A wedding doesn’t need to come at the cost of the planet. With some thoughtful planning, your big day can be just as beautiful while being lighter on the environment.
From the venue to the dress, the food to the flowers, there are smart, simple ways to make more sustainable choices. Whether you’re going all-in on a green wedding or just making a few tweaks here and there, this guide will walk you through key areas where impact meets intention.
Choosing the Right Setting
There’s only one place to begin when planning an eco conscious wedding, and that’s with the venue! Your venue sets the tone for the entire day, and it’s also where many environmental decisions begin. Think about how much energy a place uses, how far guests will need to travel, and how the site connects with nature.
Outdoor spaces are naturally lower impact. A farm, garden, forest clearing, vineyard, or even a coastal bluff can offer an open-air backdrop without needing lots of artificial lighting or heating.
If you prefer something indoors, look for venues that:
- Use renewable energy
- Support recycling and composting
- Allow you to bring your own caterers and suppliers
- Are close to where most guests are based, cutting travel emissions
Also, consider holding the ceremony and reception in the same place. Fewer venue changes mean fewer car rides, less logistics, and less waste overall.
The Dress (and Everything Worn Once)
There’s no denying the charm of a wedding dress, but traditional gowns are often made from synthetic materials and worn just once. This is where creativity and values can blend beautifully.
You have a few sustainable options when it comes to choosing a dress:
- Pre-loved pieces – Vintage gowns or second-hand options offer uniqueness and history while saving resources.
- Rented dresses – For a one-day look, renting avoids the production of a brand-new garment.
- Natural fabrics – If you’re buying new, look for organic cotton, linen, or silk, and avoid polyester where possible.
- Custom made from existing fabric – Some dressmakers will work with heirloom fabric or upcycle older dresses into something completely new.
The same principles can apply to suits, bridesmaids’ outfits, and even accessories. Let practicality and sustainability lead here.
Food, Glorious (Seasonal) Food
Catering tends to be one of the biggest expenses, but it also carries a significant environmental weight. The good news is, small shifts make a real difference.
Start with the source. Local, seasonal produce is not only fresher and tastier, it also cuts down on transport emissions. If possible, choose caterers who prioritise organic or ethical farming practices.
Serving a fully plant-based menu can reduce your carbon footprint significantly. But even offering a high-quality vegetarian or low-meat option can have a positive impact.
Also, think about how the food is served. Avoiding single-use plastics, offering reusable crockery, and setting up clearly labelled bins for food waste and recycling can keep things tidy and conscious.
Rethinking the Flowers
Fresh flowers look beautiful, but they’re often grown out of season, flown in from abroad, and wrapped in plastic. For something more eco-friendly:
- Go seasonal and local – Work with florists who source from local growers or even grow their own
- Dried flowers – These last much longer and add a lovely texture
- Potted plants – Herbs, succulents, or even small trees can double as décor and keepsakes
- Repurpose arrangements – Use ceremony flowers again at the reception to avoid doubling up unnecessarily
Floral foam, glitter, and chemically treated blooms are best avoided. Stick to biodegradable and compostable materials where possible.
Invitations and Signage
Stationery is often overlooked when it comes to sustainability, but it adds up fast. You can still have elegant, thoughtful invitations without the environmental strain.
Digital invites are the most sustainable option, but if you’re going the printed route, look for recycled paper or seed paper, minimalist designs with less ink coverage, and local printing to avoid long-distance shipping.
For signage at the venue, opt for reusable boards or hire decorative pieces that can be returned after the day. Avoid printing endless signs or menus that will only be used for a few hours.
Décor and Tableware
This is where weddings can easily become wasteful, with lots of plastic, throwaway centrepieces, and décor that gets binned by the end of the night. The aim should be to use what already exists, borrow what you can, and repurpose wherever possible.
Consider the following:
- Reusable tableware – Glass, metal, or ceramic options feel more elegant and don’t end up in the landfill
- Rented items – From candle holders to table runners, renting gives you access to beautiful pieces without the long-term storage or cost
- Natural décor – Leaves, branches, stones, fruit, or fabric drapes can be elegant, low-impact touches
- DIY projects – Repurposing jars, bottles, or second-hand finds can add personality without the price
Avoid anything that’s hard to recycle or filled with microplastics like balloons, synthetic confetti, or glitter.
Travel and Guest Footprint
Even if your wedding choices are eco-conscious, guest travel can quickly offset a lot of that effort. This doesn’t mean you have to cut your guest list, but it does mean thinking a bit differently.
Encourage carpooling by creating travel groups in advance. Provide transport from a central location like a hotel to the venue. Choose a venue that’s easy to get to by public transport.
If you have guests flying in, you might even offer a carbon offset option or suggest they make a longer trip out of it, rather than flying in and out for one day.
Wedding Favours That Won’t Be Binned
Let’s be honest, most wedding favours are either left behind or never used. Instead of spending money on trinkets no one needs, go for something that guests will actually enjoy or that gives back.
A few sustainable favour ideas:
- Edible treats – Locally made jams, biscuits, or chocolates
- Mini potted plants – Something they can keep and grow
- Charity donations – A small gift made on behalf of your guests
- Reusable items – Cloth bags, beeswax wraps, or bamboo utensils
Keep it simple. If you’re not sure people will want it, it’s probably not worth offering.
One Beautiful Day, Lasting Values
A sustainable wedding doesn’t need to feel like a compromise. In fact, it often makes the day more meaningful. Every decision, from where you host it to what you serve, becomes a reflection of what matters to you.
It’s about cutting waste, but also about slowing down and focusing on what truly counts. The connection, the celebration, and the joy of bringing people together in a way that respects the world around us.
