How to Create an Eco-Friendly Wedding Venue
GUEST BLOG by Ella Hendrix
Photo Credit: Curate Events and Design
Choose an Eco-Friendly Wedding Venue
Photo Credit: Keri Geha Weddings
One of the simplest ways to make your wedding green is by choosing an eco-friendly venue for your special day. Choosing to have your wedding ceremony take place outdoors or in an indoor area with lots of natural light, will help minimize environmental harm by reducing the need to switch on lights. Use romantic candlelit lighting as an eco-friendly alternative to electrical lighting in dimly lit areas of your venue.
You should also try to hold your ceremony and reception at the same venue. This will cut fuel emissions as it means that no one will have to travel between different venues. Remaining at one venue for the day can also help to create a more relaxed atmosphere and ensure that the day flows well. Make sure that you look for a venue that offers sustainable options such as locally sourced organic food and energy-efficient lighting.
Choose Floral Decor That is in Season
Photo Credit: Skyewater Photo + Film
Wedding experts at Manor By The Lake state that “the simplicity of beautiful greenery and foliage has taken the wedding work by storm”. Choosing seasonal flora offers a number of great benefits. Firstly, the flowers won’t have to travel far meaning they will reach you in the best possible condition. This means that fuel emissions will be greatly reduced which minimizes environmental harm.
Seasonal flowers are also much more affordable than exotic or out of season varieties; this means you’ll get the best quality for the lowest price. Make sure that you ask your florist for advice on what is in-season at the time of your wedding.
Have Your Wedding Outside
Photo Credit: Kimberly Mitiska Photography
Having your wedding outdoors is an excellent way to make your special day more eco-friendly. What’s more, nature can provide the perfect romantic setting for your wedding and you are likely to save money on decorations as you will already be surrounded by plenty of beautiful scenery. You can choose between a huge variety of different outdoor venues – from stunning barns and farmland, to secluded woodland and moors.
If you’re considering holding a rustic outdoor wedding then be sure to provide your guests with a few comforts like ethically-sourced blankets and cushions. You will also need to remember to provide facilities like toilets if you are choosing a location that does not offer these conveniences.
One of the advantages of an outdoor wedding is that you can decorate it yourself. Sashes on the chairs, fairy lights wrapped around tree branches and heart shaped candles are small touches that create a beautiful and cozy atmosphere. You can also supply your own dinnerware sets so you’ll know that everything has been ethically sourced.
Serve Local Food
Photo Credit: Skywater Photo + Film
Keep your wedding green by choosing an eco-friendly caterer who uses locally sourced, organic produce. This cuts fuel emissions and seasonal ingredients typically taste far better than food that have been imported and travelled long distances. According to environmental program Stop Food Waste, “Local produce is more likely to be ripened on the farm before being harvested and delivered. This food is fresher, tastes better and is more nutritious.” More and more couples are looking for ways to make their special day greener, so demand for sustainable caterers has increased. This means that you should have plenty of fantastic eco-friendly caterers to choose from.
Make sure that you speak with your caterer to get advice on what ingredients will be in season at the time of your wedding. This will help you design the perfect wedding menu that will impress your guests, support local farmers, and help reduce harmful carbon emissions.
Make Your Own Wedding Favors
Photo Credit: Katogenic Photography
Couples are no longer handing out a few sugared almonds to guests on their wedding day. Nowadays, brides and grooms are providing their guests with a huge variety of unique and extravagant wedding favors – from home-made toiletries and truffles, to personalized home decor. Making your own wedding favors is an excellent way to provide your guests with a meaningful gift, reduce waste, and save money. If you would prefer to buy your guests a gift, then be sure to choose eco-friendly options like plastic free soap, vegan skincare products, reusable water bottles or loose leaf tea sets.
There are many ways to make your special day eco-friendly without blowing your budget. Having your wedding outdoors, choosing a green caterer, making your own wedding favors and opting for seasonal flowers, are all simple ways to reduce environmental harm and save money. Use some of the above tips or look online for more inspiration on how to create the perfect green wedding.
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