2022 Sustainable Wedding Ideas for Eco-Friendly Couples

Weddings have the potential to be wasteful. The good news is that they don’t have to be.

The world is becoming increasingly eco-conscious, so it’s natural for brides and grooms to look for sustainable wedding ideas that will shrink their carbon footprint.

Wondering exactly how to do that? Here are a few of our favorite ideas complete with actionable tips so you can get the green wedding of your dreams.

Handwritten Invitations on Handmade Paper: Oh Be Joyful Creative

Order Invitations That Are Made Out of Unique Materials

Don’t feel like you have to send out digital invites, although it is an option if you want a more sustainable wedding. There are plenty of invitations that are made out of alternative materials so you can still send invites in the mail.

Seeded paper is a favorite among brides and grooms, because the invite can be planted in the garden. You can also consider invitations made out of handmade paper or invitations printed on wood.

Bride Wearing a Hand-Dyed Skirt and Lace Top: Style Me Pretty

Buy a Dress You Can Wear Again After Your Wedding

Thrifting your wedding dress is a popular tip for eco-conscious brides, but it comes with some challenges. Not only will it be difficult to find a style you like, the garment may require extensive alterations and cleaning.

We like the idea of buying a wedding dress you can wear again after your wedding day. That might mean buying an offbeat dress with a color or pattern, but one of our favorite reuse-your-wedding-dress ideas includes dying a white dress after you say your I do’s.

Simple Wedding Centerpiece With Brown Bottles and a Clear Vase: The Floral Eclectic

Thrift Your Wedding Décor

There are tons of opportunities for you to find thrifted wedding décor. You just have to remain flexible and willing to search thrift shops, garage sales, and online marketplaces.

For example, thrift stores are a great place to buy vases, because people donate them after their flower arrangements die. If your wedding has an eclectic vibe, you can incorporate different kinds of baskets, candle holders, and frames.

Bride Holding a Bouquet of Handpicked Wildflowers: Brides

Choose your Wedding Flowers Carefully

Flying in expensive or out-of-season flowers can be really hard on the environment. Think local and choose in-season flowers in order to cut down on the greenhouse gases associated with transporting blooms long distances.

Dried flowers are also a great option, because they can be reused long after your wedding day is over.

Bride and Groom Kissing in a Rose Garden: Ivory and Vine Event Co.

Choose a Venue With its Own Decorations

If you don’t want the hassle of finding thrifted wedding decorations, choose a beautiful venue that doesn’t need any decorating. Old mansions, English-style gardens, and art galleries all have a built-in ambiance that requires very little, if any, extra décor.

You can also ask the venue what they have for decorations! You might be able to use things like hurricane vases and table cloths that they already have on-site.

Wedding Guests Talking at an Outdoor Wedding Reception: Engaged

Get Married Outside

Some of the best eco-friendly wedding ideas should be obvious, but they aren’t always. That’s the case when it comes to getting married outside.

Not only does an outdoor wedding look more sustainable, it really is more sustainable! Outdoor weddings require less lighting, no heating or air conditioning, and if you choose a national park, beach, or sanctuary, your payment will go towards things like conservation and cleanup.

Plated Meal With Beef and Mozzarella: Pexels

Skip the Paper and Plastic

Although using paper and plastic is more convenient at dinnertime, it’s extremely wasteful. Use reusable materials whenever you can.

You might choose a plated dinner over a buffet with paper plates, use velvet napkins instead of paper napkins, or buy glass charger plates that you can reuse at home after your wedding is over.

Potted Daffodil Wedding Favors: The Knot

Choose Favors That Guests Actually Want

Things like keychains and drink koozies are likely to end up in the trash. The best eco-friendly wedding favors are favors that your guests actually want.

A few of our favorite ideas include:

• Live potted plants
• Homemade treats
• Late night reception snacks
• Useful items, like water bottles

Bride Holding Takeout Box with a Burger and Fries: Pure Wow

Have a Plan For Leftovers

Leftover food is common after a wedding. Have a plan for leftovers so they don’t end up in the garbage.

Ask your caterer if they have takeout containers they can fill with leftovers. You can send guests home with leftovers or eat them for dinner the next day. Some caterers are also willing to donate leftovers to shelters. Just make sure you organize this option with them ahead of time.

Woman Unloading a Trunk Full of Wedding Flowers: Team Flower Education

Sell or Donate Items After Your Wedding

Selling items after your wedding is an obvious option, but selling things is time consuming. There’s also no guarantee that you will actually be able to sell your stuff.

On the other hand, you can donate almost anything. Everything from décor to dresses can be donated to local thrift stores and charitable foundations. You can even donate your flowers to hospitals and retirement communities!

Choosing a different type of invitation and skipping paper plates may not seem like a big deal, but it all adds up. Whether you try all or just some of the ideas on this list, you can feel good about doing your part to lessen your impact on the environment.