Choosing Sustainable Vendors for Your Wedding Is Simple With These 6 Tips

Finding sustainable vendors may feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, especially when you don’t know where and how to begin. Fortunately, there are many ways you can kick-start your search.

Check out these six tips for finding and choosing the perfect suppliers for your eco-friendly wedding.

 

1. Scout Locally

If you already have a secured venue, ask the manager for recommendations on the best local suppliers. Working with vendors near your venue means less transportation is needed for site visits, setup and pack-down after the event.

Most venues partner with vendors, and working with them can make your wedding planning more seamless. These people already know the venue and can make personalized suggestions based on previous weddings.

 

2. Know Where to Get Your Wedding Dress

Your wedding dress is a defining detail of your special day. However, it can come with a costly price. The average wedding dress cost in the U.S. is around $2,000, but designer gowns can reach around $5,000 to $10,000.

As a sustainable bride, there are many ways you can go about this. Instead of buying a new, tailor-fit dress, you can:

• Shop sample sales.
• Purchase a secondhand dress.
• Rent a gown.
• Work with a sustainable designer.
• Repurpose a loved one’s wedding gown.

Whatever your choice, it’s essential to work with a sustainable designer or shop who can turn your vision to life.

 

3. Ask the Right Questions

There are many sustainable vendors, but not all will match your needs. Here’s a list of must-ask questions to help you secure good partnerships:

• How do you minimize waste? Ask if your potential supplier donates leftovers, follows proper waste management practices, or recycles items. Food waste is responsible for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Addressing this is everyone’s responsibility.
• Do you use eco-friendly materials? Ask about their items, such as recycled paper, sustainable fabrics and reusable decor.
• Are you comfortable with repurposing items? Assess if they’re creative enough to transform existing materials into creative decor for your venue.
• How do you handle transportation logistics? Transportation accounts for 29% of the total greenhouse gas emissions of the U.S. Inquire about how different suppliers contribute to lowering their carbon footprint.
• Do you use plastic? Nearly 300 million tons of plastic are produced annually, much of which ends up in landfills or natural environments. Over time, this plastic breaks down into tiny particles called microplastics. These are difficult to detect and can be ingested by animals and humans, leading to health issues. Ask if a potential vendor uses plastic to avoid the negative effects often associated with it.
• Can you help me find more sustainable suppliers? Eco-friendly vendors can connect you with other suppliers, giving you more options.

 

Ask potential venues these questions:

• How do you manage energy consumption?
• Do you have certifications like Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)?
• Do you have water conservation rules?

 

Consider connecting with your caterer over the following queries:

• Where do you source your ingredients?
• Do you use seasonal ingredients?
• How do you handle leftover food?

 

Inquire about the following when discussing plans with your florist:

• Do you locally source seasonal flowers?
• What materials do you use for flower arrangements?
• Are there options for flowers that can be replanted after the wedding?

 

Ask event stylists and rental companies these key questions:

• Can you provide minimal or no packaging?
• Do you use reusable decor?
• Do you offer rental plates and silverware

4. Network for Recommendations

Take advantage of your network. Talk to your recently married friends for recommendations. They may have some wedding suppliers, friends or family members who can fulfill your needs.

You can also join online communities. For instance, join Facebook groups in your region and wedding Reddit threads. Check wedding websites for inspiration and vendor suggestions. For example, The Knot has created a list of environmentally friendly wedding vendors to get you started.

 

5. Request a Sustainability Plan

Ask vendors for their sustainability plans. Some may have a set strategy for reducing their environmental impact. This part is essential so you and your partner can assess if their activities align with your values.

A good sustainability plan may include sourcing, waste management, energy efficiency and ethical labor practices. Sometimes, vendors are not fully sustainable. Ask if they can accommodate modifications that can help better achieve your goals. For instance, if a caterer typically utilizes single-use utensils, ask if they can provide real dishware instead.

 

6. Trust Your Instincts

Finally, select vendors who resonate best with your commitment to sustainability. Aside from that, take note of their responsiveness. Do they thoroughly respond to your inquiries? Do they take time to explain their processes? Assess their experience and portfolio to help you determine if their style aligns with your passion and vision.

 

List of Wedding Vendors for Your Sustainable Wedding

Ready to search for your dream wedding team? Here’s a list of must-have vendors to get your search started:

• Wedding planner
• Wedding venue
• Wedding attire
• Photographer and videographer
• Caterer
• Hair and makeup
• Florist
• Music and entertainment professionals
• Favors
• Invitations and stationery
• Transportation
• Cake baker
• Accommodations

 

Hire the Best Sustainable Vendors

These tips make finding the perfect team of vendors for your wedding more possible. Remember to evaluate each vendor and consider how they align with your values and vision.

More importantly, trust the process. Planning an eco-friendly wedding can be overwhelming, but taking your time will lead you to the right choices.

 

 

Author Bio: Oscar Collins is the editor-in-chief at Modded, where he writes about a broad spectrum of topics. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for frequent updates on his work.

 

 

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