If you are planning an eco-friendly wedding it is so easy to make the necessary changes to the plans so that you are not leaving a deeper footprint on the environment, but what about your guests? You cannot demand that they do everything in an eco-friendly way – you can ask nicely, but you cannot make them do it. What you can do is help them along a little!
Location, location, location!
When you are deciding on your wedding venue remember that the carbon footprint is ramped up not only by you travelling there and back, but your guests as well. At most weddings there are more guests than there are members of the wedding party so it makes sense environmentally to have the wedding at a location that is close to as many of the guests as possible. You can cut down on your travelling but by cutting down on travelling done by the guests.
Do them a favor!
Wedding favors are considered to be essential at weddings even though you could easily do without them. If you do feel that favors are something that your big day cannot do without, then you need to make sure that you are sending your guests away with something eco-friendly. Opt for something recyclable, or something that they can grow, such as wild flower seeds. Edible gifts are also a good idea – sugared almonds, hand-made chocolates or small cupcakes always go down great.
Turn them veggie!
Meat production has a higher impact on the environment than vegetable production, but you do not have to be a vegetarian to enjoy a vegetarian meal. You and your guests can enjoy a vegetarian meal that is eco-friendly. Consider a meal with a Mediterranean themes – there are so many Greek and Italian dishes that are vegetarian and delicious – your guests will be so busy enjoying the food that they won’t even notice that there is no meat.
Choosing eco-friendly gifts
It is normal these days to register before your wedding for gifts but you can do this in an eco-friendly way. Avoid some of the big retailers and add gifts from ethical sources. Go for something sustainable, eco-friendly or vintage to make a big difference to the usual kitchen implements and decorative items. What about donations to aid projects around the world? These can often be done in your name through a charity and it is a great alternative to a standard gift. This is an ideal option for those who have already set up home together and probably already have everything that they need.
You can also explain to your guests when you invite them to the wedding just how important it is that your day is as eco-friendly as possible. Why not ask them for suggestions to help to make it easier? See who can come up with the best idea and then let all your guests know the various things that they can do if they want to play their part in making your day environmentally-friendly.