Saying “I do” the sustainable way has never been more in than it is right now. Sustainable weddings have become the new way to say I love you partly due to the coronavirus pandamic and also as a result of what were already growing environmental concerns. At either rate, sustainable weddings not only show mutual love and respect between partners, they are a fab way to show appreciation for the planet.
Weddings are a one day event that can reek havoc on landfills. In fact, goingzerowaste.com reported that on average, weddings produce over 400 pounds of waste. From fashion and food to decor and favors the waste accumulated from this event that only last for a few hours is insane.
Recently, Etsy released its top seven predictions for the biggest wedding trends of 2020. Based on search data and insight from experts, at the heart of the list was sustainability. Also, The Knot released its annual list of wedding details to watch out for in 2020 and several implied a desire to tread lightly on the planet.
Thus, some eco-conscious trends that you can expect to see at weddings this year include the following:
Zero Waste Weddings
Zero waste weddings are the new fab! From proposals to the wedding day couples are finding ways to practice zero waste. More couples are on the look out for secondhand engagement rings and wedding bands or ones made using recycled metals. In fact, Etsy Trend Expert Dayna Isom Johnson says that Etsy searches for reused, recycled, or reclaimed wedding items went up 7 percent over the past six months (compared to the same time frame the year prior).
Other zero waste practices on the rise include:
- The use of donated and repurposed flowers from or to hospice and retirement homes. Others are using locally-sourced florals with foam-free installations.
- Brides are seeking out eco-friendly beauty product brands that have zero-waste initiatives.
- Couples are saying “no” to venues that don’t have a recycling or composting option.
- Venues that need minimal to no decor are getting more play.
- Leftover food is being donated.
- Plastic water bottles are being replaced with flavored filtered water stations.
Vintage Wedding Fashions
From dresses to wedding bands and engagement rings the buzz word these days is vintage. Many couples are opting for family heirlooms that hold more personal meaning and tell a deeper story. Besides that vintage items are a great way to give new life to something old.
Conscious Menu Choices
Veganism has become more mainstream, which makes it more likely that wedding planning will entail offering more inclusive menu options. One-sided traditional wedding reception menus are so 5 years ago. That’s why catering companies that can accommodate inclusive menu options are beginning to pop up and be the favorable choice. According to Fortune in an interview about the changing landscape of wedding menus, NYC’s Purslane Catering is said to be the first zero-waste and carbon-neutral catering company in the world.
Also, many are choosing real reusable flatware, dishes and glasses over plastic. Compostable dinnerware like bamboo and recycled paper are also becoming more attractive options.
Micro Weddings
COVID-19 has forced our hands at hosting way smaller weddings with only those who are deemed most essential in attendance. However, the silver lining to this is that it equates to less food and resources being used.
Eco-Friendly Invitations
Invitations made with recycled paper and soy based inks are also getting more play. Even better, many are opting for email invites to further reduce the carbon footprint in the manner of inviting guests.
Wellness Favors
In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, now more than ever wellness is big on everyone’s mind. Hence, you’ll likely see self-care packages including things like gemstones, handmade soaps, bath bombs, lotions, candles and more as a gesture of gratitude via favors. Some are going as far as consumable favors like salsa, olive oil, and homemade sauces.
Monetary Gifts
More couples are asking for money like e-gift cards instead of physical gifts. This avoids receiving a bunch of gifts that you don’t need and may likely become unnecessary waste.
Have you gone to a sustainable wedding? If unmarried, would you consider one for yourself?
