More and more couples are consciously choosing a wedding that is not only beautiful and loving, but also sustainable. An
In this article you will find the best ideas and practical tips for a sustainable wedding, from location and invitations to catering and clothing.
Why choose an eco-friendly wedding?
- Reduced environmental impact
- Contributing to a better world
- A conscious and meaningful day
- Original and creative choices
With a few smart adjustments, you can make a big difference. And the best part is: a green wedding is often more personal, intimate and creative!
1. Choose a sustainable wedding venue
The location is often the biggest impact factor. Go for:
- An outdoor location (e.g. a garden, forest, beach or vineyard)
- An organic farm or eco-resort
- A location that uses solar energy or rainwater harvesting
- A place close to home to limit travel
Ask the venue about their sustainability policy and what green options they offer.
2. Send digital or sustainable invitations
Show your love for the planet at the invitation:
- Choose a stylish digital wedding invitation or save-the-date
- Use paper made from recycled materials or seed paper (paper you can plant!)
- Print locally and with eco-ink
Do you still want physical cards? Then keep it minimalistic and send everything in one envelope to avoid waste.
3. Go for a sustainable wedding dress and suit
Fashion with a mission:
- Wear a second-hand or vintage wedding dress (like from Wedding Wonderland’s partners!)
- Have a dress or suit made to measure with sustainable fabrics
- Reuse a family dress or have it restyled
- Rent a wedding suit instead of buying
Tip: also think of sustainable accessories, such as shoes made from recycled materials or jewellery with fair trade gold.
4. Sustainable decoration: buy less, create more
Styling is important, but it doesn’t have to come at the expense of the environment:
- Use seasonal flowers, locally grown or dried flowers
- Opt for reusable decoration such as glass bottles, vintage tableware, linen cloths
- Work with second-hand items or rent decoration instead of buying
- Use LED lighting and natural candles
Let your creativity run wild — sustainable is often surprisingly stylish!
5. Green transport
Travel accounts for a large part of the ecological footprint. Think of:
- Get married within cycling distance or organize joint transport (e.g. a classic bus)
- Electric car as a wedding transport
- Wedding venue and party venue in one place to avoid travel
Provide guests with travel tips or a public transport plan to reduce their carbon footprint.
6. Fair and local catering
Choose food that is not only tasty, but also responsible:
- Organic, local and seasonal menu
- Vegetarian or vegan options
- Organic or biodynamic wines
- Less food waste through good planning and having leftovers taken away
Ask your caterer about sustainable alternatives to disposable tableware or plastic straws.
7. Sustainable thank you
Meaningful thank yous:
- Plants, seed bombs or herbs in pots
- Local delicacies such as organic honey or homemade jams
- Reusable items such as linen bags, candles or bamboo cutlery
- Donation to charity on behalf of your guests
Let the thank you be an extension of your values.
8. Offset your CO₂ emissions
Even with all the sustainable choices, some emissions remain. Compensate for this through a reliable initiative such as:
- Trees for All
- Justdiggit
- Greenseat
Also mention this on your website or invitation, so you inspire others!
9. Use local and conscious suppliers
Choose suppliers that work with:
- Local products and materials
- Sustainability labels (such as fair trade, eco, organic)
- Transparency about production and working methods
Wedding Wonderland works with various sustainable partners, contact us for tips!
Sustainable marriage is the future — and beautiful too.
An eco-friendly wedding does not mean that you have to compromise on beauty, experience or romance. On the contrary: you create a conscious, personal and loving day that everyone feels good about. And together you send a meaningful signal to the world.
