Recently most people, especially in urban areas, have been keen to lead a sustainable lifestyle that benefits both environment and the human race. In this wedding season, all the environment enthusiasts worry about only one thing “How do I keep my wedding environmentally friendly?” But before that, let’s know a little bit about eco-friendly or sustainable weddings.  

What is a sustainable wedding? 

Sustainable wedding planning is the process of organizing a wedding in a way that minimizes the environmental impact of the event. This might involve choosing a location that is easily accessible by public transportation to reduce carbon emissions from travel, using locally sourced and organic food, and selecting vendors and suppliers who commit to sustainability.  

Sustainable wedding planning also includes efforts to reduce waste, such as using reusable or compostable materials for decorations and opting for digital invitations rather than paper ones. By taking a sustainable approach to planning a wedding, couples can help to protect the environment and promote a more sustainable future. 

Why is it important to plan a sustainable wedding? 

Benefits the environment: 

How can a wedding have an impact on the environment?  

Sustainable weddings are important for several reasons. First and foremost, they help protect the environment by reducing the event's carbon footprint and minimizing waste. This is important because the production of wedding events can have a significant environmental impact, from the transportation of guests to the disposal of decorations and other materials. Also, sustainable wedding contains reusable materials, which help reduce the wastage of raw materials.  

Benefits local vendors: 

In addition to the environmental benefits, sustainable weddings can also have economic benefits. By choosing local vendors and suppliers, couples can support their local economy and help to create jobs and stimulate growth in their community. This can be especially important for smaller, rural communities that may not have as many economic opportunities. 

Convenient for guests: 

Finally, sustainable weddings can also be more enjoyable for guests. By choosing a location that is easily accessible and providing sustainable food options, couples can help to ensure that their guests have a good time without causing any harm to the environment. This can make the wedding more memorable and meaningful for everyone involved. 

How can I make my wedding eco-friendly?  

By following these tips, you can plan a sustainable wedding that is environmentally friendly, economically beneficial, and enjoyable for everyone involved. 

1. Choose a sustainable venue:  Look for a venue that is easily accessible by public transportation and is committed to sustainability, such as a green-certified hotel or event space. 
2. Use locally sourced and organic food: Choose a catering company that uses locally sourced and organic ingredients to reduce the environmental impact of transporting food. 
3. Select sustainable vendors and suppliers: Look for vendors and suppliers who commit to sustainability, such as florists who use locally grown flowers or rental companies that provide eco-friendly decorations. 
4. Reduce waste: Use reusable or compostable materials for decorations and opt for digital invitations instead of paper ones to reduce waste. Instead of paper glass you can borosilicate glass bottles for the guests. TheBetterHome’s borosilicate glass infuser bottles durable, BPA free, also comes with a sleeve to prevent dripping.  
5. Encourage sustainable transportation: Provide information about public transportation options or offer to reimburse guests for ridesharing services to reduce the environmental impact of travel. 
6. Support environmental causes: Consider donating a portion of your wedding gifts to an environmental organization or incorporating environmental themes into your wedding to raise awareness about important issues. 
7. Be transparent: Let your guests know about the sustainable aspects of your wedding and encourage them to adopt sustainable practices themselves. 
8. Consider a small or destination wedding: Smaller weddings and destination weddings can often be more sustainable because they involve fewer guests and typically generate less waste. 
9. Use eco-friendly decorations: Choose decorations made from sustainable materials that can be reused or composted, such as potted plants or biodegradable confetti. Ask your florist to use seasonal flowers to make the ambience more authentic.  
10. Wear eco-friendly outfits: Support designers who make eco-friendly wedding dresses. You can also revamp your mom's or granny's old wedding dress. This is a great way to save from the budget. Second-hand dresses from charity bridal store is also another way to save wastage. 
11. Include sustainability in your rituals: For Haldi and Mehendi, you can easily use fresh and natural ingredients. Henna and haldi paste can be easily made at home. It will be toxin-free and organic and leave no side effects on your skin. For "Shagun", you can ask the guest to make envelopes from newspapers or old items. 

Are sustainable weddings more expensive? 

Sustainable weddings can often be more expensive, as they typically involve using environmentally-friendly and locally-sourced materials and products, which can be pricier than their non-sustainable counterparts. However, this is not always the case. You can come up with cost-cutting solutions like limiting guests, reusing heirloom jewellery and outfits, going for a minimalistic wedding, etc. 

How to limit the cost of a sustainable wedding? 

There are several ways to limit the cost of a sustainable wedding.  

Intimate wedding:  One option is to have a small, intimate wedding with only your closest friends and family members. This can reduce costs associated with catering, decorations, and other expenses.  

Choosing an outdoor mandap and venue:  Another option is to choose a wedding venue outdoor or in a natural setting, which can help reduce the need for expensive decorations. 

Using seasonal flowers: Additionally, consider using local, in-season flowers and locally-sourced food for your wedding to reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation.