Hi friends! Allow us to introduce you to our new eco club member, ethical brand Valani! VALANI designs beautiful, flirty and romantic clothing for women who want a wardrobe that’s also sustainable and ethically made. Many of Valani’s pieces also make great bridesmaid dresses! Today, Valani owner Vanni is here sharing her tips on how to make your wedding more sustainable!
We all know that planning a wedding is one of the most stressful things to do in life. As beautiful as this occasion is, it can also be expensive, time consuming and wasteful. When we add eco-friendly to the mix, you might think it’s going to cost more, but it doesn’t have to be! Here are some sustainable wedding planning tips to lighten the stress on the planet and your wallet:
Weddings are all about the outdoors this year. Backyard weddings are trending hard for a few reasons:
It’s best to be outdoors for the ventilation and ability to spread guests 6 feet apart.
Venues are high in demand and limited in slots this year due to the pandemic.
It’s one of the most affordable and easily available options.
Also consider parks or community centers if your backyard is limited in space.
Go with digital invitations. Save paper and skip the printed save the date cards, change the date cards, and RSVP cards. The cost of printing each card and postage adds up fast. No need to obsess over designing an elaborate hard copy invitation when most guests will throw it away after they save the info in their calendars.
Setup a wedding website. There are so many free options. Here’s where you can share your amazing love story, important details and FAQs. Guests can RSVP and let you know of any special diet requests. You can easily keep track of who has or hasn’t RSVP yet. So easy!
Skip the single use cards. This includes programs and menu cards. Honestly, these are just left on the table or chair for you to collect later. It’s quite wasteful! Try reusable signage like chalkboards on an easel or include this info on the wedding website.
Get creative with place cards. Be creative and use natural, biodegradable options. Paint or write names on leaves or rocks. Or use recycled paper to print ONE large sign—it’s cheaper than several small ones. Check out Pinterest for inspiration—the possibilities are endless.
Ditch the balloons. These single use decorations are horrible for the environment and wildlife. While some balloons can be 100% latex and be biodegradable, if released to into the air, it can create problems for wildlife and the environment (digestion, entanglement and pollution). Unfortunately, most balloons end up in the landfill or waterways. For pops of color, try using colored tissue paper to make puffs or flowers. It’s biodegradable, inexpensive and recycled tissue paper options are easily available.
Rent or buy used wedding décor. Plates, tableware, linens, chair covers and napkins can all be rented. Some florists, caterers, event planners offer this. You might even be able to save a bit if it’s a package deal. Wedding items lose their value quickly—don’t just assume you can buy something new and easily sell it after the big day!
Upcycled Décor. Upcycled wine bottles, glass jars, tin cans to create centerpieces. These may sound too simple, but let your creativity run wild and you might be surprised. A little bit of paint, fabric and twine can easily dress up these common items into beautiful, unique décor. Look into Pinterest for inspiration.
Use plant-based candles for ambiance. Set the mood for romance with candles—they also look great on camera. Plant based candles are biodegradable, burn clean and soot free. Most importantly, it’s better for you and the environment as it doesn’t release toxic carcinogens into the air.
Use live, potted plants instead of cut flowers for centerpieces and decorations. At the end of the day, these live plants will be repurposed at home or gifted to guests. I love potted plants—it’s symbolic like watching your love grow.
DIY Flowers. If you’re on a budget or want to keep your wedding as eco-friendly as possible, skip the florist and keep things simple. Grab a few bunches of blooms from your local market. Ask a creative friend to help. This post on sustainable DIY flowers has a few tips!
Confetti. Avoid plastic or foil confetti as it’s not biodegradable, not to mention what a nightmare it is to clean up. Natural elements like dried flowers, real flowers from your garden, and leaves work beautifully!
Ditch the floral foam. It’s the green squishy sponge commonly used inside of floral arrangements. It’s made of microplastics, toxic chemicals and does not biodegrade. 1 block of foam is equal to 10 plastic shopping bags. Instead, try using pebbles, sand, gravel, clay, or marbles inside of vases or bottles.
Smaller guest list. Thanks to the pandemic, it’s not easier than ever to keep a guest list intimate. Don’t invite people because you feel obligated. Ask yourself, will I be in contact with this person in 1 or 2 years?
This means less resources used, less money spent, and it’s less risky with the unpredictable COVID regulations.
Green your party favors. Avoid printing or engraving the specifics of your wedding onto the gift. No one really wants a cup with your wedding details on it. Favors can be a thoughtful ‘thank you’ to guests, but if it’s not something they actually want, it ends up in the trash or collecting dust. Some ideas:
Packets of flower or vegetables seeds
Packets of bird seeds or bird seed feeders
Mini potted plants—succulents are easy to take care of!
A tree sapling to plant
Palm-oil free soaps wrapped in paper or twine, instead of plastic
Edible treats—make sure the packaging is biodegradable or low waste!
Let your bridal party choose their dresses! Pick a color and length or color palette. That way, she can use one she already has, rent one or even purchase a sustainable bridesmaid dress for the occasion (and beyond). She’ll actually wear these more than once and alterations may not be needed! Same goes for shoes and accessories.
Sokha Banana Midi Dress by Valani.
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