Choose a Sustainable Venue
Opt for venues that prioritize sustainability, like eco-friendly farms, nature preserves, or venues that use renewable energy sources. Outdoor locations eliminate the need for extensive lighting and décor. Minnesota Couples click HERE to see my top 5 sustainable venues in Minnesota.
Send Digital Invitations
Replace traditional paper invites with e-vites or wedding websites. If printed invites are a must, choose recycled paper or seed paper that guests can plant. Paper Culture is a great source if you want to purchase. Another great option would be to print them yourself, or send from print source directly to your guests!
Use Local and Seasonal Flowers
Support local flower farms (like Sunny Mary Meadows in St. Joseph or Honeydew Fields in Sauk Centre and opt for blooms in season to reduce transportation-related emissions. Dried flowers and potted plants are also great alternatives.
Rent or Upcycle Décor
Use rented or second-hand decorations like vintage tableware, candlesticks, and fabric napkins. Repurpose items from thrift stores or family heirlooms for a unique touch. Craigslist or Marketplace are great places to find past brides pieces at a lower cost too. Just don't get trapped in a doom scroll while you're there!
Choose Eco-Friendly Catering
Partner with caterers who use locally sourced, organic ingredients. Offer plant-based menu options, which have a lower environmental footprint than traditional meat-heavy meals. Chowgirls is a great example of Minnesota catering taking a step toward sustainability! BONUS: find your local compost site HERE and ask them if you can collect the food scraps at your wedding to have composted!
Offer Sustainable Favors
Skip wasteful favors in favor of eco-conscious options, like small jars of local honey, wildflower seed packets, or useful reusable items like sunglasses socks! Your local artists from all over have tons of beautiful options! Find a local event here and connect to an artist to create something special just for your day!
Reduce Single-Use Items
Swap disposable plates, cups, and utensils for reusable or compostable options. Provide water stations instead of bottled water. If you book at a venue that offers catering they will mostly cover this and take that chore off your hands!
Rent Attire or Choose Pre-Loved Options
Rent wedding dresses, suits, and accessories or buy second-hand to reduce waste. Consider ethical brands for new purchases, focusing on fair trade and sustainable fabrics.
Be Mindful of Transportation
Hold the ceremony and reception at the same venue to minimize travel emissions. Provide group transportation options like shuttles for guests or encourage carpooling.
Minimize Paper Waste
Opt for a single-page program or a communal chalkboard sign instead of individual ones. Share itineraries and maps digitally through your wedding website.
At the End of the Day..
Weddings are a once in a lifetime event. It is amazing to be thoughtful of our planet when planning your wedding day. But like all wedding planning keep in mind, you can't let the little details stress you out. Do what feels good for you and your partner and give yourself grace in this. There aren't a lot of affordable sustainable options for us yet when it comes to weddings, we can only do the best we can! SHP is a business that prioritizes sustainability in our business and personal life. We source gear second hand when possible, and use items for their full lifespan when purchased new. Want to hear more about how our business handles sustainability? Reach out today!
