7 Ways to Make Your Wedding Eco-Friendly

In an era where sustainability takes center stage in our daily lives, it's no surprise that eco-friendly weddings are gaining popularity among couples who wish to celebrate their love without leaving a heavy footprint on the planet. From invitations made of recycled paper to locally sourced organic menus and decorations that embrace the beauty of nature, there are countless ways to say "I do" in harmony with the earth. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or simply looking to make more sustainable choices, join us as we explore how to weave eco-friendly practices into every aspect of your wedding day, creating a celebration that's not only memorable but also kind to our planet.

Collaborate with Environmentally Conscious Vendors

Look for vendors who share your passion for the Earth. Check their website for any mention of sustainable practices, and if not, don't hesitate to inquire.
Opt for vendors and a venue that:
- Compost (like florists who compost flowers and caterers who compost leftovers).
- Operate locally (less travel means a smaller carbon footprint).
- Use eco-friendly materials (such as florists avoiding floral foam).

2. Select a Registry that Reflects Your Values

Be mindful when adding items to your registry to ensure they align with your eco-friendly lifestyle.
Consider using a platform like Everlastly, a wedding registry site that features a curated selection of sustainable products for easy registry creation.

3. Opt for Recycled Paper Invitations or Digital Alternatives

Many couples are choosing to send save-the-dates that direct guests to their wedding website, reducing paper waste.

4. Embrace Renting Over Buying

Instead of purchasing new wedding items, explore renting decor, attire, or accessories to minimize environmental impact.
Think of all of the couples that are purchasing items from Amazon for their wedding— consider all of the gas that is emitted to ship these items to you (and thousands of others) and all of the wasteful packaging.
Inquire with your florist about rental options before making any buying decisions.

5. Prioritize Plant-Based Menu Options

Look for caterers or venues that offer plant-based dishes, like Bear Brook Valley with its wide range of vegan and vegetarian selections.

6. Eco-Friendly Wedding Favors

Select wedding favors that guests will use or consume, such as food, candy, or coffee, to avoid waste.
Alternatively, consider skipping traditional favors and making a charitable donation aligned with your values.

Bear Brook Valley’s Sustainability Pledge

We continue to eliminate plastic products every year, including plastic straws and to-go containers for late night stations.
We require guest entrée counts before weddings to eliminate food waste.
When possible, we donate leftover flowers to local nursing homes.
We support local distilleries, breweries and farms by ordering local when we can. For example, we source our Cider & Donuts from Tranquility Farms in Green Township, NJ.
With the help of modern technology, we’ve created digital forms for our clients to sign contracts, access wedding details and fill out forms online. We’ve also eliminated print advertising.
We’ve eliminated non-biodegradable Styrofoam.