Your wedding day is a celebration of love, but it can also be an opportunity to show love for the planet. Sustainable weddings are becoming increasingly popular as couples seek to minimize their environmental impact and create an eco-friendly celebration. From reducing waste to sourcing local products, there are many ways to make your special day greener. Here are ten tips to help you host a sustainable wedding that aligns with your values and leaves a positive impact on the environment.

Maine sustainable wedding in bar Harbor Maine, while guests sit around a long table — Maine wedding dinner on film - documented during an outdoor wedding at Sweet Pea's Farm

1. Choose an Eco-Conscious Venue

Start by selecting a venue that aligns with your sustainability goals. Outdoor locations like gardens, farms, or nature reserves are often more eco-friendly, as they reduce the need for artificial lighting and heating. If you prefer an indoor venue, look for one that prioritizes sustainability, such as a LEED-certified building or a space that uses renewable energy sources. Some venues even offer green wedding packages that include eco-friendly practices.

For a venue that provides indoor/outdoor options I recommend Maple Hill Farm in Hallowell Maine. The bed and breakfast was awarded the first-ever Green Lodging Inn Certification from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection in 2005. Maple Hill Farm has prevented more than 22,572 pounds of carbon from being released into the atmosphere since the inn began measuring its alternative energy production in October 2007

2. Minimize Travel Impact

Transportation is a significant source of carbon emissions at weddings. To reduce your event's carbon footprint, choose a venue that’s close to most of your guests or arrange for group transportation like buses or carpools. For a destination wedding, consider offsetting your carbon emissions by contributing to a reforestation project or another environmental initiative.

3. Embrace Ethical Fashion

When it comes to wedding attire, there are many sustainable options. Consider wearing a vintage or second-hand dress, or choose a gown made from eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, hemp, or recycled fabrics. You can also rent your dress or tuxedo to reduce waste, from a site such as Rent the Runway. For bridesmaids and groomsmen, allow them to wear something they already own or opt for versatile outfits they can use again. If you do choose to buy new, purchase from a brand that prioritizes environmental and social values, such as Reformation or Christy Dawn.

Maine wedding film photography during an ceremony on a farm

The bride wears a vintage Gunne Sax dress in this film portrait during a Maine wedding

The bride and groom kiss on a farm in Maine after their ceremony

4. Sustainable Invitations and Stationery

Traditional paper invitations contribute to deforestation and waste. Opt for digital invitations or choose recycled paper for printed ones. If you prefer physical invites, look for companies that use eco-friendly inks and offer carbon-neutral shipping. You can also consider plantable invitations that guests can bury in their gardens to grow wildflowers.

Consider replacing those paper invitations with a digital invite

5. Opt for Eco-Friendly Decor

When decorating your venue, think sustainably. Use natural elements like flowers, greenery, and wood, which can be composted or repurposed after the wedding. Avoid single-use items like plastic tableware and opt for reusable or biodegradable options instead. You can also rent decor items to reduce waste and support a circular economy. For lighting, choose energy-efficient LED bulbs or candles made from beeswax or soy.

6. Source Local and Organic Food

Food is a central part of any wedding, and sourcing it sustainably can make a big difference. Choose a caterer who prioritizes local, organic, and seasonal ingredients, which reduces the carbon footprint of transporting food and supports local farmers. If possible, opt for a plant-based or vegetarian menu, which has a lower environmental impact than meat-heavy dishes. Be mindful of food waste by offering smaller portions or donating leftovers to a local charity.

Source local and seasonal food for your guests

7. Reduce Waste with Eco-Conscious Favors

Wedding favors are a lovely way to thank your guests, but they often end up in the trash. Choose sustainable favors that your guests will actually use, such as reusable bags, plantable seed packets, or homemade jams. You can also make a donation to an environmental charity on behalf of your guests instead of giving physical favors.

8. Eco-Friendly Floral Arrangements

Flowers are beautiful, but they can also be wasteful if not sourced sustainably. Choose locally grown, organic flowers that are in season, which reduces the environmental impact of transportation and chemical use. After the wedding, donate your flowers to a local hospital or nursing home, or compost them to return nutrients to the earth. You can also incorporate potted plants or succulents into your decor, which guests can take home and keep alive.

9. Say No to Single-Use Plastics

Single-use plastics are a major environmental concern, and weddings are often filled with disposable items. Avoid plastic water bottles, straws, and utensils, and opt for reusable or compostable alternatives. Encourage guests to bring their own reusable water bottles or provide glassware for the event. If you’re serving drinks, choose kegs or large dispensers instead of individual bottles or cans.

Try to avoid single-use plastics - if you're doing a backyard wedding, you can even thrift glassware or ask to borrow from friends and family

10. Offset Your Carbon Footprint

Even with the best intentions, it’s hard to eliminate all environmental impact from a wedding. Consider offsetting your carbon footprint by investing in renewable energy projects or reforestation efforts. Some companies specialize in carbon offsets for weddings, allowing you to calculate your event's emissions and make a corresponding donation.

11. Support Sustainable Vendors

When choosing vendors for your wedding, prioritize those who share your eco-conscious values. Look for caterers, florists, and rental companies that use sustainable practices, such as sourcing local products, reducing waste, and minimizing energy use. By supporting green businesses, you contribute to a more sustainable economy and encourage other vendors to adopt eco-friendly practices.

A farm wedding featuring farm to table meals

12. Rent, Reuse, or Repurpose

Instead of purchasing items that will only be used once, consider renting or borrowing what you need. From tableware to furniture, many rental companies offer beautiful, high-quality items that reduce waste and the need for single-use products. For decorations, consider repurposing items you already own or borrowing from friends and family.

13. Eco-Friendly Confetti Alternatives

Traditional confetti can be harmful to the environment, especially if it’s made of plastic. Instead, choose eco-friendly alternatives like biodegradable confetti, dried flower petals, birdseed, or leaves. These options are not only better for the planet, but they also add a natural, rustic charm to your celebration.

14. Choose Sustainable Wedding Rings

Your wedding rings symbolize a lifelong commitment, so why not choose ones that reflect your values? Look for rings made from recycled metals or ethically sourced materials. You can also opt for vintage or second-hand rings, which reduce the demand for new mining and promote a circular economy.

Ask your family if they have a ring you could use, heirloom rings are sentimental and environmentally friendly

A sustainable wedding is more than just a trend—it’s a commitment to protecting the planet for future generations. By making eco-conscious choices, you can reduce your environmental impact and inspire others to do the same. Whether you incorporate all these tips or just a few, every effort counts in creating a wedding that’s as kind to the Earth as it is to your guests. Celebrate your love with sustainability in mind, and let your wedding be a beautiful example of how joy and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

Ten Tips For Hosting a Sustainable Wedding