Eco-Friendly Wedding Ideas for Earth Day

April 29, 2024
Wedding Trends

With Earth Day around the corner, we’ve got sustainability on the mind here at Spruce Mountain Ranch. While weddings aren’t exactly known for being environmentally friendly (think material waste and energy consumption), we’ve learned a few things over the years that’ll make eco-friendly wedding planning a breeze.

Want to throw a more sustainable celebration? You’ve come to the right place!

It’s time to ditch the waste, not the WOW! With these 8 tips, you’ll get an environmentally conscious wedding that celebrates your love AND the planet.

Pick a venue that values sustainability.

From the location and the aesthetic to the amenities and price tag, there’s so many boxes to check on your venue checklist.

But one box that should definitely make it on your list? Sustainability.

Look for a venue that cares about preserving the local ecosystem. Truly “green” venues will prioritize practices like eco-friendly landscaping, smart waste management, and energy conservation.

This is the kind of service you can count on at Spruce Mountain Ranch. The ranch owners –Tom and Tara Ames – view it as their goal to ensure the ranch remains an undeveloped sanctuary for the Larkspur community. Sustainable practices play a big role in fulfilling that mission.

Opt for an outdoor celebration.

There are several perks to an outdoor wedding – in addition to the obvious perk of getting to enjoy your natural surroundings on your big day.

Reduced energy consumption – No need for extra lighting when you can bask in the sun’s rays as you exchange your vows.
Built-in decorations –Instead of incorporating loads of decor and florals, take advantage of the natural scenery.
A peaceful disconnect –By bringing your celebration outdoors, you give yourself the opportunity to REALLY focus in on what’s important: your union with your spouse-to-be!

On the hunt for an outdoor Colorado wedding venue? Spruce Mountain Ranch offers ample outdoor venue spaces that make the perfect settings for your big day.

Choose local, seasonal florals.

When it comes to selecting wedding flowers and greenery, there are two key factors you should consider:

Source –Make sure you buy from a local vendor. This will help cut down on long-distance transportation costs and fuel.
Seasonality – Florals that are in-season will grow naturally, without the extra energy and heat required to produce out-of-season blooms.

But that’s not ALL you can do.

When possible, replace cut flower arrangements with potted plants. They’ll last much longer and can be replanted in your yard as enduring reminders of your beautiful day.

Be smart with decor.

Ditch the single-use plastic dinnerware and decorations. Rented china and linens not only look nicer, but they give you more options –especially when you work with a quality vendor like our partner, Event Rents.

If you do purchase any decor, choose biodegradable materials when possible and repurpose or donate decorations after the fact.

Be waste-conscious when planning food.

You’d be surprised how much food is wasted at weddings and big events. Hence the need for thoughtful meal planning. Work closely with a local caterer to craft a meal plan that minimizes waste and takes advantage of the most seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients.

A great way to avoid excess food waste? Opt for elegant plated dinners instead of a self-serve buffet. Or if you DO choose a buffet, coordinate with your caterer about saving or donating leftovers.

Rent or buy attire secondhand.

This may be a BIG ask for many brides, but if you’re not that into the whole wedding dress shopping gig, you may be able to find a dress you like from a local seller on Facebook Marketplace or a website like Still White and Borrowing Magnolia. Plus, these gently used dresses may be 40% to 60% of the original retail price.

Then, of course, you can do the same with jewelry and other accessories.

Grooms can opt to rent instead of buy OR buy a slick suit (instead of a tuxedo) that will most certainly get some good use beyond the wedding day.

And these hacks don’t just apply to the happy couple. There’s no reason bridesmaids and groomsmen can’t join in on the whole sustainable shopping experience, as well.

Be mindful with your exit toss.

Throwing rice or paper confetti may seem like a fun tradition. But in all honesty, these practices aren’t the best for the natural ecosystem. Instead, give your guests lavender, rose petals, leaves, or biodegradable seed paper confetti for a much more eco-friendly wedding exit.

It’s also best to steer away from bubbles and sparklers, since bubbles come in plastic packaging and sparklers cannot be recycled.

Create a sustainable registry.

Wedding day sustainability is important – but what about the household items you request for everyday use? When you create your registry, choose brands and materials that support your eco-friendly ideals. Think lots of stainless steel, cast iron, organic fabrics, and handmade household goods.

Some of the best websites for creating an eco-friendly registry include:

Choose a Sustainable Wedding at Spruce Mountain Ranch!

With marvelous outdoor spaces, a fabulous decor rental partner, and a commitment to preserving our ranch and surrounding community, Spruce Mountain Ranch is a phenomenal place to host an eco-conscious wedding.

Schedule an in-person or virtual tour or get a sneak peek of our venue spaces.

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