10 Easy Swaps for a More Sustainable Wedding
Weddings are joyful, beautiful, and — let’s be honest — can often pretty wasteful. But the good news? They don’t have to be. Every decision you make while planning your wedding is a chance to align your celebration with your values. You don’t need to overhaul your entire event to make a difference. These 10 easy, low-effort swaps are a great place to start if you want a wedding that’s stylish, meaningful, and gentler on the planet.
1. Digital or Recycled Invitations
Swap: Traditional paper invites → Digital invites or recycled/seeded paper
Save trees and time by choosing eco-friendly invitations. Digital designs can be just as elegant as print - plus they’re easier to track. Prefer something physical? Choose recycled paper or seeded paper that guests can plant after the big day.
2. Local, Seasonal Flowers
Swap: Imported blooms → Locally grown flowers
Most cut flowers are flown in from across the world. Choosing local, in-season blooms cuts down on emissions and supports Chicago-area growers. Plus, your florals will feel more grounded in time and place.
🌼 Many GWA florists source directly from regional flower farms, or grow flowers themselves! Check out these GWA Florists.
Photos provided by Chicago Flower Market
3. Reusable or Rented Decor
Swap: Single-use items → Rentals, secondhand pieces, or reusable decor
Pinterest-worthy doesn’t have to mean landfill-bound. Choose decor you can rent, borrow, or repurpose. Think: vintage candleholders, real linens, potted plants, or signage that can be used again and again.
🪑 GWA rental companies offer gorgeous, sustainable alternatives. Click here for our full list.
Photo provided by Arcana Vintage Rentals
4. Low-Waste Favors
Swap: Plastic trinkets → Edible, plantable, or charitable gifts
Skip the branded shot glasses no one takes home. Instead, offer something consumable (like local honey, jam, or chocolate), plantable (like seed packets), or meaningful (like a donation in your guests’ honor).
🎁 Many GWA vendors offer customizable, eco-conscious favors. Click here for some ideas.
Photo provided by Keep It Savory Salt Co.
5. Sustainable Catering
Swap: Conventional menus → Plant-forward or locally sourced options
Food is a huge part of your wedding’s environmental impact. Choosing a plant-forward menu or sourcing ingredients locally reduces emissions and supports area farmers.
🥗 Several GWA caterers specialize in seasonal, low-waste menus. Take a look at the full list of GWA caterers here.
Photo provided by RPM Events | Photo captured by Teresa Williams Photography
6. Eco-Friendly Fashion
Swap: Fast fashion/formalwear → Vintage, rented, or responsibly made attire
Wedding outfits don’t have to be worn once. Opt for vintage finds, rental services, or locally made garments that can be reworn or repurposed.
Photo provided by Shh Events
7. Biodegradable Toss Materials
Swap: Plastic confetti → Petals, herbs, or bubbles
Keep your ceremony toss photogenic and planet-friendly with flower petals, dried lavender, or bubble wands instead of plastic or metallic confetti.
🌸 Your florist can often supply the petal toss — just ask!
8. Shared Transportation
Swap: Individual cars → Shuttles, carpools, or hybrid rentals
Group transportation minimizes emissions (and late arrivals). Offer a shuttle from hotel to venue or encourage guests to carpool. Bonus: It cuts down on parking headaches.
🚐 Many GWA wedding/event planners can help coordinate green travel solutions.
Photo provided by Naturally Yours Events | Photo captured by Noelle Adams Photography
9. Intentional Gifting
Swap: Traditional registries → Experience funds or donations
If you don’t need more stuff, consider asking for experiences, cash toward a sustainable goal (like home solar), or donations to causes you care about.
🎉 Many modern registry platforms make this super easy to set up.
10. Waste Management Plans
Swap: No plan for waste → Composting, recycling, and donation strategy
What happens to your leftover food, flowers, and decor? Make a plan in advance to compost, donate, or repurpose as much as possible.
♻️ GWA vendors can help you build this into your day-of logistics. Check out The Urban Canopy and WasteNot Compost.
Photos provided by The Urban Canopy
You don’t have to do everything perfectly to make an impact — even one or two of these swaps can meaningfully reduce your wedding’s environmental footprint.
Need help finding vendors who can support your vision? Explore the Green Wedding Alliance directory to connect with florists, planners, caterers, and more who are committed to sustainability.
