5 STRESS-FREE TIPS TO PLANNING A ZERO WASTE WEDDING DAY
While we’re all doing our bit to live a life of less or change up how we do things to protect the planet, planning a wedding can see all of that effort go right out the window!
Even with a minimalist vibe and saying no to all the traditional extras, it’s not until you add up all of the other details that are going into this one day that you quickly realise - planning a waste-free wedding can seem impossible!
Luckily for you, it doesn’t have to be! And to help you, I’ve put together my own 5 stress-free tips to planning your zero-waste wedding so that you can stay sustainably-minded and make your day as eco-friendly as possible, all while keeping your cool!
1. Go digital, recyclable or plantable for your wedding!
Where you’ve got something to say, there’s a way to see that message grow without it ever ending up in landfill! From your invitations and save the dates, to your post-wedding thank you notes, there’s a whole range of options out there these days to create your own online wedding websites with ease, sending logistics and information to your guests in both a beautiful and efficient way!
For the tactile planners out there who can’t say no to a printed keepsake, choose recyclable options and give your guests other ways to use and repurpose the cards you’ve poured so much love into.
From biodegradable confetti creations to using herbs like lavender and thyme for an equally fragrant and beautiful confetti option, it’s also great to think about swapping your traditional wedding favourites for earth-conscious choices. My favourite? Seed paper! Perfect for wedding invitations that are plantable, they grow flowers and herbs when planted and could even make the perfect wedding favours alongside a succulent that will see your love grow in homes for months to come!
2. Opt for vintage, renting or donating your sustainable wedding threads.
When it comes to how you decorate both your wedding and your wedding party, keep it sustainable with decor and attire that is as committed to the environment as you are to each other. That might look like vintage or second hand finds for your centrepieces (be sure to check Marketplace or reseller sites for brides selling their much loved pieces) or connect with a vendor who will let you hire out your favourite items just for the day.
Looking good and feeling good also get to go hand in hand on your big day, so consider opting for sustainable brands that use environmentally conscious materials and practices, or better yet, asking your wedding party to explore what they already own and could repurpose. Making sure your wedding crew can re-wear any new outfits is also a huge win for both them and the planet, and as always, don’t forget to pass on what you can by donating items that could be loved by someone else.
3. Choose an eco-friendly wedding venue and vendors
Perhaps one of the more obvious waste contributors from your big day is the party itself. From the food, packaging, waste and travel, a lot of resources and energy go into making it all happen so be sure to ask your favourite venues and vendors where they stand on using local and organic food, reusable/compostable tableware, responsible waste disposal and the option to donate any leftover food to local charities.
It’s also wise to consider the location of your venue, minimising the need for extensive travel and encouraging your guests to carpool (or even organising transport yourself) to reduce emissions while bringing your loved ones together.
4. Get creative with wedding gift giving and receiving
What if finding eco-friendly and zero-waste options was less about cutting back and more about making art with what you really want? While the online registries and wishing wells are always an easy crowd pleaser, here’s a few ideas for both guest gifts and wedding couple gifts that I’ve loved watching pop up:
Edible wedding favours that incorporate the couple’s favourite flavours
Having guests each paint a section of a canvas at the wedding, which then becomes a long-loved wedding gift for your home in lieu of a guest book
Make a donation to your favourite conservation organisation on behalf of your guests or gift your guests a small native that they can plant in their local area.
5. Elope!
There’s no denying it - eloping is always going to be a more sustainable option for your wedding day. The smaller your guestlist, the smaller your footprint and the more you can celebrate your day in an environmentally conscious way. But that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on what matters most to you! You could opt for a micro wedding and design your own ‘one of a kind’ micro wedding experience that prioritises everything you love and celebrates your favourite environment as a couple, however small or untraditional it may be.
Whatever your zero-waste goals are for your wedding, there’s a way to make changes that don’t overstretch you or the environment. Planning a wedding can be a stressful time so look at what matters most to you, know your options and make it your own.
Like all things, choosing eco-friendly options is about choosing quality over quantity and getting creative with what you love.. two things that I’m proud to celebrate everyday as a wedding photographer. If you’re looking for an eco-conscious wedding photographer who can capture the details that matter, I’d love to be part of your dream team.
Congrats lovers,
Sean.