Protecting the environment is important, and luckily, there are many ways that you and your fiancé can have your dream wedding be green as well. Follow our list of ideas on how to have a sustainable wedding to get started. Whether you incorporate one idea or all, you’ll be making a positive impact on the environment.

Print on Recycled Paper

Printing out save-the-date cards, wedding invitations, programs, menus, and thank you cards uses up a lot of paper. So that no trees are cut down in the process, it’s easier now than ever to use recycled paper or other alternative materials. Consider printing on seed paper, which sprouts into flowers or herbs when planted in soil. You can also find options for printing on upcycled fabrics, leather, and even wood.

Create an Eco-Friendly Registry

Let your guests join in by helping you stay committed to an environmentally conscious lifestyle even after your big day. You can list organic towels, fair trade home decor, sustainably-made furniture, and more. As they decide what to buy, this registry may even inspire them to buy some items for themselves. Or, if you have everything you could want, this is a great opportunity to have guests donate to a charity of your choice. This way, money will go toward supporting even more great causes, like feeding the homeless or educating children.

Have the Wedding Outdoors

Be at one with nature and tie the knot outdoors. Winery weddings add scenic backdrops; think of grapevines and rolling hills. They are the perfect combination of rustic and romantic. You’ll also have natural sunlight for beautiful photographs. Imagine staring off into the distance with your soulmate and strolling hand-in-hand through the vineyard. Spending time outdoors adds a special elegance to your photoshoot and creates lasting memories.

Avoid Single-Use Dishes and Utensils

When hosting large gatherings, people tend to choose disposable serving ware for convenience or out of habit. Yet, single-use plastics are considered the most wasteful of all the plastics produced, as they end up in oceans and landfills. Opting out of bringing single-use plates, napkins, and utensils is an easy switch to make. If you must have ones that can be thrown away, use biodegradable products. Otherwise, rent dishware and glassware to add more glam to your wedding day.

Skip the Confetti or Rice Toss

In the past, wedding guests would throw confetti or rice as a send-off to the newly married couple. This practice became less popular because it’s not very eco-friendly. Confetti, made of tiny bits of plastic, is harmful to animals, and throwing rice is seen as littering and wasting food. Instead, consider dried flowers or flower petals, lavender or other dried herbs, and leaves. Bubbles also look great during the day because they catch the light.

Donate Decor

Throwing away flowers, decorations, and leftovers after a wedding is a significant waste. After all, they can still bring people happiness! As the celebration comes to a close, send guests home with these items as an extra gift. Later on, donate decorations, like mirrors and lanterns, to a local thrift store. Also, send flowers to local hospitals and senior centers for workers, patients, and residents alike to enjoy.

Book Your Wedding at Chaumette

When searching for a sustainable wedding venue in Missouri, look no further than Chaumette Vineyards and Winery. We pride ourselves on being a one-stop shop for couples on their wedding day. Have all the high-quality linens, chairs, flatware, and china you need, the convenience of catering on the property with servers that make your guests feel welcome, and a day-of wedding coordinator to help put together the venue you always envisioned. Learn more or schedule a tour by calling us at (573) 747-1000 or emailing us at events@chaumette.com!