• Elope! I might be a bit biased, but eloping is amazing is so many ways - including being the most eco-friendly option!

• swap single-use plastics like utensils or straws for reusable rentals

• using local/small vendors as much as possible

• Choose catering that offers seasonal and locally sourced food

• buy a Second hand dress, vintage or from a small local business (I got mine from an etsy shop)

• check fb marketplace and thrift stores for used decor (look for items that you might want to keep after the wedding too!)

• a ceremony and/or reception space that is beautiful on its own and doesn't need much "decorating." 

• If you have wedding favors, consider something that guests will use/consume: local honey/jam in cute mason jars, mini syrups, handmade soaps, soy candles, flower seed mix, custom decorated cookies from local bakery.

• recycled/compostable paper for all paper goods (if you’re having them). save-the-dates and invitations digitally.

• RENT DECOR, tables etc.

• Skipping unnecessary wedding party items like getting ready robes, bridesmaids proposal boxes etc.

• Glass instead of plastic, when possible

Having photographed over 100 couples, I have seen a wide range of wedding types and with that, the amount of waste generated on an average wedding day. Even before I started being a more conscious consumer, the amount of waste and unused items at weddings was always something that stood out to me.

On average, a 6 hour, 100+ person wedding day produces around 400-600 lbs of waste. This includes items like wedding invitations, favors, gifts, flowers, lighting and decor. Multiply that by the 2.3 million weddings in the US a year and you have A LOT of waste.  

There are so many options to make your day feel special while still maintaining an earth-conscious approach to your wedding. Based on my own wedding experience, we were able to achieve a beautiful aesthetic without compromising our values or budget, and I’d love to share some ideas that you can incorporate, wether your wedding is big or small! 

IDEAS TO REDUCE THE CARBON FOOTPRINT AT YOUR WEDDING:

THESE ARE JUST SUGGESTIONS, THERE'S REALLY NO SUCH THING AS PERFECTLY 100% ECO-FRIENDLY, SUSTAINABLE WEDDINg! THERE WILL INEVITABLY BE WASTE, THAT'S OK.

CHOOSING SUSTAINABLE OPTIONS WHEN POSSIBLE AND BEING MORE INTENTIONAL IS super HELPFUL AND CAN STILL MAKE AN IMPACT!

QUICK NOTE BEFORE CHECKING OUT my TIPS & IDEAS:

 1.
do we really need this?

2.
 Will this have a use after the wedding or is it going to be single-use?

3.
Is there a more sustainable version of this?

SomE helpful questions to ask yourself while planning: