With so many weddings happening each year and with the majority of them costing a significant amount of money, it can be easy for the wedding industry to offer quick, cheap decor choices for couples. While budget is one of the key factors in wedding planning, if you’re an eco-conscious couple, you’re probably on the hunt for the best eco-friendly wedding decor ideas for your big day. Not only does this make a difference for your wedding, but you never know who else you might inspire. Perhaps some of your friends are engaged, or one of your guests is planning a party – your choices can spark change in other lives too.
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Eco-Friendly Wedding Decor Ideas
Enjoy Candlelight Or Custom LEDs
If it’s an intimate, romantic atmosphere that you’re looking for, then look no further than beeswax candles. Skip the battery-powered fairy lights and opt instead for a large pillar candle or several smaller ones depending on the size of your tables. If you really want the addition of smaller lights, then choose rechargeable fairy lights as well.
In order to avoid setting off allergies or the air becoming too perfumed, choose a neutral or unscented candle. It’s also important to do your research and buy eco-friendly candles. Your best bet is to buy beeswax, or coconut wax if you’re vegan. Soy candles also exist, but there can be issues around deforestation within the creation process, so first check that the candle company operates sustainably. You can also make beeswax candles yourself – perhaps a pre-wedding date night or engagement party idea? Watching your diamond ring sparkle under the candlelight will surely get you excited for the big day if you’re not already.
Want something energy efficient and memorable for your wedding? How about a custom LED neon sign that you and your guests will never forget! LED neon lights have a lifespan of over 50,000 hours, making them extremely energy efficient and creating a custom LED neon wedding sign is a fun and memorable way to make your wedding stand out in an eco-friendly way.
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Recyclable Place Cards
While there are a lot of sustainable options when it comes to using paper place cards, why not choose an even more eco-friendly alternative?
For example, creating wooden place cards can be simple. Either find a supplier that offers sustainably-sourced wood, or if you fancy the DIY approach, why not go out and collect a log yourself if you live in the countryside? Using a saw from a hardware store, cut the wood into rounds. Then, let them dry (some may crack, but this is natural) and then write your guest’s name in permanent marker.
If you want to stick to cards but are looking for a quirky, eco-friendly option, then why not investigate plantable cards? These have seeds in the paper, so that your guests can take them home and grow a lasting memory well past your wedding day. Another beautiful, eco-friendly option are hand written pieces of sea glass with your guests’ names on them – what a stunning eco-friendly keepsake!
Choose Balloon Alternatives
Traditional balloons are made of latex or foil. While latex does biodegrade, it takes a long time, and foil takes even longer. Any escaped balloons can also confuse wildlife, as the bright colours may be mistaken for food or plants. When ingested, the rubber gets stuck in the animal’s stomach and causes them to starve. Most people choose balloons to add a pop of colour to their big day, but there are plenty of decorations that work just as well and don’t pose a threat to the environment. If you’re looking for a balloon shape indoors, why not use rice paper lanterns? They are biodegradable, and a lot easier to tie up where you need them.
If you’re after an outdoor alternative, try making fabric bunting, or use coloured ribbons on sticks for centrepieces, which your guests can wave. Not only will they look great in the photos, but you can keep them as a memento of your perfect day. Flowers made of recyclable paper are also a gorgeous option!
Enjoy An Outdoor Wedding
Getting married outdoors is a great way to enjoy the natural decor of your setting while reducing energy usage and waste. Consider a gorgeous country farm, romantic vineyard, a warm, sandy beach or a lush forest for your eco-friendly wedding decor – what could be better? In the evening, an outdoor setting will be a great way to enjoy your candlelight and will make for great photos. For many outdoor venues, a portion of the venue fee will be used to maintain the grounds or support the surrounding wildlife.
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Potted Plants and Florals
Consider potted florals for your table decor and centrepieces. Potted plants or herbs can easily be transported and planted at home by your guests to avoid waste. Working with a florist that practices sustainability in their arrangements will also make selecting floral decor more eco-friendly for your wedding.
Flower Petals Instead of Confetti
It’s tradition to throw confetti at the bride and groom, but why not use flower petals instead? Petals are a more eco-friendly way to celebrate your marriage and a lot prettier too. Arrange your petals of choice in paper bags or cones for your guests in advance and coordinate them with your theme colours.
Create A Keepsake Bouquet
Wedding bouquets are gorgeous but unfortunately don’t last long. Consider having a silk flower arrangement made that looks life-like and allows you to keep your wedding bouquet as a memento forever. You can also get an early preview of your bouquet well before the wedding to ensure it is exactly what you want (which is what I wish I had done, because my natural floral bouquet was totally wrong on my wedding day!).
What eco-friendly wedding decor will you be adding to your wedding?
