How is a green or eco-friendly wedding?
Author: Szabó TeklaPublished:
Updated:
A green wedding, or eco-friendly wedding, prioritizes sustainability and minimizes the environmental impact of the event. It should not be confused with a greenery wedding, which primarily focuses on the aesthetic aspect of the color green. In the latter case, decorations mainly use subdued colors, hence it is also called a green and white wedding. Its uniqueness lies in integrating lush greenery, foliage, and evergreens into the decor, giving the main visual emphasis on the botanical abundance of green plants. Often, a greenery wedding incorporates eco-friendly elements and vice versa.
Here are some characteristics of a green wedding:
1. Environmentally friendly venue
The wedding venue can also be eco-friendly. The use of parks, gardens, or energy-efficient event spaces can reduce the event's carbon footprint. It's important that the location of the event venue requires as little travel as possible. Destination weddings that involve long journeys are environmentally harmful.
2. Sustainable transportation
Providing buses or cars to transport guests to the wedding venue not only facilitates the celebration but also protects the environment. The sight of parked cars around the wedding ceremony area and cars circling unnecessarily for parking spots can be disturbing and unnecessarily pollute the air.
3. Waste-free catering
Serving locally sourced, organic, vegetarian, or vegan foods can reduce the carbon footprint associated with food production. Try to avoid food waste. The use of classic porcelain, clay, or glass dishes is both beautiful and ecologically sound. With a little attention, it is possible to avoid the use of plastic bottled drinks. Wouldn't it be better to have a lemonade stand?
4. Minimalist invitations
Digital invitations or printed on recycled paper reduce the amount of paper waste. There are already invitations embedded with seeds to aid decomposition. Flower seeds can also be incorporated into, for example, place cards or thank-you gifts.
5. Sustainable decoration
Using decorations made from recycled materials, potted plants, local flowers, or green plants can enhance the eco-friendly nature of the wedding. Clear-cutting half a forest for decoration purposes is by no means environmentally friendly!
6. Ethical attire
Wedding dresses and suits made from sustainable materials, such as organic or recycled materials, can be chosen. Renting a wedding dress reduces waste, as does transforming an old vintage dress. It also saves the environment if custom-made wedding dresses are passed on or extended in their life through alteration.
7. Useful wedding favour
Eco-friendly, no-waste wedding favors such as seed packets, potted plants, or homemade gourmet gifts can also be tools for promoting sustainability. The thank-you gift should be useful, something that will not end up in the trash years later.
The question arises: is an outdoor tent wedding sustenable? Like any other event, it can be eco-friendly or very energy-wasteful. The African or stretch tent has a small carbon footprint and is easily transportable. The classic aluminum-framed tent takes up much more space, requiring even a truck for transport. The hardest part is transporting the flooring, but the wedding is still good without it. Needless to say, avoid Dutch imported or plastic flowers! Installing simple recycling and composting stations, setting up selective garbage bins on-site can help reduce the amount of waste generated during the event.
I understand that in some cases, it may be difficult to adhere to environmentally friendly principles, especially on your wedding day.
You may also decide to compensate for the carbon dioxide emissions generated during your wedding by donating to environmental organizations. Wishing you much happiness!
Image source: Pinterest
