Tips for an environmentally conscious wedding and reception

Written by Paula Lowe

Photography by Rachelle Erickson

 

1. Use recycled paper products for invitations, save-the-date cards, menus, place cards and other communications to guests.
2. Hold your wedding and reception in the same location (no transportation needed between venues).
3. Use real dishes and cutlery rather than disposables.
4. Use cloth tablecloths and napkins, and other linens that can be laundered.
5. Set outdoor events during daylight hours.
6. Use LED lights on tabletops. They give the illusion of candlelight but are reusable and safer.
7. Reuse flowers, bows and other decorations from the wedding at the reception.
8. Share flower vases or other reusable items with a friend who is having a wedding, reception or event on a different day.
9. If there is another wedding in the same venue earlier or later in the day, consider sharing flowers, bows and other decorations with the other wedding.
10. Give edible treats, seedlings in pots, native plants or charitable donations as favors.