Having an eco-friendly wedding and reception is a fantastic idea! Here are some tips to help you plan a sustainable and environmentally conscious celebration:
Cutlery & Dinnerware: Use eco-friendly compostable cutlery, Plates, cups and Straws. You can use plant based compostable platters and serving spoons. GreenTek Planet offers a sample box so you can try out all of the compostable products that you can use for your receptions. See the examples of all of the biodegradable products in the eco-friendly store, including Hemp straws, cups, bowls, forks, spoons, knives and to go containers for the guests.
Venue & Catering: Choose a venue that aligns with your eco-friendly values. Look for locations that offer natural surroundings like gardens, parks, or even a beach. If you’re having an indoor wedding, consider venues with LEED certification or those that use renewable energy sources. Select a caterer who prioritizes local, organic, and seasonal ingredients. Plan for a buffet-style or family-style meal to minimize food waste. Serve drinks in glassware instead of disposable cups, and avoid plastic straws and utensils.
Invitations & Favors: Choose for digital invitations to reduce paper waste. There are many beautiful electronic invitation designs available that can be personalized to match your wedding theme. Give guests eco-friendly wedding favors such as seed packets, reusable tote bags, or homemade treats. You can also make a charitable donation on behalf of your guests to an environmental organization.
Decor & Flowers: Use sustainable and biodegradable materials for decorations. Decorate with potted plants, flowers from local sources, and reusable items like fabric banners and bunting. Avoid single-use plastic decorations whenever possible. Choose seasonal, locally sourced flowers to reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation. You can also consider using potted plants or succulents as centerpieces, which can double as wedding favors for guests.
Wedding Attire: Consider renting wedding attire or purchasing second-hand dresses and suits. If you prefer new attire, look for designers who use sustainable fabrics and ethical manufacturing practices.
Waste Management: Set up recycling and composting stations throughout the venue to minimize waste. Choose biodegradable or compostable dinnerware and utensils instead of disposable plastic.
Registry: Consider creating a registry that focuses on experiences rather than physical gifts. You can ask guests to contribute to your honeymoon fund, or to donate to a cause that supports environmental conservation.
By incorporating these eco-friendly practices into your wedding and reception, you can celebrate your love while also reducing your environmental impact. Buying the compostable cutlery, straws and dinnerware are a very big step to decrease the carbon footprint of your wedding.
