Striving for a more sustainable wedding? Try these tips!

We know there is a lot that goes into planning your special day, so we’ve put together a list of sustainability tips that can make planning easier on you, and the environment!

Invitations

• Look into using an electronic invitation for all of your invitation needs. This cuts down on paper and will streamline your RSVP process.
• If you are a stationary lover, consider getting your invitations printed on recyclable or seed paper, so your guests can give your invitations another life.

Vendors

• Check in with your caterers or food service providers to see if they have a food waste protocol. Some questions to ask: What do they do with uneaten meals? Are they able to donate excess meals or offer leftovers to their staff? Do they compost any of their food waste?
• If you are using a caterer and deciding between plated meals versus a buffet, there is typically less food waste with plated meals, as all the meals are planned according to headcount.
• Having a destination wedding? Instead of shipping your favorite wine, beer or other items, use vendors that are local to your venue. This gives back to the community and reduces your carbon footprint.
• When it comes to tableware, glassware, linens or a wedding arch/canopy, consider using rentals! Many companies offer an array of selections that you essentially borrow for the day.

Decor

• Are you having a smaller wedding and thinking of DIY-ing it? Consider creating your table settings with thrifted plates, utensils, glassware and vases. This can create an eclectic and unique wedding experience — and guests can even take home their glassware as a party favor!
• Aim to purchase any wedding decorations you need secondhand. If that’s not possible, after your wedding weekend, look into donating any supplies to local organizations in need.

Flowers

• Choose a florist that is local to your wedding venue. This encourages seasonal flower arrangements, reduces transportation costs, and supports local flower farms.
• If you are planning to leave behind any unwanted flowers, investigate businesses that can organize flower donations for you. They will deliver flower arrangements to local hospitals or nursing homes, giving them a second life!
• Are you looking for alternatives to fresh flowers? Consider renting or buying silk flower arrangements, which add the same pop of color without all the fuss.
• Ask your florists to prepare your flower arrangements without flower foam.

Wedding Party

• Encourage the bridal party to rent their clothing, whether that’s a suit or a bridesmaid dress, or buy secondhand if possible.
• After the wedding, bridesmaids can consider donating their dresses to a local prom dress drive or consignment shop specializing in gowns.
• If your dream dress is a vintage or thrifted find, make it new by tailoring it to match your style!

Guests

• Reduce the amount of paper (and printing costs) at your wedding by using a seating chart instead of individual place cards.
• Get creative and consider skipping the single-use wedding favors by opting for something local and useful like a jar of honey, seed pods or handmade soap. Or, skip the gift completely!

WasteNaut Consulting is a woman-owned businesses located in Newport, R.I., with a mission of empowering communities to make decisions that directly have a positive impact on local environments. We work with individuals, businesses, municipalities, schools and nonprofit organizations looking to establish and implement comprehensive sustainability protocols, with an emphasis on accountability. Our approaches are rooted in systems-thinking, advocacy and environmental behavior change techniques. Learn more at www.wastenautri.com or follow us @wastenautri!