5 Tips for a Sustainable Wedding
Embrace environmentally conscious wedding planning with these eco-friendly ideas. From digital invitations to second-hand wedding dresses, reduce your ecological footprint while creating a memorable celebration that’s kind to both Steamboat Springs and the planet.
1. Go digital. Many websites allow couples to create custom digital save-the-date and
wedding invitations, saving time, stress and money required to print and mail paper
invitations. Designing a custom wedding website complete with links for RSVPs and gift
registries is also an eco-friendly option. Still want to send physical invitations? Consider
printing them on seed paper, which will sprout into flowers when planted.
2. Choose a sustainable or pre-loved wedding dress. Many wedding dress designers can create stunning gowns
using sustainable materials and methods
of production. Secondhand dresses can also be found on websites like Etsy and Nearly Newlywed.
3. Rent dishes and utensils to avoid plastics. While single-use plastics may seem like less of a hassle, using them can produce a significant amount of unnecessary waste. Create a custom stainless steel pint glass for each guest to use at the reception and take home as a wedding favor.
(Photo courtesy of La Joya Dulce)
4. Opt for a local florist and caterer. Choosing local not only contributes to Steamboat’s economy, it also cuts down on the carbon footprint that comes from having flowers and food shipped to Routt County. Try Wild Hare Floral Company or Local Flavor Catering to round out
the reception.
(Photo courtesy of Wild Hare Floral Company)
5. Skip the rice and confetti. Although they certainly add an extra layer of beauty to end-of-ceremony photos, they can be tough to clean up and aren’t environmentally friendly, especially if the ceremony is outdoors. Instead, create individual bags for guests that are filled with compostable rose petals, dried flowers, feathers or even bubbles.
(Photo courtesy of La Joya Dulce)