AN ECO-FRIENDLY WEDDING IS ONE THAT strives to reduce negative impacts on the environment wherever possible. The Green Bride Guide states that the average wedding produces 400-600 pounds of garbage and 63 tons of CO2 for a 100-120 person wedding. With an estimated 2.5 million weddings per year, that is about 1 billion pounds of trash and as many emissions as approximately four people would produce in a year, in just one single day. That was back in 2008 – twelve years ago.
HOW CAN I HOST A SUSTAINABLE GREEN WEDDING (OR EVENT)?
- The first rule of planning any event is “HAVE FUN!”
- Draft up a plan and budget. Spend some quiet time to really outline what you’d like, what you envision, and how much you have to spend. A good outline and budget will help you endlessly as you move through the planning process.
- Determine what you can do sustainably and where. Review your entire event from the beginning to the end and ask yourself if and how you can incorporate more sustainable options.
- On your (print or digital) materials and on your website, let your guests know that you are hosting a green wedding and what to expect. There is nothing wrong with letting your guests know in advance that there will be three types of trash cans. They will probably thank you for it!
REMEMBER THE FOUR Rs
The less you put into the landfill the better.
- Reduce
- Reuse (when possible)
- Recycle
- We’ve added Rent! Try not to use single-use disposables. Try not to purchase new items that you’ll only use once. DO rent china, flatware, and linens. DO rent the vases, etc. from your florist.
VENDOR QUICK TIPS
Here are a couple of quick tips and suggestions organized by vendor that you could use as you plan.
Invitations & Communication
- Are you comfortable with these being digital? From traditional to modern, Green Envelope has hundreds of invitation options and the site can help you track RSVPs.
- Could you use old postcards? These are a wonderful option for a save the date mailing.
- Want a traditional invitation? Hire a printer, like Murray Print Shop that uses soy ink and wind power, and use paper with 100% post-consumer content.
- Create an invitation on paper that can be planted! Botanical Paperworks and Forever Fiances covers it all: invitation, menus, place cards, and much more!
- On your (print or digital) materials and on your website, let your guests know that you are hosting a green wedding and what to expect. There is nothing wrong with letting your guests know in advance that there will be three types of trash cans. They will probably thank you for it!
Venue
- Hire a venue that has a well-planned and labeled recycling and composting program.
- Host your ceremony and reception at the same location.
- Check to see if the venue uses solar power or another form of renewable energy.
- Buy wind credits for your event, if your venue doesn’t already invest in the Ameren Pure Power Program. Pure Power funds are used to purchase Green-e Energy Certified® RECs from regional wind energy and other renewable generation facilities.
- As electric cars become more attainable, venues are installing recharging stations. Third Degree Glass Factory and the Moonrise Hotel offers recharging stations.
Food and Beverages
- Food and beverages typically are the biggest part of the wedding budget. Here is really where a couple can make a difference.
- Try to use locally-sourced products as much as possible. Pick a menu using ingredients that are in season.
- Find a caterer such as Seed, Sprout, Spoon that understands sustainability.
- Ask your caterer if they will compost. Most are already composting- you would be surprised! Make sure your caterer is on board with sustainability.
- Organic is nice… and expensive. Be prepared to spend.
- Missouri has a number of great local wines, and we all know that Saint Louis has the best beer!
- Serving only vegetarian/vegan fare is extreme, however, it is the most sustainable thing you can do when hosting a green wedding.
- Rent your plates, glassware, and flatware. Aries Rental Company has a fantastic sustainability program. In addition, they have hundreds of options to choose from.
Travel & Accommodations
- Rent or use an electric car! Best Transportation has additional sustainable options.
- Make sure your hotel offers in-room recycling that is clearly labeled.
- Book your stay a “green hotel” such as the Moonrise Hotel, which uses solar panels to power its top three floors.
Favors & The Registry
- Try not to pick something that will go in the trash.
- Book a food truck and offer a late-night snack as a favor.
- Ask guests to donate to your favorite charity in your honor.
- Register at local businesses. You would be shocked at how many can accommodate a registry.
- Only use flowers that are in season.
- Don’t use flowers at all.
Considering a “green” wedding? Third Degree Glass Factory can help! Event Director Rachel McCalla is an experienced “green” event planner. Former clients include the United States Green Building Council, STLGREEN.COM, and The Earthways Center- a Division of the Missouri Botanical Gardens.
Thank you, Rachel McCalla from Third Degree Glass Factory, for contributing this story.
