When couples today begin planning their weddings, they have to consider all of the typical matters, like the size of the guest list, the color scheme, and the location, but for many modern couples, the concerns don’t stop there.
Rather, in addition to these issues, a growing number of couples are turning their attention to the sustainability of their weddings, and that can come with real challenges. It’s also been the impetus for the creation of a new and growing marketplace.
Recycled Rings
One of the first moments when couples have to consider the ecological impact of their eventual vows is when they get engaged – specifically when choosing an engagement ring. In such cases, it’s no longer a choice between traditional gold and white gold, or maybe a platinum ring, but rather between a new ring and a recycled one, a second-hand, or a lab-grown gem.
In fact, even many couples who otherwise don’t look for sustainable options for their ceremony and reception feel strongly enough about issues like gold and diamond mining that they object to many mass market rings.
Keep It Close
People are totally over destination weddings these days, especially young people who can’t afford to travel regularly for their friends’ nuptials. That being said, many people live far from their family and friends, so there’s rarely a location that will work for everyone.
Even with that in mind, though, it’s important to consider how far people will have to travel for your wedding. Ideally, you’ll be able to find a central location that will minimize the total amount of travel your guests will have to undertake, even if it’s not perfectly convenient.
Secondhand Strategies
Secondhand markets are beneficial both for couples planning their weddings and for those whose celebration is done. These markets make it possible for couples to borrow or buy items like centerpieces that have been used a few times before, as well as to sell wedding dresses, placecard holders, tablecloths, and other items they won’t use again.
Choose No-Fuss Flowers
Most people don’t realize this, but flowers are actually one of the more high-waste items you’ll find at a wedding ceremony. That’s because, often, the most popular flowers are out of season or don’t even grow locally – and that’s something sustainably minded couples can’t stand for. Rather than popular but impractical flowers for the occasion, choose local, seasonal blooms and donate them to a charitable group, hospital, or nursing home after the celebration.
Keep It Simple
While there are a lot of different things you can do to minimize the environmental impact of your wedding, often the best thing you can do is to keep things simple. So many weddings today are expensive because they’re designed to keep up with the social media vision of what the celebration should be.
In reality, though, your wedding will still be one of the best days of your life, even if you don’t have the biggest hall or the fanciest wedding on the beach. As long as you’re gathered with your friends and family, at the end of the day, none of that will matter.
