Planning a wedding with sustainability in mind doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style, beauty, or joy. In fact, some of the most impactful changes are also the easiest to make. Whether you're just getting started or looking for simple ways to reduce waste, these 10 low-effort swaps can help you plan a celebration that’s as thoughtful as it is stunning. And with help from Green Wedding Alliance vendors — who are committed to doing things differently — it’s easier than ever to create a wedding that reflects your values and your vision.

Green Wedding Alliance teamed up with Bike a Bee to help paint bee boxes for the season as well as getting a tour of The Plant, a refurbished pork packing plant turned professional sustainability hub for small businesses.

Looking for a city that celebrates your love in all its fullness?
Chicago is more than just a backdrop—it’s a bold, affirming, and joy-filled place to have a queer wedding. With deep LGBTQ+ roots, inclusive vendors, and vibrant venues across the city, it’s the perfect place to say “I do” on your own terms. At the Green Wedding Alliance, we believe your celebration should be as authentic, intentional, and unapologetically you as the love you’re honoring.

Weddings are more than just a celebration—they’re a chance to give back. At the Green Wedding Alliance, we believe in the power of weddings to uplift local artists, farmers, and makers. By choosing vendors who are rooted in your community, your celebration becomes a meaningful investment in sustainability and creativity—right here in Chicago.

There’s a quiet kind of elegance in sustainability—it shows up in thoughtful choices, reused materials, and refined logistics. For couples who want their wedding to reflect not just their love, but their values, sustainability isn't a trend—it’s an intention.

In the world of event rentals, true sustainability goes beyond aesthetics. It lives in the care taken to launder linens efficiently, coordinate low-emission deliveries, and eliminate unnecessary waste at every step.

Written by Green Wedding Alliance member BBJ La Tavola, this post explores how behind-the-scenes practices can elevate both the beauty and the integrity of an event. Because at the end of the day, sustainability isn’t just about materials—it’s about mindset.

Colvin House blends historic elegance with modern sustainability. From composting and thrifting to offering intimate elopement packages and promoting public transit, this landmark venue is committed to reducing its environmental footprint. As proud members of the Green Wedding Alliance, the team at Colvin House continues to evolve its eco-conscious practices while fostering community and celebrating love.