STORIES BY MANYAVAR & MOHEY
Lifestyle
Your Guide to Planning a Dreamy Eco-Friendly Wedding
Date 29 January 2025 Reading time: 7-10 mins
Shaadi ka season is upon us and wedding preps are in full swing! But amidst all the glittery lehengas, larger-than-life mandaps, and never-ending guest lists, have you thought about the impact of your big day on the environment? Let's make your once-in-a-lifetime celebration more earth-friendly.
We know what you're thinking - "Eco-friendly wedding? Sounds like a snooze fest!" But trust us, having a green wedding doesn't mean compromising on the masti and mazaa. With a few smart swaps and conscious choices, you can have a celebration that's as kind to the planet as it is memorable for you and your guests.
So, let's look at some sustainable wedding ideas and explore how you can say "I do" to sustainability!
Understanding the Importance of an Eco-Friendly Wedding
Before getting into the nitty-gritty of green practices and sustainable wedding gifts, let’s learn why it is important. Would opting for an eco-friendly wedding make any difference? Certainly! Be it selecting a venue with natural lighting to save a part of the power used, opting for reusable or recyclable decor items, or arranging for live food stalls instead of serving pre-cooked meals with high risk of wastage, each small step counts.
Why Choose a Green Wedding?
In the age of climate change, every choice you make matters, even on your wedding day. By opting for an eco-friendly wedding, you're not just reducing your carbon footprint but also setting a positive example for your guests.
A sustainable wedding is all about making environmentally conscious decisions that minimize waste, conserve resources, and support local businesses. It's a way to celebrate your love while showing some love to the planet too. Additionally, going green can often help you save some green! Many eco-friendly options, like seasonal flowers or rented decor, are easier on your wallet as well as the earth.
The Impact of Traditional Weddings on the Environment
Now, we don't mean to rain on your wedding parade, but it's time for some real talk.
The average Indian wedding generates a staggering amount of waste. From single-use plastics and discarded decor to food that ends up in the bin, it all sums up to around a whopping 200-250 kg of garbage. Add to that the carbon emissions from guests travelling far and wide, and the environmental toll starts to add up.
But here's the good news: By making mindful choices, and opting for some sustainable wedding ideas, you can significantly reduce the ecological impact of your big day. And no, it doesn't involve sacrificing style or sentiment. It's all about being creative, resourceful, and true to your values.
How to Plan an Eco-Friendly Wedding
Now that we have the “why” out of the way, let’s focus on the “how” of planning an eco-friendly wedding. Get your pen and paper, or the notes app, out and let’s dive right into it.
1. Choosing the Right Venue for Your Eco-Friendly Wedding
When it comes to a green wedding, location is everything! So opt for a venue that aligns with your eco-friendly ethos. Look for locations that prioritize green practices like renewable energy, waste reduction, and water conservation.
You can consider hosting your ceremony and reception outdoors to take advantage of natural light and minimize the need for energy-guzzling decor. A sun-kissed garden, a serene beach, or a beautiful venue with a lakeside view can provide a stunning backdrop for your nuptials.
Plus, there's something undeniably romantic about exchanging vows with your soulmate amidst the beauty of nature.
2. Green Wedding Options: Invitations, Decorations, and Gifts
Let's talk about the little details that make a big impact!
When it comes to invitations, reduce the paper trail and go digital. You can opt for sending physical invites to your elders, close friends, and special guests, while sending digital invites to the rest of your guest list. E-vites are not only environmentally friendly but also super convenient for your tech-savvy guests.
You can get creative with your physical invites as well. Opt for recycled paper or seed paper that can be planted after the big day. The beautiful symbolism there is an added bonus.
When it comes to decor, think reusable, recyclable, and biodegradable. Choose to rent items like linens, glassware, and furniture instead of buying new. You can also use potted plants or succulents instead of cut flowers for a decor element that will live on long after your wedding day. To add an extra earthy touch, tastefully incorporate natural materials like wood, jute, or coconut shells to the decor.
When it comes to presents, choose gifts that are meaningful as well as sustainable. Potted succulents, organic artisanal treats, or charitable donations in your guests' names are some thoughtful and sustainable wedding gift ideas that will make your presents memorable.
3. Sustainable Wedding Ideas: Catering and Menu
Food is the heart of any Indian wedding, there’s no denying that. But sadly, it's also a major source of waste. To manage that, include live counters to the feast where the food is prepared and served simultaneously. This will significantly reduce food waste as the remaining raw material can be used later or returned.
To take things a step further, consider offering more vegetarian and vegan options. This is because plant-based meals generally have a lower environmental impact. Also, instead of individual servings, you can go with family-style dining to minimize packaging waste.
4. Eco-Friendly Wedding Practices: Dress and Attire
Your wedding attire is a chance to make a fashion statement–and an eco-friendly one at that! Opt for wedding wear made from sustainable fabrics like organic cotton, bamboo, or linen. For that, you can specifically look for designers who prioritize ethical production and fair labour practices.
You can choose outfits that you can wear on future occasions, too, say for an anniversary celebration or the wedding of a loved one. And don't forget the power of versatile separates! A beautifully embroidered silk saree, banarasi saree, or cotton kurta can be re-worn for future occasions, making it a sustainable and stylish choice.
5. Reducing Waste at Your Wedding
One of the biggest sustainable wedding ideas is to minimize waste at every turn. Here are some tips to do so:
- Opt for reusable or rentable tableware instead of disposable options
- Provide water stations with glassware instead of plastic bottles
- Donate leftover food to local charities or compost it
- Use biodegradable or reusable decor elements
- Set up recycling stations for guest waste
- Choose digital options for wedding programs, menus, and signage
Be mindful of waste reduction. It will help lower the environmental impact of your big day and have an eco-friendly wedding that will stay in the hearts of your guests for years to come.
Making Your Big Day Green: A Step Towards a Sustainable Future
Planning an eco-friendly wedding is not about perfection–it's about progress. Every sustainable choice you make, no matter how small, is a step in the right direction.
By opting for a green celebration, you're not only reducing your environmental footprint but also inspiring others to do the same. You're showing that it's possible to have a wedding that's both memorable and mindful, stylish and sustainable.
And to help you make a change, we've got you covered for a wedding that's as green as it is gorgeous. Check out Manyavar and Mohey’s stunning collection of sustainable wedding wear including sarees, sherwanis, silk kurtas, men’s wedding wear, and more.
So here's to love, laughter, and a lifetime of sustainable happily-ever-afters!
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