind engagement experience. Alexis' BFF organized a coed wedding shower with fun games and delicious eats. They're now getting ready to pop the question to a select group of their closest pals to be part of their wedding party. 

The pair are knee-deep in planning a wedding that reflects their core values of sustainability and eco-conscious living. They're leaning into the "Underconsumptioncore" vibe and want every part of their wedding to be thoughtful and intentional. That's why they've enlisted our help for guidance and day-of coordination. 

Their wedding vision is all about achieving a dreamy celebration while keeping waste to a minimum. We gave them a list of 16 Eco-Friendly Ideas for a Zero Waste Wedding, and we're passing it along to you so you can also have a beautiful and sustainable wedding day. 

10 Eco-Friendly Ideas to Achieve a Zero Waste Wedding

Rethinking your wedding's impact on the earth is a great way to celebrate your love while caring for the environment. Every small, eco-friendly choice can make an impact on reducing waste and protecting our planet for future generations. These are our top 10 picks we shared with Alexis and Dean: 

1. Go digital with your invitations: Instead of traditional paper invites, send digital ones to save trees and reduce waste. 
   
   
   
2. Decorate with Biodegradable Items: Choose decorations made from natural materials that can decompose or repurpose after the big day. 
   
3. Support Local Vendors in Your Community: Work with vendors prioritizing sustainability in their products and practices to help create a greener wedding industry.
4. Serve Seasonal and Organic Food: Offer a menu with locally sourced, seasonal, and organic ingredients to reduce the carbon footprint of your wedding and support local farmers.
5. Reusables for the Win: Instead of disposable options, go for elegant glassware, ceramic plates, and stainless steel utensils that can be reused.        
6. Leftover Food Planning: Talk to your wedding planner about sending guests home with leftover meals in stylish, eco-friendly reusable containers customized with your monogram and wedding date. It's just like getting a "to-go" box from your favorite restaurant. This reduces food waste and lets your guests enjoy the yummy meal all over again. It's a sweet gesture that adds a personal touch to your wedding while supporting sustainability. 
   
7. Choose Eco-Friendly Wedding Attire: Opt for sustainable fabrics, second-hand dresses, or rental options for your wedding attire.
8. DIY Wedding Favors: Get creative and make your wedding favors using upcycled materials or items that guests can reuse or recycle. Personalized and eco-friendly favors add a special touch to your guests' experience. 
   
9. Have a Zero Waste Ceremony: Plan a ceremony that reduces waste using biodegradable confetti, plantable seed paper for programs, and digital guest books. 
   
   
   
10. Green Transportation: Encourage guests to carpool, use public transportation, or provide shuttle services to reduce emissions.

Related: Frugal Wedding: Economic & Eco-Friendly Event

Waste Not, Want Not: How to Host a Zero Waste Wedding

Back to You!

We hope you found inspiration in these 10 eco-friendly suggestions we passed along to Alexis and Dean for their special day. By including these eco-conscious ideas in your wedding preparations, you can host an unforgettable event that showcases your love for each other and the environment. 

Don't miss out on our company's story, the hottest wedding trends, and valuable planning advice on our About Us page. Stay updated with even more wedding ideas on Pinterest and Instagram. Plus, visit our newsletter on the 'Featured' page - no sign up necessary. We can't wait to keep you in the loop with all the latest updates!

Meet Keren Michele! She's the creative force behind the content you see daily. A certified wedding planner and lead planner of K’Mich Event Planning & Consulting, she excels at crafting memorable weddings and events. Let her expert guidance make your dream day a reality.

P.S. - Ready to make your wedding dreams a reality? Here are three ways we can assist you in planning your special day: Phone Consultation: Spend thirty minutes with us discussing your vision for your wedding soirée. We'll ask all the right questions to ensure we understand your unique desires and goals. Wedding Day Management [Day-of Coordination]: Need help tying up loose ends or managing last-minute details? Our team is here to ensure your big day runs seamlessly from start to finish. Partial Wedding Planning: Take control of your wedding while still receiving expert guidance and support. Let us help you bring together all the elements of your dream wedding. Don't wait any longer - let us bring your wedding vision to life!