Planning an Eco-Friendly Wedding: 10 Tips for a Sustainable Celebration

Image by Olcay Ertem from Pixabay

The Sunshine Coast region hosts around 3,000 weddings each year. And why not when you consider the beautiful natural settings and accommodating climate our region offers.  It also makes sense that, in a world increasingly aware of environmental impact, hosting eco-friendly weddings is more than just a trend, it's a responsibility and another competitive edge local planners and venues can offer.

Wedding days are one of the most meaningful events in our lives so why not make it meaningful for the planet too? With a bit of thoughtful planning, you can host a beautiful, memorable wedding that reflects your values and leaves a lighter footprint on the Earth. From choosing the right venue to selecting sustainable décor, here are 10 essential tips to help you plan an eco-friendly wedding celebration without sacrificing style or sentiment (with some recommendations for sourcing local suppliers to help).

1. Pick a Green Venue

Start with your venue, it sets the tone for your whole celebration. Look for locations that prioritize sustainability, like those with LEED certification, renewable energy use, water conservation systems, or recycling programs. Outdoor venues like gardens, farms, and beaches can also reduce energy consumption and offer a natural backdrop that requires less décor.

2. Send Digital Invitations

Cut down on paper waste by going digital. Design your own beautiful e-invites that match your wedding aesthetic by using free design platforms like Canva. Or, if you prefer physical invites, opt for recycled paper, soy-based inks, or plantable seed paper.

3. Limit Guest Travel

Destination weddings may be romantic, but they also increase your event’s carbon footprint. Consider celebrating close to home or where most guests are located. Offer a virtual option for those who can’t attend in person, and encourage carpools or group transport to the venue. OK, but often Sunshine Coast weddings are attended by out of towners who fly in, well we have a number of Sunshine Coast carbon offset programs like Reforest Australia.

4. Choose Eco-Friendly Attire

Sustainable wedding fashion is more accessible than ever. Consider renting a dress or tux, buying pre-loved garments, or supporting designers who use eco-conscious materials and practices. Bridesmaids and groomsmen can wear outfits they already own, or ones they'll reuse in the future.

5. Opt for Sustainable Catering

Food waste is a major issue at weddings. Choose caterers who focus on locally sourced, seasonal, and organic ingredients. Offer a mostly plant-based menu, which has a lower environmental impact. Avoid disposable dishware, and work with vendors who can donate leftovers or compost scraps.

6. Decorate Responsibly

Skip plastic decorations and opt for sustainable options like dried flowers, fabric banners, reusable signage, and LED lighting. Potted plants or living centerpieces double as take-home gifts or can be replanted after the wedding. Avoid balloons and confetti, which are harmful to our local wildlife and waterways.

7. Eco-Conscious Florals

If you love fresh flowers, choose blooms that are local and in season. Avoid imported flowers that come with a large carbon footprint. Ask your florist about foam-free arrangements and eco-friendly wrapping. After the event, donate the flowers to hospitals, care homes, or compost them.

8. Sustainable Favors

Ditch the plastic trinkets and give guests something they'll actually use or skip favours altogether. Popular eco-friendly ideas include seed packets, handmade soap, reusable tote bags, or donations to an environmental charity in guests’ names.

9. Reduce, Reuse, Rent

From furniture and tableware to signage and lighting, renting is a greener option than buying. It reduces waste, saves storage space, and keeps your wedding clutter-free. Look for rental companies that use eco-conscious practices and materials.

10. Communicate Your Green Vision

Let your guests know you're hosting a sustainable celebration. Include a note on your wedding website about your eco-conscious efforts and how they can contribute - whether it's by carpooling, bringing reusable items, or minimizing waste.

Final Thoughts

The wedding industry is known for its grandeur but with that comes significant environmental impact. In fact, it's estimated that over 4,000 tonnes of plastic are used annually in Australian weddings alone, much of it single-use.

One local business Enchanted Eco Events, are committed to offering beautiful, sustainable alternatives such as the above tips for everyone’s big day. As owner and wedding planner extraordinaire, Lissa Weckert says “Choosing eco-conscious hire options doesn't mean compromising on style it means making thoughtful choices that feel as good as they look and help to reduce waste on this beautiful planet we call home!”

You will be able to meet Lissa and many other amazing wedding suppliers at the Sunshine Coast Wedding Expo coming up on Sunday August 17 at Venue 114, Bokarina.