Green Weddings Are For Everyone

It’s the little things that count: This couple was able to give sustainable favors to their guests. Photo courtesy of christytylerphotography.com

I run into a misconception sometimes:  Green weddings are an East (or West) Coast fad for fashionable rich people who can afford to be sustainable.  Nothing could be further from the truth!  Far from being a fad or a lifestyle choice for the well-to-do, eco-friendly weddings and celebrations are an easy choice for everyone.

I think when people think of being environmentally conscious, they automatically assume the need for organic food and flowers–and we know that organic is going to be more expensive than conventional.  On the other hand, I would say that while organics are one possibility at your celebration, it is probably more important to make sure that there is a minimum of food waste, and that might actually save you money.

The thing about sustainability is that it often means doing less, rather than spending more.  Maybe you will decide to skip buying favors for your guests, for example.  That means less shipping and less overall waste, and it is less expensive.  Perhaps you will opt for a venue that needs no decoration so you don’t have to put money into decor that just gets thrown out.   Or, if you have decor left over, you can get it into the hands of someone who will re-use it.  That might make you money, or, at least, will cost you nothing but time.  And it is very eco-friendly!

The important thing to remember is that perfectly green solutions don’t exist.  No one is insisting that if you have an environmentally friendly wedding that it has to be perfectly so.  Frankly, I don’t think that any kind of standard of perfection ought to be applied to weddings, including how sustainable they are.  If you want an eco-friendly wedding, do what you can with the time and money you have available.  Every little bit helps.

And if you are expecting to hire a planner or day-of coordinator, you might as well hire one who can help you green your wedding.  That doesn’t cost any more than any other kind of planner!