Leave No Trace: How to Plan a Sustainable Elopement
Where Love Meets Sustainability
In a world where environmental consciousness is not just a trend but a responsibility, couples are increasingly choosing to say “I do” in a way that leaves a positive mark on the planet. If you’re dreaming of an intimate celebration that reflects your love not only for each other but also for this beautiful planet that we have the privilege of living on, you’re in the right place. This guide will take you on a journey through the ins and outs of planning a sustainable elopement, ensuring that your special day leaves no trace but a lasting impact.
Why Choose a Sustainable Elopement?
Before we dive into the details, let’s address the fundamental question: Why go green on your big day? Beyond the trendiness, a sustainable elopement aligns with the values of many couples seeking a more mindful and intentional approach to marriage. It’s a conscious choice to minimize the environmental footprint of your celebration, leaving behind memories instead of waste. For outdoor lovers, it just makes sense.
Sure, your wedding day is just one event, but just making small changes can have a big impact.
Think of all the waste that a wedding day can produce. Flowers, invitations, disposable plates, silverware, napkins, decorations…etc. Most of the items used in a wedding are single-use items that just end up in the trash. In fact, this article states that 400 POUNDS of trash is produced from just ONE wedding.
Opting for a sustainable elopement represents a conscientious committment to both love and nature. By embracing an eco-friendly approach, you actively reduce the ecological footprint associated with traditional wedding practices. A sustainable elopement minimizes waste, favoring local and seasonal elements that resonate with a heightened environmental awareness.
What Is Leave No Trace?
- Plan ahead and prepare.
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildfire
- Be considerate of other visitors
An elopement traditionally emphasizes intimacy and authenticity, and adopting Leave No Trace principles aligns with these values. It involves conscious choices such as opting for sustainable decor, locally sourced items, and eco-friendly practices. This approach ensures that the celebration doesn’t leave a lasting mark on the environment.
The Green Vows: Setting Your Intentions
Your journey to a sustainable elopement begins with setting clear intentions. Start by envisioning the type of environmental impact you want your celebration to have. Is it a commitment to minimal waste, eco-friendly decor, or supporting local businesses? Having a vision will guide your decision-making process throughout the planning journey.
Eco-Friendly Wedding Invitations: Setting the Tone
Traditional wedding invitations, while often unique and beautiful, often involve a considerable amount of paper waste. Instead, what about sending out digital invitations to reduce your ecological footprint? There are countless online platforms that offer elegant and customizable e-invitations, allowing you to share your joy without contributing to deforestation.
Don’t want to give up paper invitations? There are so many companies out there that offer options made from biodegradable, compostable or recycled materials. There are even companies that print on seed paper, and your guests can actually plant your invitations in the ground to grow flowers. How freaking cool is that??
Cut down on the amount of pages that you include by using a QR code to share additional details, such as directions, programs, and menus.
Selecting a Sustainable Location: The Heart of Your Celebration
Choosing the right location is pivotal to the sustainability of your elopement. Opt for outdoor venues that minimize the need for additional lighting, heating, or cooling. National parks, botanical gardens, or even private properties with natural beauty provide breathtaking backdrops without compromising the environment.
I work with my clients to find the perfect location for their vision, and include a Leave No Trace Guide to help you plan your elopement. There are several things to take into consideration when choosing THE spot such as, how many people will be there? Are there any accessibility restrictions? Is a permit required? What type of activities do you want to include on your wedding day? How popular is the location that you’re considering, and will having an event there negatively impact the environment?
Eco-Friendly Attire: Where Fashion Meets Sustainability
Say goodbye to the conventional mindset of wearing a wedding dress only once. Consider sustainable and ethical fashion options, such as dresses made from organic fabrics, second-hand gowns, or renting attire for the day. This not only reduces the environmental impact but also opens the door to more diverse and unique wardrobe choices.
This bride chose a rental and looked absolutely STUNNING in it:
Eco-Conscious Bouquets: Adding Charm Responsibly
Think local and seasonal flowers, or maybe even some dried florals from a local shop. You could even use a bouquet of fabric or sola wood flowers. Wrap the bouquet in eco-friendly materials. After your big day, either reuse it, or compost it.
Want to carry something besides a bouquet? What about skewering donuts, donut holes, or fruit? Carry a basket, potted plant, or fashion a bouquet of vintage brooches or family heirlooms. Personalizing your bouquet sustainably is a great excuse to show off your creativity!
Zero-Waste Catering: A Feast for the Palate and Planet
When planning your elopement menu, explore catering options that align with a zero-waste philosophy. Opt for local, seasonal, and organic ingredients to reduce the carbon footprint. Work with caterers who prioritize composting and recycling to ensure that leftovers don’t end up contributing to landfills.
Leave No Trace Cleanup: Packing Out Memories, Not Waste
As the celebration comes to an end, uphold the principles of Leave No Trace. Implement a comprehensive cleanup plan that involves recycling, composting, and properly disposing of any waste generated. Avoid single-use items, unless they’re recyclable. Work with your vendors to ensure they share your commitment to minimizing the impact on the environment.
Leaving Footprints of Love, Not Impact
In essence, a sustainable elopement reflects a profound understanding that the celebration of love need not come at the expense of our planet. It is an intentional choice to intertwine personal joy with a commitment to nurturing the environment, forging a path towards a future where celebrations are synonymous with ecological responsibility.
Kentucky Elopement Photographer
I hope this inspires to you contribute to a broader movement of sustainable celebrations. By minimizing your ecological footprint, you preservice the integrity of your chosen location, allowing its inherent beauty to endure. Get in touch with me today so we can start planning your sustainable elopement!
