How to Host an Eco Friendly Wedding

Weddings create waste. Lots of waste. People forget while dealing with family, friends and the stress of planning a party how much it can affect the world around us. When hosting a wedding it’s your responsibility to be conscious about how much will be thrown out after you say “I do”.

Here are a few easy ways to be conscious about your “Wedding Waste” and also help to reduce waste in other aspects of your life! WEE! 

1.Evites

Some people aren’t sold on e-invitations or save the dates because they can’t personalize them. Well, what if I told you that you can create CUTE INVITES WHILE SAVING THE PLANET! Visit Paperless Post and send the cutest evite you could ever imagine to your friends and family! 

2. Projector

Lots of venues offer a TV or even projector that you can use on your big day with a USB! This can help in so many ways when trying to host an eco-friendly event! A few ideas to project are your seating chart, menu, and maybe even a slideshow of your partner’s middle school days! Always be sure to utilize what you have! 

3. Find an eco friendly vendors committed to recycling/composting

Doing your research before hiring each of your vendors is SO important! You are gonna have so many questions you want to ask them before you sign a contract or pay a deposit. Why not also ask them how their company handles waste management? An easy question to find out who will take care of you during your planning process AND after! 

4. DIY

DIY always sounds more intimidating than it needs to be. You can DIY small parts of your wedding to keep it eco-conscious. Add gems to your old favorite Docs to create the perfect wedding shoe! Make your wedding day jewelry out of yarn and air dry clay! Pass out plantable seed packets as favors! These can all be done while watching White Lotus and keep you stress FREE! 

These are just a few easy and FUN ways to keep your wedding easy, breezy, & reusable! Just a little extra effort and we all can breathe a little easier while we dance the night away! :)

Unique Ways to Save your Budget

Planning a wedding is exciting, but when you’re staring at that growing budget spreadsheet, sticker shock can begin to take effect. But, guess what! You don’t have to compromise on having a beautiful, memorable day. With some creativity and a few strategic moves, you can trim costs without sacrificing your vision.

1. Host a Weekday or Morning Wedding

Weekend evenings are prime time for weddings, which means venues and vendors charge a premium. Opt for a weekday or morning celebration instead. Many venues offer significant discounts for non-peak days or times, and you can also save on catering by serving brunch or lunch rather than a multi-course dinner.

2. Choose a Non-Traditional Venue

Traditional venues like banquet halls and hotels often come with steep fees. Instead, look into more unique options like a local park, a family member’s backyard, an art gallery, or a community center. Many of these spaces are more affordable and offer a memorable setting for your day.

3. Limit Your Guest List

It might feel impossible to trim your guest list, but reducing the number of attendees is one of the most effective ways to save money. Each additional guest increases costs for food, drinks, seating, and more. Focus on inviting the people who truly matter most to you and your partner.

4. Buy Secondhand or Rent

From dresses to decor, buying secondhand or renting items can save you a fortune. Websites like Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, and Borrowed & Blue specialize in secondhand wedding dresses and accessories. Similarly, companies like Rent My Wedding offer affordable rentals for everything from linens to lighting.

5. Repurpose Ceremony Decor for the Reception

Double-duty decor is your budget’s best friend! Use ceremony flowers, signs, and other decorations to enhance your reception space. Your planner will transport these items between locations if needed.

Planning a wedding on a budget doesn’t mean scraping your dream day. By thinking outside the box and prioritizing what truly matters to you and your partner, you can create a celebration that’s beautiful, personal, and affordable!!

How to Plan a Wedding in 6 months

Anything is possible with a lil organization, okay!! Not only do you need a day pof timeline, but a planning timeline will really help you stay on track to plan your wedding super speedy fast!

Month 1: Set the Foundation

1. Decide on a Budget
   Before anything else, figure out how much you’re willing to spend. Set a realistic budget and allocate funds to major categories like venue, catering, attire, and photography.

2. Define Your Vision
   Discuss with your partner the style and vibe you both envision—formal or casual, rustic or modern, large or intimate.

3. Choose Your Wedding Party
   Select your bridesmaids, groomsmen, or attendants and share their roles with them.

4. Book Your Venue/Decide your Date
   Venues book quickly, so secure yours as soon as possible. The venue sets the tone for the wedding and determines many logistical details as well as your new anniversary! 

Month 2: Assemble the Dream Team <3

1. Hire Key Vendors
   Prioritize booking the most in-demand vendors:

• Photographer/videographer

• Caterer

• Florist

• Entertainment

2. Start Your Guest List
   Finalize your guest list and collect contact information. This will help with invites and RSVPs.

3. Shop for Your Wedding Attire
   Begin shopping for your dress or suit now, as alterations may take a couple of months.

Month 3: Dive Into the Details

1. Send Save-the-Dates
   Send out save-the-dates to give guests enough notice, especially for travel plans.

2. Plan Your Ceremony
   Work with an officiant to design your ceremony structure. Choose readings, vows, and any special rituals.

3. Book Hair and Makeup
   Secure a stylist for yourself and your wedding party. Schedule a trial run to avoid surprises on the big day.

Month 4: Focus on the Fun Stuff

1. Order Invitations
   Pick a design that matches your wedding theme and send the invitations by the end of the month.

2. Plan Décor
   Work with your florist or decorator to create centerpieces, bouquets, and venue accents.

3. Taste Test and Finalize Catering
   Arrange a tasting with your caterer to finalize your menu, including drinks and dessert.

4. Book Transportation
   Arrange transportation for the wedding party and guests, especially if the ceremony and reception are in different locations.

Month 5: Final Touches

1. Confirm Vendors
   Double-check details with all your vendors, including arrival times and payments.

2. Plan Your Seating Chart
   Once RSVPs are in, design a seating plan that ensures your guests feel comfortable.

3. Have your Final Walk Through

Gather up your dream team to walk through your venue and make final decisions on the layout and timeline!

Month 6: Celebrate and Say “I Do!”

1. Final Fittings
   Try on your dress or suit one last time to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Finalize the Timeline
   Share a detailed schedule with your vendors, wedding party, and family members.

3. Pack for the Big Day
   Create an emergency kit with essentials like sewing supplies, snacks, and a copy of your vows.

4. Enjoy Every Moment
   Take a deep breath and soak in every second of your wedding day. You’ve planned an incredible celebration. Now it’s time to celebrate love with your people.

Boom, baby.