Got Engaged for Christmas? Congratulations!

In today’s world full of climate change concerns, everyone is trying to do their part and your wedding doesn’t have to be an exception. If you are looking for ways to be a bit more environmentally kind, try incorporating some of these ideas into your plans.

RECONSIDER THAT BESPOKE DRESS OR NEW TUX

It’s your big day and you want a big dress or a tailored tux, but does it necessarily have to be brand new? There are hundreds of secondhand dresses and tuxes to be found in charity, vintage, and consignments shops or for sale by individuals who only wore them one time.

You can purchase one for considerably less cost and have it tailored to perfection. Do you really want to spend thousands of dollars for an outfit you’ll wear once and then hang in your closet? Not only will you save money, but you can give it back to charity or sell it to recoup your costs, all while being environmentally conscious.

DITCH THE TABLE FAVORS

Avoid the scattered plastic jewels or confetti and the packaging they come in. Keep your table clean and use the cash you saved to donate to an environmental charity, if you wish. You can add a note to the place cards to let your guests know you’ve opted for a donation over design. Don’t want a plain table? How about adding a small green plant or colorful herbs that you or guests can take home and replant or use?

SKIP THE FORMAL PAPER INVITATIONS

Utilize modern technology and send your wedding invitations online. Not only is this environmentally friendly, but it will also make it easier to keep up with what guests have received and accepted your invitation. If you prefer to stick with old-fashioned paper invites, look for recycled card stock and include a note urging the recipient to recycle.

DON’T HAVE A COW

Serving your guests vegan fare solves so many problems. You don’t have to worry about providing separate meals for those who abstain from eating meat. It can be less costly with the right choices. You’ll save the lives of a few animals. If you’re not a vegan yourself, you can employ a catering company with the skills to make your meal a success.

JUST SAY NO TO PLASTIC STRAWS

It’s not likely that you’ll be using a lot of straws at a formal event, but if your guests require one, try offering paper straws instead of plastic. Not only is this option more environmentally sound, but it also gives you lots of options to make use of fun prints or signature wedding colors.

DON’T KILL YOUR FLOWERS

Instead of cut flowers, use live plants. Decorate with running vines like ivy and flowering plants in the colors you prefer. After the wedding, you can take them home and plant them in your garden or give them to your wedding party, friends, and family. You may even be able to find someone who will loan you the plants and allow you to return them when you’re done. For your wedding bouquet, consider one made of alternate materials like repurposed pearls and lace or vintage broaches.

SOMETHING BORROWED DÉCOR

Why not rent your wedding decorations? There are a number of wedding rental companies that will loan you what you want for a fee. You might even want to skip the costs of a rental by simply using items you have at home or that you created from repurposed materials or borrowed from friends and family.

SKIP THE INDOOR VENUE

Why pay to have your wedding indoors when you can use the natural beauty of the environment to create a perfect wedding background? Get married on the beach and let the ocean provide all the decor you'll need. Exchange vows on a mountain overlooking the world below. Tie the knot beneath that old weeping willow on your uncle’s ranch. Keep the additional energy costs and decorations to a minimum and let Mother Nature provide for you.