Sustainable Weddings: 10 Green Choices to Make

With the arrival of the warm season, we start talking about wedding ceremonies again. And the topic of sustainable marriageNot to follow a trend, but simply as a responsible choice. A wedding with the necessary sobriety, which obviously does not detract from the uniqueness of this celebration, without waste, or at least minimized, with an eye to the environment. A wedding that, for example, highlights local foods, products, and flowers, and eco-friendly locations, for which Italy is unbeatable.

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SUSTAINABLE WEDDING, IDEAS

There's no point in beating around the bush, a sustainable wedding allows you to limit the significant environmental impact of a traditional ceremony. green wedding It aims to minimize the effects that can be produced on the environment without sacrificing the beauty and elegance that characterize the wedding day. Furthermore, it can be an opportunity to save money, reduce the stress of organizing and create a unique and memorable event. Even more intimate, if you like. Here are some tips on how to organize a successful sustainable wedding.

LOCATION

For the location Choose a location close to the ceremony location, so it'll be easier to get around, perhaps even on foot, taking a short stroll. Otherwise, use bicycles, hybrid cars, or even public transportation if you're feeling adventurous. Ideally, choose an environmentally friendly location that offers eco-friendly options like solar power,rain water collected and reused, energy-efficient lighting, and so on.

CATERING

Lunch or dinner should be zero km, that is, provide local, fresh and absolutely seasonal products and drinks, preferably on tap, to avoid the accumulation of glass and plastic. Limit the food waste and drinks by choosing a sustainable menuOffer moderate portions and opt for larger bottles of wine instead of individual bottles. Also, use reusable or compostable plates and glasses wherever possible.

INVITATIONS

If you invitations If wedding invitations seem like a huge waste of paper, you can opt for recycled paper, using what you have at home, such as cardstock (even colored), white sheets of paper to personalize with writing and decorations, painted or adhesive. If it is true that etiquette dictates the participationAnd if you don't like waste, you might prefer the option sent via email, which will also save you time. For organic lovers, there are commercially available invitations made of plantable paper, which can be planted in the soil after you say "I do." This special paper can be torn into pieces and planted in the garden or in a pot filled with soil. 

Photo Credit | Facebook Wedding Favors

BOMBONIERE

If you want some bomboniere To fully reflect your desire for eco-sustainability, make them with organic food products typical of your area: jars of jam (which you can also make yourself, with seasonal fruit), jars of honey, oil, pasta, and much more. A fun idea is to make soaps or candles, made of soy or beeswax, to make for friends and family. A unique idea is to make a spice bag as a wedding favor, or even plant seeds and bulbs, a symbol of love and birth. 

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WEDDING DRESS

The bride is the protagonist of the day and it is right that she wants to wear a abito That makes her feel like the center of attention. Rather than spending exorbitant amounts on a dress from a boutique, you can opt to have your mother's dress transformed. Another economical solution could be renting used clothing. Some people also purchase "green" fabrics and have a custom-made dress made; or they purchase dresses, and even accessories, that aren't just for the wedding day but can also be worn afterward.

BOUQUETS AND FLORAL DECORATIONS 

As far as the floral decorations, choose a local florist, organic produce, and seasonal flowers, so as not to force the rhythms of nature and perhaps have to wait for flowers imported from far away and therefore cost much more. Simple floral arrangements that rely on wildflowers, but also on fruit, vegetables, spices, and medicinal plants, are beautiful. bouquet It is a must for the bride, and this can also become environmentally sustainable If made with wildflowers or seasonal flowers, which is simple and cheaper, or if made with creative recycling, with paper or fabric flowers. If you're handy, you can make your own bouquet using whatever you have at home, like paper, polymer clay, and Velcro. Fake flowers can also be made with paper. 

RICE THROWING

Il rice throwing It's one of the highlights of every wedding, but that doesn't mean it doesn't cause a lot of waste of this food, which, once thrown, is never recovered. If you want to ignore it, take some sheets of old books or newspapers (even sheet music, if you have them), fold them into a cone and fill them with rice or flower petals (even fabric ones, artfully cut, or small confetti, made by cutting up pieces of newspaper) and throw them as the newlyweds exit the church. But remember that the traditional throwing of the rice, you could always prefer soap bubbles, ethereal and with zero environmental impact.

Photo Credit | Facebook Irene Coco

WEDDING TABLE SIGNS AND PLACE CARDS

The wedding seating plan is essential for maintaining order at the table. If you're a nature lover, opt for seating plans and place cards made with pots of aromatic herbs or succulents, each with the guest's name. Or for some scented chalksIf you're getting married in a garden, hang your eco-friendly table plan made of cardstock and hanging decorative motifs from tree branches for a truly visually striking effect. Alternatively, opt for Kraft paper bags, to which you've attached a card with the names of your guests and their assigned table, and arrange them inside fruit houses painted in the wedding colors. If you love music and have made it the theme of your wedding, use old, worn-out CDs, personalize them with the guests' names, and create your table plan. For a perfect eco-friendly centerpiece, finally, use some glass jars recycled ones in which you have placed water and candles for a romantic atmosphere, especially for an evening wedding.

PHOTO AND VIDEO

Opt for a photoshoot Exclusively digital, to avoid wasting paper and, above all, to reduce costs. Choose to print only a few significant images of the day, to hang in your home or to give to friends. If you don't want to give up classic photos, ask a friend who loves photography to immortalize the various moments of the day and then select the best ones for you.

GIFTS

Replace gifts with donations to charity. If you really can't give up gifts, make a wedding registry at a local store, so you don't force friends and relatives to travel far to buy you a gift. Ideas for eco-friendly wedding gifts They are cooking classes, wine tastings to do in the cellars or even a nice organized excursion. 

By following these tips, you can plan a sustainable wedding that's unique and memorable, without sacrificing the uniqueness of one of the most beautiful days of your life. One last note concerns the honeymoon, which can be included in the project of a green wedding well studied. Opt for sustainable destinations and eco-friendly activities such as trekking, rafting or cycling excursions. 

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS TOPIC, READ ALSO:

• How to Save a Marriage and Make It Last
• A supportive and generous wedding: how to organize it and who to help 
• Donating leftover food from the reception, when the wedding is a celebration for everyone