All right, bestie, let’s talk about green weddings. Specifically, how to have a beautiful, meaningful, and totally magical wedding without leaving behind a mountain of waste and a carbon footprint the size of a small country.
Look, I get it. Weddings are huge. They’re this once-in-a-lifetime moment, and of course, you want everything to be perfect. But here’s the thing—traditionally, weddings are also wasteful as hell. Think about it: single-use decorations, plastic packaging, imported flowers flown in from who-knows-where, leftover food, outfits people wear once… the list goes on. The good news? You don’t have to do it that way! You can have a sustainable wedding that’s just as stunning (honestly, probably more stunning) without harming the planet.
And before you even think it—no, an eco-friendly wedding does NOT mean giving up elegance, fun, or personal touches. In fact, making mindful choices can actually add more meaning to your big day, because every little detail is intentional. Plus, let’s be real, being that couple who cared enough to do things sustainably? That’s a flex.
So let’s get into it. Here’s how you can make your wedding more eco-friendly without sacrificing style, beauty, or fun.
1. Let’s Talk Flowers—Ditch the Floral Foam!
You already know how I feel about floral foam (if not, here’s the short version: it’s a toxic, microplastic-filled disaster). Sadly, it’s a staple in the floral industry, especially for big wedding installations. But guess what? You do not need it to have breathtaking floral arrangements.
Sustainable alternatives:
- Chicken wire and moss: Old-school florists used this before floral foam even existed, and it still works like a charm. Plus, it’s reusable!
- Pin frogs and flower frogs: These little metal bases help flowers stand upright in arrangements and can be used over and over.
- Vases with fresh water: Simple, elegant, and natural. Plus, your flowers will actually last longer.
- Dried or potted plants: Consider using dried flowers (hello, dreamy boho vibes) or even potted plants that guests can take home instead of cut flowers that wilt in a few days.
- Floral foam alternatives: In addition to the sustainable methods I listed above, I also sometimes use biodegradable floral foam in my floral designs at Kiraflora, my wedding and event floral design studio in Atlanta. The increasing demand for more sustainable options for green weddings has led the floral industry to create compostable floral products made of materials like wool and natural coir, a fiber that comes from the husk of a coconut.
Oh, and while we’re on the topic of flowers—try to source locally and seasonally whenever possible. We love flower farmers, and you’re keeping your carbon footprint to a minimum.
2. Invitations—Think Beyond Paper
Traditional wedding invitations are beautiful, but let’s be honest: most end up in the trash. Not to be dramatic, but trees literally died for that. Instead, consider:
- Recycled paper invitations (bonus points for plantable seed paper that turns into flowers!)
- Digital invites—they’re sleek, modern, and save SO much waste (plus, no waiting for RSVPs in the mail)
- Minimalist designs—if you love the feel of physical invites, keep your green wedding invitations simple and printed with eco-friendly inks
3. The Outfits—Sustainable Can Still Be Stunning (Yes, That Includes Suits!)
You don’t need a brand-new, wear-it-once wedding dress to feel like royalty. The wedding fashion industry is catching up to sustainability, and you have so many gorgeous options:
- Vintage and secondhand dresses: A pre-loved gown? So chic. Vintage lace, timeless silhouettes, and zero guilt.
- Ethically made, sustainable fabrics: If you want new, look for designers who use organic cotton, hemp, or even recycled materials.
- Dress rental: Wear a designer gown without the price tag (or the waste). Win-win!
And let’s not forget the suits! Because, honestly, traditional suits can be just as wasteful as wedding dresses. Instead of dropping a ton of money on a suit you’ll only wear once:
- Rent a high-quality suit or tux. Let’s be real—if you’re not a suit-wearing person in everyday life, you probably won’t wear it again. Renting saves money and waste.
- Buy a versatile suit you can re-wear. If you are a suit person, invest in a well-made, classic suit you’ll actually wear for future events. A tailored navy, charcoal, or black suit is timeless.
- Choose sustainable fabrics. If buying new, look for brands using organic cotton, linen, or ethically sourced wool.
- Consider secondhand or vintage. Just like wedding dresses, there are incredible vintage or gently used suits out there that are stylish, high-quality, and sustainable.
And don’t forget about the wedding party! Bridesmaids and groomsmen can re-wear outfits, mix and match pieces, or rent instead of buying something they’ll never touch again.
4. The Venue—Choose Wisely
Your venue has a huge impact on the sustainability of your wedding. Things to consider for a green wedding:
- Outdoor venues = natural lighting = less energy used.
- Look for eco-conscious venues—some places are already committed to reducing waste, using renewable energy, or sourcing local food.
- Minimize travel for guests—destination weddings might be dreamy, but they also rack up serious carbon emissions. Try to pick a spot that’s convenient for most of your guests.
5. Food and Drink—Because No One Likes Waste
Food waste at weddings is next level. The sheer amount of uneaten food that gets tossed is kind of heartbreaking. Here’s how to keep it sustainable:
- Opt for a caterer that sources locally and seasonally. Not only is it fresher, but it also cuts down on transportation emissions.
- Ditch single-use plastics. No plastic straws, cups, or cutlery. Real glassware and reusable plates only!
- Compost food scraps and donate leftovers. Many places will take untouched food to help feed those in need.
- Skip the bottled water. Offer water stations instead. So easy, yet so impactful.
6. Wedding Favors—Make Them Count
Let’s be real: how many wedding favors have you actually kept? Probably not many. Instead of wasting money on something guests will toss, consider these sustainable favor ideas:
- Mini potted plants or succulents
- Edible favors (local honey, homemade jam, or fair-trade chocolate)
- Charitable donations in your guests’ names
- Reusable tote bags, seed packets, or natural candles
7. Rethink Your Decor
Sustainable decor = reusing, repurposing, and avoiding waste. Instead of buying a ton of decorations that you’ll never use again:
- Rent decor items (arches, vases, table settings) instead of buying
- Use natural elements like wood, dried flowers, and fabric over plastic decorations
- Go for candles and LED lights over wasteful single-use lighting
8. Wedding Rings—Make Sure They’re Ethical
Traditional gold and diamond mining is notoriously unethical and environmentally destructive. Instead, look for:
- Lab-grown diamonds (identical to natural diamonds but without the mining)
- Vintage rings (classic and sustainable)
- Ethically sourced metals and stones
9. Your Exit—Skip the Wasteful Tossing
Rice, confetti, and balloons? Not great for the environment. Instead, consider:
- Dried flower petals or lavender toss (biodegradable and pretty)
- Bubbles (fun for photos and completely waste-free)
- Reusable ribbon wands (so festive and zero mess)
A sustainable wedding isn’t about sacrificing beauty, fun, or tradition—it’s about making choices that align with your values. When you plan with the planet in mind, you’re not just having a wedding—you’re making a statement.
So go ahead, have the wedding of your dreams—just make it one Mother Earth would RSVP ‘yes’ to.
