What if your wedding could be part of something bigger — a celebration that not only honors your love, but also gives back to the planet? A circular wedding economy does just that. By renting, reusing, repurposing, and reselling, couples and vendors are keeping beautiful wedding items in use and out of landfills. Learn how Chicago’s Green Wedding Alliance community is helping couples plan more sustainable celebrations — and how you can join the movement at the Wedding Recyclery on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at The Joinery.

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.

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.

When Brock and Geoff began planning their wedding, they knew they wanted a celebration that reflected their values of sustainability and inclusivity. They partnered with Naturally Yours Events, who helped them bring their vision to life while making eco-conscious choices. Through their planner’s guidance, they connected with other like-minded vendors from the Green Wedding Alliance, ensuring that every detail—from locally sourced florals to a thoughtfully chosen venue—aligned with their commitment to sustainability. The result was a wedding that was not only beautiful but also intentional and kind to the planet.

Thinking about eloping but want to keep it eco-friendly? A sustainable elopement allows you to celebrate your love while minimizing your environmental impact. From choosing a low-impact venue to supporting local, green-minded vendors, small changes can make a big difference. In this blog post, Designed and Detailed, a Chicago-based wedding planner and proud Green Wedding Alliance member, shares expert tips to help you plan a meaningful, stylish, and sustainable elopement. Whether you're saying “I do” on a mountaintop or in your own backyard, these ideas will ensure your special day is as beautiful for the planet as it is for you

Dreaming of a wedding that’s as beautiful for the planet as it is for your love story? From choosing an eco-friendly venue to minimizing waste and selecting sustainable decor, there are countless ways to reduce your wedding’s environmental impact. In this guide by the Green Wedding Alliance, we break down simple yet impactful steps to help you plan a wedding that aligns with your values—without sacrificing style or elegance. Ready to say “I do” to sustainability? Read on for our top tips on planning a green wedding that’s both meaningful and mindful!