JOIN USSustainable weddings are slowly becoming popular
Weddings have had their own share of changes during the pandemic. With gatherings reducing to a number one could never imagine, the uncertainty associated has changed the world for all of us.
Conscious shift
People have consciously shifted to more sustainable choices, be it organic clothing, eco-friendly gifting options or sustainable décor themes. “For the host it has become extremely important to be careful about the wellbeing of their guests in this pandemic era. Hence, they are indulging in environmental-friendly practices at the weddings,” says Ritin Kumar, director and head storyteller, CineLove Productions. “By doing this they make a difference and the experience doesn’t make the event any less fun,” he adds.
Effect on the pocket
Roseline David, founder of Wedding Tales, says that the materials for a sustainable wedding can get relatively difficult to procure, so it may not be very cost-effective.
“The more customisation and eco-friendly items are, the budget may go up accordingly as the vendors have to incur more costs in obtaining those specific products,” she adds.
Sustainable weddings need a lot more care in creating and managing every detail as compared to a regular wedding. “Time consumption, getting good prices for the customised items, storing and packing of items especially edible gifts or hampers, dealing with vendors who are not very supportive are some of the challenges one might face while organising,” she explains.
Why should you prefer intimate weddings?
Intimate weddings allow one to focus further on personalising the event and adding more attention to the elements which would have otherwise lost their importance in a huge gathering, says Rashida Abuwalla, founder of I Do! Weddings and Occasions.
When it’s intimate, you can invest in local talent. “Hiring local artists can be a good investment. This way you are not only promoting them but are also keeping the wedding entertaining,” she adds.
The difference
The guest lists have reduced significantly.
Events that used to last for almost three to four days, now end in a day or two.
Weddings have become private affairs, rather than being extravagant and fancy like in the earlier times.
No delays, hence lesser confusions and contingencies leading to smoother and swifter operations.
Pets are now being included in the celebration.
How to turn sustainable
Invites - E-vites instead of paper invites saves a lot of ink, paper, and most importantly, travel-related resources since you will not have to deliver cards door-to-door. If we really require paper, brown paper envelopes, recycled paper, jute, burlap, dried flowers, seed paper etc. can we used as alternatives.
Catering - Plastic waste can be avoided by switching to metal cutlery, steel plates, steel glasses or glassware, glass bottles, and metal or paper straws. Banana leaves also serves the purpose.
Décor - Potted plants are a real game-changer. They not only look natural but also add colour and fragrance to the location. Go for local flowers to reduce the carbon footprint of importing flowers and always use your venue to your advantage. Every corner can be dazzled up with drapes and flowers. DIY projects and rented out props like vases, lamps, fiber pots can help create the right ambience.
Eco-friendly gifts - Gifting planters, Honey, seed bombs, succulents, air plants, locally made jams and pickles, handmade soaps, coffee, homemade chocolates, homemade wines are a great way to go eco friendly gifts and support small businesses.