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An Eco-Friendly Wedding, To Make It More Memorable

Indian Wedding Scenario:  The wedding planning or wedding management industry is growing enormously, with more than 10 million weddings in India each year. As per a report, an average Indian spends one-fifth of accumulated lifetime wealth at a wedding. That fact is self-explanatory of the grandeur of an Indian wedding.

There is a section of society that believes in preposterous opulence. Then there are the educated Millennials who want grandeur but at the same time are environmentally conscious. They are the ones who encourage eco-friendly and zero-waste concepts as a way of life, even at their weddings. They are willing to go the extra mile and embrace the Zero-Waste concept.

It is a good thing to be mindful that our actions have reactions. In terms of a wedding, there is a lot of wastage in the form of food, natural resources, etc. Minimizing this wastage and employing eco-friendly things goes a long way in not disturbing the environment. A clean and green environment is the need of the hour. This should be a primary concern even at a social do like a wedding.

In line with preserving nature, a good wedding planner also gravitates towards novel and eco-friendly ideas. In coordination with the wedding managers, we can follow environment-friendly practices to contribute our bit. And No, eco-friendly does not have to translate into drab and dry. It is just a means of finding alternatives that work without a wastage. It is more colorful, natural, and more spunky yet meaningful than you can ever imagine.

Creative Ideas for an Eco-Friendly and Zero-Waste Wedding:  Here we list some of the eco-friendly ideas in vogue in 2019 that may well be the trend in 2020.

Wedding Invites:  More and more couples are opting for e-invites. These are through mediums like Whatsapp or E-mails. Gone are the days of the elaborately printed invites. If you must print, opt for recycled paper or seed paper. Seed paper invites are the most novel invites. They are plantable invites and biodegradable, in the sense that they are biodegradable invites with seeds embedded. Awesome isn’t it?

An invite that looks classy and elegant, is bespoke of your love for the environment and filled with the goodness of nature. Indeed a green way to start a new phase of life. It looks more artistic as well. The receivers get a gift in the form of an invite. The seeds embedded may be of fruit, flower, or even a vegetable. When done with the card, just plant it and watch it grow.

Smaller Gatherings:  Couples these days prefer to confine the guest list to the near and dear. A small and intimate function with those that matter is the trend. The lesser the people, the lesser is the wastage be it food or other resources. A smaller gathering also calls for less ostentatious decor.

Wedding Favors: Wedding favors are an indispensable aspect of Indian weddings. Similar to the invites, wedding favors can be spunky and quirky, yet functional. Spread the clean green message and gift seeds, saplings, jute bags, cork coasters, tasty edibles, etc. Just scout through eco-friendly gifts and you will be amazed at the choices.

Plant Trees:  Make planting saplings a part of your ceremonies. Amidst all the fun and frolic, do something worthwhile too. Stepping into your new life, give life to plants. Make the guests sow seeds too.

Reusable, Recycled, Upcycled:  The three magical words to making any event or thing eco-friendly. From the display signage to decor, to cutlery, water, gifts, etc, say hello to anything recyclable, reused, or up-cycled.  Say “No” to plastic in any form, be it to serve food or water, or décor.

Replace the single-use plastics with steel jugs, banana leaves or areca plates. There are eco-friendly alternatives to plastic cutlery, made of sugarcane, bamboo, and wheat straw too. Biodegradable cutlery or recyclable dinnerware is the right substitute.

For the venue, make use of the natural foliage. Outdoor venues provide natural lighting and air-conditioning. Fabric décor minimizes the usage of flowers. Use in-season flowers and local flowers, coconut shells, or empty glass bottles for décor. Use reusable signage by opting for chalkboards.

Offsetting Wastage: Finally, the leftover food, flowers, and waste. How to offset these wastages? Food wastage especially is a big concern. Contact NGOs to pick up the leftovers or arrange for its distribution to the needy, an orphanage, home for the aged, or other places. The options are aplenty.

There are some NGOs that use the leftover flowers to make potpourri, perfumes, natural Holi colors, and charcoal-free incense sticks. Converting flowers into garden fertilizers is another way to offset their wastage.

Be sure to let your intention known to the wedding planners and incoordination, make the arrangements. Segregate and reuse the kitchen wastes too leading to a zero wastage wedding. A wedding that aligns with your values and is environmental friendly only adds to the joys.

Au Naturel, minimalistic, and organic, are the keywords; subtle yet meaningful. Be a responsible citizen and opt for an eco-friendly wedding adding an unceasing value to your Special Day. Like Mahatma Gandhi said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Have the courage to tread a different path, and motivate others to follow suit so the world is a better place to live for us and the coming generations!