If the wedding of your dreams includes honoring the environment with a sustainable celebration, you’re not alone. A recent survey by The Knot and Wedding Wire revealed that 66% of couples considered sustainability when planning their weddings, with 47% prioritizing eco-friendly products and services. More than ever, wedding celebrations are trending toward more intimate gatherings that honor the environment, and the Treasure Coast is a perfect fit for such occasions.
With pristine beaches, lush greenery, abundant wildlife, and a rich history steeped in the local lands and waterways, the Treasure Coast is a stunning backdrop for an eco-friendly wedding. Planning a “green” wedding isn't just about reducing your carbon footprint; it's also an opportunity to support local businesses, minimize waste, and create lasting memories that leave a positive impact on the planet. Here's your guide to planning an environmentally friendly wedding on Florida's Treasure Coast.
Start with a Green Venue
Begin your eco-friendly wedding journey by selecting a venue that shares your environmental values. Fortunately, the Treasure Coast offers a variety of earth-friendly options. From beach and lagoon facing parks to charming botanical gardens and more, there are oodles of magnificent venues that are gentle on the environment. Consider venues with green certifications or those committed to eco-friendly practices, such as using renewable energy sources, minimizing water usage, and implementing waste reduction initiatives.
Embrace Outdoor Celebrations
Welcome nature into your nuptials by hosting your ceremony and reception outdoors. Not only does this allow you to incorporate the region's natural beauty into your wedding decor, but it also reduces the need for artificial lighting and air conditioning. Beach weddings, garden ceremonies, and waterfront receptions are popular choices on the Treasure Coast, providing a magical setting for your special day while minimizing your environmental impact.
Opt for Natural Decor
Get creative with your wedding theme by incorporating sustainable elements that reflect the natural beauty and culture of the Treasure Coast. Seek out florists and nurseries that offer native arrangements and potted greenery.
Invest in decorations that can be reused, repurposed, or even returned to nature after the wedding, like citrus, sea glass or seashells. Embrace minimalist designs and eco-conscious alternatives, such as LED candles, lanterns, and bamboo tableware, to reduce waste and create a stylish yet environmentally friendly ambiance.
Support Local Vendors
Supporting local businesses is key to planning an environmentally responsible wedding. Seek out local vendors who prioritize sustainability. There are many caterers and venues in the area that offer farm-to-table event menus. There are also multiple rental companies that will provide tables, chairs, linens and non-disposable décor. From florists to caterers and beyond, by choosing local vendors, you reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation and shipping, and you support the local economy.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
From invitations to decorations, there are countless opportunities to minimize waste throughout the wedding planning process. Keeping your ceremony and reception small is one of the best ways to reduce waste. Consider digital invitations or recycled paper stationery and choose rental items instead of buying new. Have a plan for items you don’t plan to keep like glass vases for table décor, sign frames, or fabric banners. Donate them to an organization serving people who could really use those things.
Give Back to the Environment
Make your wedding day even more meaningful by giving back to the environment. Instead of traditional (and expensive) wedding favors, consider donating to a local environmental organization that supports ongoing conservation efforts, particularly for the Indian River Lagoon. Planting trees, sponsoring beach cleanups, or adopting a marine animal in honor of your guests are also thoughtful ways to make a positive impact after you say “I do.”
Planning an environmentally friendly wedding on Florida's Treasure Coast is not only easily achievable but also incredibly rewarding. By choosing eco-friendly venues, supporting local vendors, embracing outdoor celebrations, and minimizing waste, you can create a wedding day that reflects your values and leaves a positive legacy for future generations. Let the natural beauty of the Treasure Coast inspire your eco-conscious wedding journey, making beautiful memories that are as kind to the planet as you and your new life partner are to one another.