From Vows to Values - How to Help Couples Put an Eco-Twist on Their Wedding
Image Credit: Meghan Hemstra
Any planner will know that weddings should always be a reflection of our couples - who they are, their unique personalities, what they care about most, and even the story of how they came together. But, as sustainable event planners, we need to go the extra mile and dial their big day into their eco-values!
To help you figure out what matters most, we’ve shared our top tips for how to have important conversations with your couple, which will help identify their eco values and allow you to focus on making them a part of their special day.
#1 - Focus on the Top-Tier Priorities
As a seasoned Wedding Planner, our founder, Natasha of Clearwater Events, likes to keep her eyes on the biggest priorities - the non-negotiables that will make a couple’s dream wedding come true.
“I like to start by learning more about my couple’s priorities - things about their wedding that are most important to them. This could be a jaw-dropping venue, divine food, elaborate decor, the buzzing dance party, or maybe the overall guest experience.”
“I like to dig deep into those priorities by talking about what they’ve loved seeing at past weddings they’ve attended, as well as things they’ve disliked or felt were not for them. With these details in mind, I now have a compass to help guide the remainder of the planning process.” - Natasha, Clearwater Events
#2 - Introduce an Eco-Values Framework
As you talk with couples about their priorities, you can start to weave in discussions around sustainability and eco-touches that will enhance what they care about most.
Natasha suggests providing them with some guiding questions during a kick-off call. Then, you can all use these throughout the planning process.
What is the effect of a particular idea/choice on the environment?
How much waste will be produced by this choice?
Can I reuse, recycle, repurpose, or resell this item after my wedding day?
Is there a more eco-friendly alternative for this purchase/service?
#3 - Apply the Eco-Values Framework to all Areas of the Event
For example, you can apply these simple questions to all-aspects of planning.
Catering:
Would they consider swapping some/all meat-based dishes for greener proteins, or even plant-based options?
Work with their caterer to create a unique menu with locally-sourced, seasonal produce, and consider opting for set menus vs. buffet style.
If there are leftovers, where is that food going? Is it going home with you (the couple) or a family member? Is the caterer composting that for you?
Image Credit: Trish Chiasson
Stationery - Are you a paper-loving, stationery geek like me?
Let’s think about the kind of paper that we’re using, and perhaps try incorporating some of the beautiful alternatives out there! Our favourites include seed plantable paper, cotton, and hemp options.
Consider choosing a local artisan supplier, who offers an in-person consultation. You’ll get a high-end experience and save on having to ship samples, proofs and the final stationery itself.
Better still, opt for a fully (or part) digital invitations and RSVPs. For inspiration, check out our recent blog post, with 3 reasons you’ll fall in love with digital invites.
Image Credit: Jen and Brian Photo & Film
Decor:
RENTALS! This is our number one stop for curating a beautiful, unique setting with high-end decorative pieces that you’re not paying the full price for. Get to know your local rental specialists and stay up to date with their latest catalogue of pieces.
If you can’t cover all bases with rentals, try thrifting and buying secondhand - in most parts of the world Facebook Marketplace is an eco-friendly (and budget-stretching) treasure trove for event decor.
Consider items that the venue can provide for your couples. From the big items like tables and chairs, to linens, centerpiece stands, and easels, you’ll be surprised by how much some venues have on hand.
Try to repurpose bought decor. Some couples get extra bang for their buck by gifting items to guests or keeping special decorative pieces. Whether it’s an elaborate table plan that can hang in their home after the wedding, or gifting floral table centrepieces to the bridal party - there’s so many fun ways to repurpose wedding decor.
One last tip - Try consolidating the number of decor/rental vendors that you’re sourcing from to avoid multiple delivery fees, as well as reducing the carbon footprint.
Image Credit: Farawayland Weddings
Florals:
On a similar note, florals are a great way to repurpose event decor. Whether it’s dried or artificial arrangements that live on as a treasured decor piece at home, or fresh florals that are gifts for guests or even donated to local senior's homes.
If fresh florals are a must-have, remember to ditch the foam! There are a number of eco-friendly options to choose instead.
Travel:
Reviewing guest travel options is a great way to reduce the overall carbon footprint of an event. Check out this blog post with 5 Tips for Eco-Friendly Wedding Travel.
Image Credit: Parkside Hotel
#4 - Bonus: Lean into a Couple’s Lifestyle when it Aligns with Eco-Values!
It’s possible to start this conversation with some key lifestyle traits, then by determining how they align with a couple’s eco values. You can then bring those values into as many parts of their wedding as possible.
For example, if your couple:
Is vegan - showcase a vegan food and drinks menu.
Loves vintage and thrifting - embrace this when sourcing decor and attire.
Are big outdoorsy types - focus on a venue with stunning natural surroundings that bring the wow factor in place of extravagant florals and decor. We shared some top tips in this IG post!
Follows a minimalist, low-waste, and eco-lifestyle - Embrace minimalism with low-waste planning - like set menus instead of buffets, no single-use items, and even ditch traditional favours for something experiential, or a donation to their favourite charity.
Image Credit: Mark Burnham Photography
Wow! Writing this post has got us super pumped and excited about our next wedding consultation! We hope you’re feeling inspired and excited to implement some of our tips into your business. Let us know what you found most valuable in the comments.
