Are you planning the event of your dreams and want to be kind to the world in which we live? Wonderful, this blog is for you. We're sharing 9 sustainable wedding planning tips for hosting a more eco-friendly celebration.
1. The Perfect Location
Almost every step in your event sustainability checklist would depend on your event venue in one way or the other. At the same time, it’s also easier and more cost-efficient to fill the missing gaps than to start from scratch. Some points to keep in mind when choosing the perfect backdrop for your day are below:
- Is it located near the center of the city with easy access to public transportation?
- Does it have solar panels and other sources of renewable energy?
- For multi-day events, does the venue have accommodation nearby to avoid unnecessary commuting?
- Does the city, in general, support sustainability initiatives?
- Does the venue have other facilities like natural lighting, energy-efficient systems, good waste management operations, composting toilets, and more?
2. Reduce Paper Usage
By avoiding paper and going with digital and more eco-friendly alternatives, you can cut down on cost, reduce waste at the event, and save a few hundred trees. These are some ways you can reduce the usage of paper at your next event:
- Instead of printing (and re-printing) your event’s agenda, venue map, and brochures, post them on your event website and event app. Not only will this reduce waste and save cost, but it’ll also make future revisions easier.
- Go online with your event ticketing or invitations to avoid paper.
- Replace paper posters and banners with digital signs that can be reused
- Use eco-friendly alternatives like recycled paper or even seed paper.
3. Use Eco-Friendly Decor
Greenery has placed a stamp on the industry. With the use of ecological materials like upcycled pallets to recycled paper decorations, events have seen an increase in green decor. There are also decor companies that specialize in eco-friendly event decor that your planner can help you locate.
Other ways to make your event design sustainable may include using live plants and repurposing items for the day. One may opt for greener alternatives to regular decoration items. For example, beeswax candles and glass holders can be used in place of regular candles (that are high in chemicals) and plastic holders (that are non-biodegradable and sometimes, even non-recyclable).
4. Make food-service sustainable
The food served at weddings/events can result in some food waste and also increase the carbon footprint. Single-use plastic plates, cups, straws, and other packaging materials also result in a lot of waste that can neither be recycled nor composted hence the reason for this blog post. At L Prestigious Events, we like to offer alternative options for our clients.
Our favorite
Reach out to your local shelter or institution prior to the celebration where people volunteer their help. Arrange the pick-up or drop off of leftover food. This makes for a happy day.
5. Reduce the Carbon Footprint
Most carbon dioxide emission for events is due to travel—cut down here and you see a significant reduction in the carbon footprint of your event. Here’s what you can do:
- Find a venue that’s close and is easily accessible by public transportation
- If necessary, set up group transportation or carpooling options
- Encourage guests to stay at a hotel that offers free shuttle service to and from the airport.
6. Go Plastic-Free
- Use non-disposable plates and cutlery. This one is easy: Your caterer or venue will be glad to provide sturdy, washable dinnerware that creates no plastic waste.
- Eliminate the use of plastic cups for water or other beverages, and encourage guests to bring their own reusable water bottles or use glass cups.
- If your event includes vendors, ask them to use non-plastic packaging for their products and marketing materials.
7. Take the Celebration Outside
If possible, consider hosting your event outdoors during the day for that good old sunshine. This uses significantly less energy than an indoor event (think lighting, heating and air conditioning, etc.) and may even be cheaper for you in the long run! Plus, a sustainable event that actually takes place in the great outdoors really drives home your commitment to life and planet earth.
8. LED Lighting
Did you know LED lighting is significantly better for the environment than traditional fluorescent lighting? It’s true: LED bulbs consume less power and heat per unit of light emitted.
9. Does the Location Offer Recycling?
When selecting a venue or location, ask them if they have a recycling program in place. Inquire about pricing for the program to be aware of any expense outside of their regular operating costs.
You did it, you're more equipped than ever to kick off the most eco-friendly celebration. We hope that you took notes and are ready to rock and roll.
Read More:
Resource: Reformation sustainable bridal dresses
In Love,
Latasha