We only have one home planet, and it’s our responsibility to continue caring for Mother Earth! That’s why we value sustainable wedding practices at Wisteria Gardens. Sustainable practices are cost effective and more importantly, they contribute to the longevity of living in and loving our environment. You might be surprised to know our décor supply room has a wide variety of options to create a personalized style and transforms your big day into an eco-friendly celebration that saves you a good bit of money too!

Many of our couples are becoming more conscientious about our environment and being good stewards of the beautiful planet we call home. It’s not just trendy to consider eco-friendly options when planning your big day, it benefits us all.  There are many elements of your wedding that you may want to consider in contributing to this effort.

Eco-Friendly Invitations

One of the best and easiest ways to practice sustainable efforts is to consider eco-friendly wedding invitations. Choose recycled paper or one of our favorites, plantable seed paper, which can be planted to grow into beautiful flowers or herbs. Consider digital invitations as well, as this reduces paper waste and carbon emissions associated with shipping. Encourage RSVPs through online platforms to minimize paper usage; as a bonus, it will help you stay organized.

 Choose a Venue with Built-In Beauty

Select a wedding venue that boasts natural beauty and stunning surroundings. Obviously, we’re a bit biased, but choosing a venue with charming gardens, picturesque landscapes, or breathtaking views can minimize the need for decorations to take the central focus. Letting nature be the focal backdrop will allow the venue’s inherent charm to shine through. Taking advantage of nature’s beauty is another way to save money, so there is more than one value to considering a venue that has beauty built in. 

Hire Local Businesses and Vendors

Support local businesses and reduce transportation emissions by hiring vendors who are near the venue. Choose local florists, caterers, photographers, and event planners who prioritize sustainable practices. Not only does this promote community engagement, but it also fosters a strong sense of connection and collaboration and supports those who support the environment.

Seek out vendors who share your commitment to sustainability. Look for caterers who prioritize organic and locally sourced ingredients, rental companies that offer eco-friendly options, and photographers who capture the beauty of your day sustainably. Collaborating with vendors who align with your values ensures a cohesive and eco-conscious event.

Use What’s In Season

When it comes to floral decor, try to choose locally sourced, seasonal flowers to reduce carbon emissions associated with long-distance transportation. When you embrace the beauty of native blooms, wildflowers, or even potted plants, which can be reused or gifted after the event, most often, you are supporting small businesses and encouraging sustainable practices.  Another option you can consider is using dried flowers or alternative, eco-friendly materials like recycled paper or fabric for your floral arrangements. Those are arrangements that many often use as home décor long after the wedding day has passed.

When The Day Is Done—Donate!

One of our favorite trends is donating décor items you’ve purchased to charitable organizations or local community groups. Some even opt for donating to other couples found through trade platforms, and it’s fantastic to see things like vases, linens, candleholders, and more discover new life in the celebration of another couple’s wedding day. We have had many couples donate decor items to the Wisteria Gardens collection for future couples to utilize, and we are grateful! 

Rent vs. Buy Décor

Consider renting decor items instead of purchasing them outright. Rental companies offer a wide range of options, from table linens and centerpieces to furniture and lighting. Renting not only reduces waste but also saves money and storage space. Plus, rental companies often have their sustainability practices in place, ensuring items are reused and repurposed for future events.

Use What The Venues Have On Hand

Explore the venue’s existing features and decor elements that can be incorporated into your sustainable wedding design. To enhance the ambiance, utilize architectural details, artistic installations, or unique furniture pieces. Repurposing and reimagining what is already available reduces the need for additional materials and contributes to a more sustainable event. Wisteria Gardens has an incredible décor supply room full of various items covering a wide range of styles. It’s an exclusive benefit we offer to our wedding clients, and there’s no charge to use any of our collections. Our couples are always surprised at how much they save by using what we already have on hand.

Sustainability is important for all of us, and you don’t have to make sacrifices for your dream wedding day in order to incorporate eco-friendly and sustainable options. As a wedding venue committed to sustainability, we believe in the power of eco-friendly choices when it comes to memorable weddings, and we’re thrilled to help support your day with beautiful natural surroundings, local vendor recommendations, and an abundance of decor supplies!