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.

Rooted in a desire to design with seasonal blooms and a commitment to sustainability, this blog shares GWA-Member Flossy Floral’s journey from floral foam to flower farming. Discover how a backyard garden turned into a blooming business, how the farmer-florist movement is reshaping the wedding industry, and why authenticity and eco-conscious design are at the heart of the most memorable events. Whether you're planning a wedding or simply passionate about flowers, this story offers a hopeful look at a more thoughtful, beautiful future for florals.

Planning an eco-friendly wedding doesn’t mean sacrificing style or elegance—in fact, choosing to rent or buy secondhand can elevate your celebration while reducing waste and saving money! From stunning pre-loved wedding dresses to vintage glassware and rented floral arches, there are countless ways to create a beautiful, sustainable wedding day. Many wedding vendors, including florists, rental companies, and caterers, offer rental options for décor, tableware, and furniture, making it easier than ever to plan a wedding that’s both chic and environmentally responsible.

One of the best places to find secondhand wedding items is The Wedding Recyclery, a resale event where couples can buy and sell gently used décor, attire, and accessories. Whether you're looking for gently worn bridal accessories, timeless reception décor, or elegant table settings, this guide will walk you through the best wedding items to rent or buy secondhand—so you can say "I do" with a smaller footprint and a bigger impact.

Read the full blog to discover how you can make your wedding more sustainable while still bringing your dream vision to life!

This guide by the Green Wedding Alliance explores eco-friendly candle options, comparing faux candles, beeswax, soy, and paraffin. Faux candles offer a safe, reusable alternative, while beeswax candles are natural, clean-burning, and air-purifying. Soy candles are affordable and renewable, though slightly more costly than paraffin. In contrast, paraffin candles are petroleum-based and harmful to both health and the environment. The post also shares tips for repurposing leftover wax, helping you make the most of your candles and reduce waste. Choose sustainable options to enjoy ambiance while protecting the planet.