Planning a wedding comes with a whole lot of choices—venue, dress, guest list, flowers. But for some couples, one of the biggest decisions is how to celebrate without leaving behind a mountain of waste. A zero waste wedding isn’t about perfection or skipping the fun stuff—it’s about finding clever, thoughtful ways to cut back on excess while still making the day feel full of heart (and, yes, gorgeous). Spoiler alert: you can absolutely have your cake and compost it too.
Skip Paper Invitations
You may be tempted to send an aesthetically pleasing invitation card with a care package (especially if your guest list is shorter and only has your favorite people) but as a rule, refrain from anything plastic or paper-made that will need to be thrown away.
Email invitations (you can use a free design website like Canva to add that extra artistic touch) instead of sending out printed ones. You can also do a free call to all the people you mean to invite using Facebook or any other app’s free call feature.
If you must use paper, then use one that has been recycled or has come from an environmentally sustainable forest and has been certified as such. Even in that case keep the invite to one page or card.
Tips for a Totally Awesome Zero-Waste Wedding
Cater To It
Food always ends up wasted not to mention the endless array of paper cups, straws, and plastic cutlery that always accompanies any large event. You can get the guests and the caterers on board with your zero waste wedding ideas and even gift drinking glasses as a wedding favor to your guests.
Natural Over Fabricated
The venue contributes immensely to the amount of waste that is generated. Use natural locations (think backyard, forest, beach, or farm) so that foliage and nature-esque elements make for the décor instead of paper, glass or plastic props. You can also use plants, flowers, and candles for décor (just make sure the wax is biodegradable!)
Donate all leftover food to charity
Donate your leftover food to organizations, soup kitchens, and food banks so nothing is wasted. Many zero-waste enthusiasts prefer to not even use professional caterers but instead, opt for a 2 dish meal that they cook themselves or get cooked by a friend or relative. Crockpot meals are emerging as a particular favorite.
If you must give party favors, then give ones that can be composted, grown, or returned to the soil easily. You can also opt to give items like cookies that are edible and do not create plastic or paper waste. A great way to have a zero-waste wedding.
Getting Ready
Zero waste applies to all aspects of the wedding right down to your makeup look and bridal dress. Think of options near you that let brides rent beautiful dresses or borrow from someone you know.
If you must buy your own think of getting a vintage or thrift gown or buying from sustainable clothing outlets. Maybe skip the lashes and glitter when you’re getting yourself ready? It’s all about small choices that add and really reflect your values and your dreams of a cleaner, healthier planet.
