There are so many different ways in which you can have an “organic” wedding. Some people opt for eco-friendly options, some keep their wedding vegan, and some choose to have an outdoor wedding to remain closely tied to nature. No matter what you decide, it’s never a bad idea to have a low-waste wedding. After all, we should all want to reduce waste and help the environment. Here are some ideas for how to throw a low-waste wedding that can be applied to any wedding style or theme.
Avoid excess wrapping.
One of the major sources of waste at weddings is the packaging that comes with everything you purchase. From extra plastic wrap and tin foil used by the caterers, to the layers upon layers of bubble wrap used to protect votives, it becomes a bit unnecessary. Sure, it may be a bit far-fetched to call a big party supply manufacturer to request they use less packaging. However, it’s totally feasible to speak with your caterers and florist about producing less waste with their packaging. The same goes for ordering on websites like Etsy. People are often willing to work with you, especially in regards to your special day.
Pass everything along.
Instead of throwing out– or even recycling– centerpieces, flower arrangements, and other décor, consider arranging to have another bride use some of your materials. Websites like Tradesy and Bridal Garage Sales let you sell your used wedding decorations. For more time-sensitive components like floral arrangements, think on a more local basis. Talk to the venue about potential flower sharing with any other events happening that weekend, or visit a site like Bloomerent that specializes in flower sharing. Even better, arrange for your floral arrangements to be donated to a local hospital or senior living facility. It’s sure to make the residents’ day a whole lot brighter!
Encourage shared transportation.
We may not normally think about it, but having guests drive to our weddings can be wasteful. After all, dozens of cars are polluting the air just to get to your special day?! If you have a lot of people coming from one area, consider chartering a bus. Otherwise, encourage guests to carpool with one another. This is such a simple but effective way to reduce waste and help the environment.
Send guests home with leftovers.
Leftovers can mean anything– food, decorations, balloons. Whatever you have left and don’t want to go to waste, offer to some guests. You’d be surprised how much fun this is! Imagine going over to your cousin’s house a month after your wedding and seeing one of your centerpieces on her countertop. This is a great way to reduce waste and keep your special day living on forever!
When all else fails, go with mason jars.
Mason jars are great for everything! You can use them as part of your centerpieces, as a container for food or beverages, or even to simply hold candles and light up the room. Mason jars are great because you’re left with no waste, which isn’t the case for most containers or centerpiece components. You can take mason jars home and use them hundreds of different ways. What is part of your centerpiece one week could be housing your mason jar salad the next. It’s a great alternative with a myriad of uses.
Skip the unnecessary.
We get it… it’s your wedding day, and you want to have it all. However, if there are wasteful aspects of your wedding that even you’re questioning the necessity of, you should probably pass on them. A huge one is confetti! Sure, it’s cool… for about thirty seconds, until you realize how much paper you’re wasting and what a nuisance it is to clean up! Skip the additions that won’t add anything to your special day, especially ones that prove to be extremely wasteful.
There you have it… some of the best and simplest ways to reduce waste at your wedding. Have some other ideas you’d like to share? Get in touch and let us know!
