Outdoor weddings are naturally beautiful, offering breathtaking backdrops, fresh air, and a deeper connection with nature. But, as with any wedding, they can come with their environmental challenges. From reducing waste to choosing eco-friendly vendors, planning a sustainable outdoor wedding requires thoughtful decisions.
In this post, we’ll explore some of the best nature inspired tips to ensure your outdoor wedding is as eco-friendly as it is stunning.
1. Choose a naturally beautiful location
One of the biggest advantages of an outdoor wedding is that nature provides much of the décor. Picking a venue with natural beauty, such as a beautiful garden, woodland, or waterside location, means less need for additional décor.
How to keep it sustainable: Choose a venue that already has beautiful areas and backdrops, so you won’t need to bring in extra décor. Look for a venue with sustainability certifications or eco-conscious practices like renewable energy usage or water conservation.
2. Use locally grown and seasonal florals
Florals are a focal point in your wedding design, and sourcing them sustainably is essential for an eco-friendly celebration. For outdoor weddings, using local and in-season flowers not only reduces your carbon footprint but also blends seamlessly into the natural surroundings.
How to keep it sustainable: Work with a local florist who sources flowers from nearby farms. You can also integrate potted plants, which can be replanted after the wedding or given as favors to guests.
3. Incorporate eco-friendly décor
Incorporating eco-friendly and reusable décor is key to reducing waste. Choose biodegradable materials and upcycled items for a stylish and sustainable setup.
How to keep it sustainable: Use natural materials like wood, bamboo, or fabric for signage, seating, and ceremony backdrops. Opt for reusable items like glassware, linen napkins, and vintage or rental furniture. Avoid single-use plastics at all costs.
4. Mindful catering: Organic and plant-based options
Outdoor weddings lend themselves to farm-to-table catering concepts, where local, organic, and plant-based food takes center stage. This is not only sustainable but also adds a fresh and delicious element to your menu.
How to keep it sustainable: Choose caterers who work with local suppliers and can offer organic, plant-based meals. Incorporate seasonal ingredients to reduce the need for long-distance transportation. For drinks, offer local wines and beers or even eco-friendly organic wines.
5. Eco-conscious invitations and signage
Stationery is a wedding necessity, but it can easily become wasteful. Instead of traditional invitations, consider digital invites or recycled paper with eco-friendly inks.
How to keep it sustainable Use paperless options like digital invitations for save-the-dates and RSVPs. For printed materials like ceremony programs or signage, opt for recycled paper or reusable boards made from reclaimed materials.
6. Provide eco-friendly transport options
Encouraging your guests to use eco-friendly transportation is another way to reduce your wedding’s carbon footprint. Whether it’s carpooling, cycling, or offering shuttle buses, greener options are possible even for an outdoor venue.
How to keep it sustainable: Provide group transportation such as buses or carpool incentives. If your venue is in a remote location, suggest that guests stay overnight at nearby eco-friendly accommodations to avoid multiple trips.
7. Reduce waste with thoughtful favours and gifts
One common source of wedding waste comes from favors and gifts that guests may not use. Choose sustainable, practical, or charitable options that reflect your eco-conscious values.
How to keep it sustainable: Consider zero-waste wedding favors such as small potted plants, seed packets, or edible treats like local honey or homemade jam. Another great idea is making a donation to a charity in honor of your guests
8. Go green with lighting and energy usage
Outdoor weddings often require additional lighting, especially for evening celebrations. Choosing solar-powered lighting or LEDs can help reduce your wedding’s energy consumption.
How to keep it sustainable: Use solar-powered string lights, candles made from beeswax or soy, and rechargeable LED lights to illuminate your outdoor space sustainably. If possible, choose a venue that uses renewable energy.
Planning a sustainable outdoor wedding is not only kinder to the planet but also allows you to embrace the beauty of nature in every aspect of your celebration. By choosing eco-friendly vendors, reducing waste, and using natural elements, you can create a stunning wedding that reflects your values. But don't forget to always have a wet weather contignecy plan as you can't control the weather, no matter how much you plan!
Whether you're tying the knot in a wild flower meadow, woodland, or by the sea, your sustainable choices will make your special day even more meaningful. Happy planning!
Comments