A wedding is supposed to be the most wonderful day of your life, but it can also be one of the wasteful ones due to unused paper products, food, and flowers. If you’re concerned about the environment, you might want to think about having a green wedding instead. A “green wedding,” also known as an “eco-friendly wedding” or “sustainable wedding,” is a ceremony in which the bride and groom make an effort to lessen the event’s impact on the environment. More eco-friendly wedding décor are available now than ever before, as are environmentally friendly catering and invitation options. Here are 10 eco-friendly ideas to incorporate to your big day.
Consider Vintage
There’s a new way to buy engagement rings that align themselves with your ethical values, whether you’re a conscious consumer or eco-friendly. Consider proposing with a cherished family heirloom or peruse vintage jewellery stores for a distinctive find. Or, your alternative to a new ring may be to recycle gold by melting it down and refining it, or incorporating an existing diamond into a new setting. It’s your call! Why stop there? You could go a step further and apply the same concept to your wedding gown too.
Sustainable Stationary and Invitations
For those of us who prioritise wedding aesthetics, it could be hard to do away with printed invitations altogether. Instead of making do without some of the prettiest details to photograph, print only a few for the purpose of immortalising them in film. As for the rest of your invitation, opt to go completely paperless and send your guest invitations via e-mail or e-invite. For those that simply can’t get away without a physical product, look for stationers that prioritise sustainable practices.
Support An Eco-Friendly Venue
Malaysia offers numerous options for couples who seek venues that engage in conservation, sustainable hospitality practices without sacrificing on comfort or luxury. For example, The Banjaran Resort in Ipoh, utilizes geothermal energy from the hot springs to power its facilities, reducing its carbon footprint. It also employs water conservation measures and eco-friendly building materials in its construction. Another noteworthy luxury resort is Shangri-La’s Rasa Ri located Kota Kinabalu. The resort runs its own 64 acres Nature Reserve where guests can learn about and participate in the conservation of Orangutans. Water and energy conservation, waste management, and recycling programs are also rigorously implemented at Rasa Ria. Their kitchen also locally source organic produce that inevitably contributes to the local economy and while reducing the establishment’s carbon footprint.
Choose Sustainable Dining Options
Find food service providers who use seasonal ingredients and prepare meals in a sustainable manner. Alternatively throw your luncheon at restaurants like A Farm on The Hill, who’s menu is centred on the produce they’ve grown organically. Menus vary seasonally with the produce harvested at the farm. As for drinks, choose bottles labeled “natural,” “organic,” or “biodynamic” to back vintners who put an emphasis on sustainability.
Minimise Food Waste
Large events often result in leftovers, especially with buffet dinners. To minimise food waste, consider opting for plated dinners to ensure portion control. If you do choose a buffet, have a conversation with your caterer about saving leftovers. Opt to donate extra food to a local food bank or homeless shelter, but it’s essential to plan this in advance, ensuring the food is properly packaged and ready for donation.
Seek Out Inherent Decorations
When selecting the location for your ceremony and reception, prioritise those that feature touches that complement your wedding theme is essential and especially one which requires minimal decorations. This is a win-win situation, saving you money while also helping the environment. Greenhouses and gardens make for beautiful settings, while providing some greenery which could contribute to less floral décor needed.
Opting for Rentals Whenever Possible
Opt for rented stemware over plastic glasses for a more elegant and environmentally friendly choice. Likewise, consider rented china instead of disposable paper plates. Extend this eco-conscious approach to linens as well. Choose linen napkins, tablecloths, and runners instead of disposable paper alternatives. If you plan to use straws in mixed drinks, explore options paper straws instead.
Throw A Cosy Event
What’s the simplest method to lessen your wedding’s impact on the environment? Surely reducing the number of guest would inevitably result in a more sustainable celebration. Less guest means less waste. There are so many plus points to having an intimate wedding, we can’t recommend it enough!
Get Creative
Double up the use of your wedding door gift and decor. Learn from these couples featured on The Wedding Notebook. Option one; choose to repackage fresh flowers decorations into small bouquets for guest to bring home. Option two; use potted plants as centrepieces that could also serve as momentos your guest can bring home. Option three; check out how this creative duo designed batik motif napkins for their table decor to serve both aesthetic and practical purposes that doubled as door gifts.
Planning an eco-friendly wedding is a wonderful way to express your love not only for each other but also for the planet. These ten sustainable wedding ideas will help you reduce waste, minimize your carbon footprint, and inspire others to embrace a greener approach to celebrating love. By making these conscious choices, you can have a beautiful wedding while contributing to a more sustainable future.
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