{Photo via Sandstone Wedding Invitations}

Reduce the number of inserts –After all, stop for a minute and think it through. Do you really need to include multiple cards, each with its own piece of information, cluttering up your wedding invitation? Try consolidating vital details into one insert. You’ll save paper, and your guests will appreciate having all the essential information in one place.

Use online invites –No, not for the wedding! But, for all the ancillary events, such as the bachelorette party and the rehearsal dinner. Some couples are opting for an e-newsletter to keep guests up-to-date. Others are creating websites dedicated solely to their Big Day. (See examples at WeddingPages.com.)

Order only what you need –You’ll cut down on waste –and costs –if you eliminate extras from invitations, programs, printed menus, etc. Remember: Couples don’t mind sharing menus and programs –it just adds to the romance!

What eco-friendly touches are you adding to your wedding? Please share them in the comment section below.

1. Lowering the guest list. Between travel, hotel, transportation, lighting, catering and more, your wedding’s carbon footprint can get rather extensive. By lowering your attendance you also lower carbon emissions, food costs and more- resulting in saving money. You can calculate your possible wedding carbon emissions here.







2. The invitations. Fewer invites means less paper waste. Think about electronic options! Your grandmother might prefer RSVP-ing with a stamped envelope, but your best friend might feel that a private email reply will suffice. Give your attendees the option to RSVP electronically.




3. Keep it local and organic! Most areas, especially metros, have farmer’s markets and local organizations that support local businesses and growers. These merchants can provide you with insight on what’s in season for flowers and produce.




4. Bring the ceremony and reception together. If you are not having the ceremony and reception in the same location, make the reception within walking distance or a short drive of the ceremony. This not only reduces confusion and lag time between activities but cuts down on the car emissions.




5. The Dress. There is no doubt that finding the perfect wedding dress is on the top of your priority list. Instead of heading to the bridal shop for a brand new one, think about wearing a recycled dress! Give a consignment or a thrift store a try. There are also several online stores and resources focused on recycled wedding dresses.

While going green takes a little extra effort, it can save you in the long run. Take the couple in the video for instance. They went against the traditional inside ceremony and went with an outside wedding. Between the natural light, locally picked flowers and recycled cutlery, they were able to go green- their way.