Hello, lovebirds! If you are here, it is because you are not only madly in love but also passionate about taking care of our beautiful planet. Hosting a sustainable wedding does not mean sacrificing elegance or style—in fact, it often adds a unique, earthy beauty to your special day. With the growing demand for eco-friendly weddings, BC offers a wealth of local, sustainable options to help you achieve your dream day while caring for the Earth. Let us dive into our top 10 tips to help you plan a truly sustainable West Coast wedding.
1. Choose an Eco-Friendly Wedding Venue
Where you host your wedding has a significant impact on the environment. Many traditional venues consume large amounts of energy, so consider a place that shares your eco-conscious values. Look for venues certified as green, such as those with LEED certification or eco-friendly practices. Venues that offer solar power, use energy-efficient lighting or implement water-saving techniques are excellent choices. Consider outdoor venues or locations surrounded by the city’s natural beauty to reduce the need for elaborate décor and lighting. And remember, hosting the ceremony and reception in one place can help reduce transportation emissions.
2. Support Local and Seasonal Catering
Canada is home to some of the world’s most incredible seasonal produce and ethical suppliers. Work with a local caterer who prioritizes farm-to-table ingredients and sustainable sourcing. Avoid foods with a high environmental impact and consider offering a plant-based menu. Not only will you be reducing the carbon footprint, but guests will enjoy fresh, local flavours. Also, consider composting leftovers or donating food to local charities—a growing trend in sustainable weddings.
3. Opt for Sustainable Wedding Attire
Your dress and suit do not need to come at a high environmental cost. Look into renting, buying vintage, or purchasing attire from eco-friendly brands. Many bridal shops, including La Laurel Bridal Consignment and Pure Magnolia, carry eco-conscious lines, using organic, recycled fabrics or even plant-based materials. For men, renting a suit or finding a vintage piece is a sustainable choice. Bonus tip: choose pieces you can repurpose or donate after the wedding so they continue to spread love long after the big day.
4. Eco-Friendly Wedding Invitations and Stationery
Digital invitations have become increasingly popular, and they are an excellent way to cut down on paper waste and emissions from mailing. If you would rather go traditional, look for companies that offer recycled paper, plantable paper (yes, your guests can plant your own!), or vegetable-based inks. Some BC companies specialize in eco-friendly wedding stationery, so you can get beautiful designs that are kind to the planet.
5. Minimize Transportation Impact
Transportation for weddings can be a significant carbon emitter, especially if guests are travelling from far away. If possible, choose a venue accessible to most of your friends and family, or arrange group transportation, such as chartered buses or carpools. And if you are up for a romantic gesture, arriving by bicycle or even on foot can add a unique, eco-friendly flair to your wedding!
6. Embrace Sustainable Décor
When it comes to décor, less is truly more. Avoid plastic and single-use items, and focus on natural décor that can be reused or composted. Canadian thrift stores, vintage shops, and local rental companies are treasure troves for eco-friendly wedding décor. Opt for dried flowers, upcycled decorations, and DIY centrepieces using natural materials like wood and recycled glass. For lighting, candles (especially soy-based or repurposed) or solar-powered fairy lights add an intimate, romantic vibe without excessive energy use.
7. Sustainable Floral Arrangements
Imported flowers come with a high carbon footprint, but there are plenty of ways to create gorgeous, green-friendly arrangements. Choose locally grown, seasonal flowers, or better yet, potted plants that guests can take home afterward. If you are keen on fresh-cut blooms, look for a florist who sources from local, organic farms.
8. Favours with a Purpose
Wedding favours often end up in the back of a drawer or, worse, in the trash. Instead, consider meaningful, sustainable options that guests will cherish and use. Local-made items like mini jars of maple syrup, wildflower seed packets, reusable bags, or even small potted plants are all fantastic choices. You could also make a donation in each guest’s name to an environmental organization—supporting a cause while keeping waste to a minimum.
9. Eco-Friendly Rings and Jewellery
Jewellery can be beautiful, meaningful, and sustainable. Look for jewellers who offer ethically sourced gemstones or recycled metals. Vancouver is also home to several artisan jewellers who specialize in eco-conscious pieces, so you can support local craftspeople like Foe and Dear, Evorden, and Era Design. Consider choosing vintage or family heirloom pieces to make your jewellery even more meaningful. Sustainable options do not just look good; they add a story to your ring’s history.
10. Make Cruelty-Free Choices
For a cruelty-free wedding, consider small changes that reduce harm to animals and the environment. Avoid using balloons, as they can be harmful to wildlife if they escape into nature, and instead consider biodegradable confetti or flower petals. Skip the traditional rice toss, as it can be harmful to birds; bubbles or lavender are safer alternatives. And while horse-drawn carriages might look romantic, they are not animal-friendly. Arriving on foot, by bicycle, or even in an electric vehicle can make a memorable, cruelty-free entrance.
Final Thoughts: Small Changes, Big Impact
Having a sustainably conscious wedding is not about being perfect; it is about making mindful choices where possible. BC offers countless resources, venues, and vendors committed to sustainability, allowing you to host a wedding that aligns with your values and spreads love to both your guests and the planet.
Every effort counts, so celebrate your love, knowing that you are also contributing to a brighter, greener future. Happy wedding planning, eco-conscious couples!
Author Profile
- Helen Siwak is the founder of EcoLuxLuv Communications & Marketing Inc and publisher of Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine and PORTFOLIOY.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine. She is a prolific content creator, consultant, and marketing and media strategist within the ecoluxury lifestyle niche. Helen is the west coast correspondent to Canada’s top-read industry magazine Retail-Insider, holds a vast freelance portfolio, and consults with many of the world’s luxury heritage brands. Always seeking new opportunities and challenges, you can email her at [email protected].
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