Sustainable Weddings 101: How to Celebrate Without the Carbon Guilt

Weddings are joyful, beautiful, and full of love—but they can also be surprisingly wasteful. From single-use décor to long-distance travel, the average American wedding produces 56.16 tons of carbon output (according to Stanford University). That’s more than double what the average American generates in an entire year.

The good news? Planning a sustainable wedding doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty or fun. In fact, many of the eco-friendly choices couples make today end up feeling more personal, intentional, and creative. Here’s your crash course in hosting a sustainable wedding.

1. Rethink Décor: Secondhand or Rentals

Instead of buying everything new, consider renting décor or sourcing secondhand items. Vintage candleholders, thrifted vases, and borrowed tableware often have more character than mass-produced pieces. Rentals also cut down on waste since items are reused wedding after wedding.

If you want to get the best bang for your buck when it comes to decor, I always recommend doing candles, hurricanes or votives. Visually these give a classic look and the candles when lit give a play of light that makes the centerpieces look active from day to night. Additionally this wedding below thrifted large vessels and put wine and champagne in it during the reception it was both functional and beautiful addition to the tablespaces.

✨ Bonus: many rental companies now specialize in sustainable or eco-conscious inventory.

2. Skip the Single-Use Plastics

Plastic cups, straws, and utensils add up quickly. Whenever possible, choose glassware, real plates, and metal cutlery instead. If disposables are unavoidable, opt for recyclable or compostable alternatives—and make sure there are clearly marked bins so guests know what goes where.

3. Seasonal, Local Florals

Flowers flown halfway across the world have a massive carbon footprint. Instead, talk to your florist about what’s in season locally. Not only is this more sustainable, but seasonal blooms are often fresher, longer-lasting, and more affordable.

Think wildflowers, greenery, and blooms from local farms for arrangements that feel both beautiful and eco-friendly. This Alaska wedding foraged most of the flowers for the decor and featured the beautiful and seasonal fireweed. What is normally overlooked created the most beautiful red accent to their ceremony.

4. Go Small

One of the most impactful choices? Trim the guest list. Fewer people means fewer plane tickets, hotel rooms, meals, and rentals. It also lowers costs, which frees up your budget to splurge on the details that matter most to you. Micro weddings and elopements are some of the most sustainable celebrations you can have.

5. Rethink the Menu: Go Meatless

Meat-heavy meals come with a high environmental cost. Choosing vegetarian options—even if it’s just for one course—can make a big difference. Pastas, pizzas, risottos, and hearty veggie dishes are always a crowd-pleaser, and most guests won’t even miss the meat.

✨ Tip: Work with your caterer to design a plant-forward menu that still feels celebratory and filling.

6. Offset Guest Travel

If you have guests traveling long distances, consider offering a carbon offset option. Carbon credits are more affordable than you might think and can be included in your budget or even as part of your registry. They help balance out emissions by investing in reforestation, renewable energy, and other sustainability projects.

7. Choose Local Vendors

Hiring local vendors is another way to reduce emissions while supporting small businesses in your wedding community. Florists, caterers, planners, and musicians who don’t need to travel far mean fewer cars (or flights) on the road—and a smaller footprint overall.

8. Ask About Sustainable Venues

Your venue sets the stage for your day, and it can also play a huge role in your wedding’s environmental impact. When touring spaces, ask questions like:

• Do you use renewable energy sources, like solar panels?

• Do you recycle rainwater to water plants and landscaping?

• Do you have composting or recycling programs for weddings?

• Do they use A/C or can they cool the space naturally?

• Does the venue use LED lighting?

• What decor do they have that can be reused? Some venues have a decor closet that is up for grabs!

• Do you source food or wine locally?

Even small practices add up, and venues that are committed to sustainability will usually be excited to share what they’re doing. Choosing a space with eco-friendly policies helps reduce your footprint and sets the tone for the rest of your celebration.

The venue below, Trinity Tree Farm uses LED lighting for all its lights and they were able to cool the space during the summer by opening the windows instead of relying on A/C.

Why It Matters

The average wedding generates over 56 tons of carbon emissions, and every intentional choice you make helps bring that number down. Whether it’s sourcing florals locally, skipping plastics, or asking about a venue’s green practices, each step adds up to a wedding that’s not only beautiful but also kind to the planet.

Final Thoughts

A sustainable wedding isn’t about being perfect—it’s about finding balance. Celebrate your love while also honoring the environment you share. By making a handful of thoughtful decisions, you can host a wedding that feels unforgettable, intentional, and aligned with your values.

After all, what better way to start your marriage than by taking care of the earth together?