Green Weddings: Personalized Items
Happy Earth Day!
Promoting sustainable, eco-friendly, and low-waste weddings & events is one of my goals for Kahani Events. I know that as an engaged couple, you want your wedding to be unique, photo worthy, unique, and beautiful. Eco-friendliness is usually something that goes out the window when planning a dream wedding for many reasons - budget, limited options available, or simply not being a priority - even for those who do their part in recycling, composting, and walks for climate change. I want to bring attention to some simple things you can keep in mind to make your wedding a little more eco-friendly and a little less wasteful.
Personalized items are my personal pet-peeve! We all have collections of mugs from various events or conferences we attend. I still have my graduation t-shirts from high school! But after the event is over, how many times will that item get used again? I tend to use my favorite non-branded mug on a daily basis, and the water bottle that has the lid I like, do you do the same? Most personalized items often go to the bottom of a junk drawer, or worse, simply get thrown away. But don't worry, you can still have personalized items at your wedding that people will be happy to use, just by being a bit more thoughtful. Here are some of my recommendations to reduce waste and still keep your event personal and unique.
So many options with compostables are available - they can provide a personal touch to your event.
Photo: Mariah Joy Photography
Instead of personalized disposable water bottles,
DO: A water station with with real glasses, or compostable cups for guests to utilize. Plus, you can add a flavor or garnish to the water that coordinates with your wedding (lemon, berries, mint, oranges). Remember to ask if your venue offers composting! Some people collect vintage glasses for use at tables,
Instead of personized glasses, mugs, or other favors,
DO: Personalized consumables. Soap, candles, candy, chocolate, tea, wine - all things your friends and family can use immediately - and personalizing a wrapper/label can be low waste or completely green. Seeds/plants are another idea!
Compostable packaging CAN tie into an elegant event!
Photo: Rachel Lahlum Photography
Minimalist packaging - less is more!
Photo: Rachel Lahlum Photography
Favorite consumables and packets of seeds.
Photo: Rachel Lahlum Photography
This couple didn’t ask their friends to buy outfits as their attendants, but instead asked them to wear anything in shades of pink, purple, and sunset colors.
Photo: Mariah Joy Photography
Instead of personalized robes, pajamas, tshirts,
DO: Ask your wedding party what they might use or what they have that is easy to coordinate. Buy items that speak to your theme, but are of a useable quality and sustainably made.
Instead of “Bride & Groom” designated items,
DO: Splurge on good quality, sustainable made items that fits your individual styles! Get that cute coffee mug set from a local artist to sip from on your day and every day after!
Instead of personalizing with your name and wedding date,
DO: Personalize with color, style, or design.
If you need assistance in planning your eco-friendly wedding, we offer consulting & vendor recommendations in addition to full-planning services.