19 Eco-Friendly Wedding Ideas To Minimize Waste Post-Celebration

At Epic Thyme, we love planning green, eco-friendly weddings that are good for the earth without compromising your wedding vision. There are so many ways to go green for your big day, but what about afterward? What do you do with all the leftover wedding food, supplies, and things you never plan on using again? Even though your wedding day has come and gone, there are still plenty of eco-friendly ways to dispose of and disperse wedding leftovers. Check out these 18 post-wedding ideas to help reduce your environmental impact and make your big day a little more sustainable, even after you say “I do!”

Eco-Friendly Wedding Ideas for Leftover Food

After you and your guests enjoy the delicious food and desserts at your wedding, you may have some leftovers. Rather than throwing them away, here are five ways to minimize wedding waste:

• Donate leftover food to a charity or food shelter. Many local organizations accept food donations, but be sure to coordinate with your caterer in advance to ensure compliance with health codes.

• Bring it to a local fire station. Firefighters often appreciate a good meal, and this is a great way to give back to your community.

• Supply take-home containers for your guests. Provide eco-friendly containers so guests can take home extra food and enjoy it later.

• Bring it back to your hotel or accommodations to enjoy during the after-party. Leftovers can fuel the fun after the main event.

• Ask your caterer to put it in freezer containers to save for a later time. This is a great way to enjoy your wedding menu again and relive the memories.

Be sure to discuss these options with your caterer ahead of time, as some companies might already have policies and procedures in place.

Quick Tip: Apps like Too Good To Go can help you find local organizations or individuals who can use your leftover food.

Eco-Friendly Wedding Ideas for Leftover Decor and Supplies

There are many items you need for a wedding that you’ll likely never use in day-to-day life. If you plan to have a sustainable wedding, you can rent these essential items and simply return them after your wedding. However, if you purchased a lot of supplies and decor and you’re looking for eco-friendly ways to get them off your hands, try these ideas:

• Sell your wedding supplies. Selling wedding items is a great way to get them off your hands while making some of your money back. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or wedding-specific resale sites like Stillwhite are excellent options.

• Repurpose your wedding decor. Find creative ways to reuse your decor. For example, boho rugs from your ceremony aisle can become a cozy addition to your living room, and decorative lights from your reception can brighten up your backyard or holiday decor.

• Give away perishable items. Send floral centerpieces home with your vendors or guests as a thoughtful gesture.

If you’re unsure what to do with certain items, consider donating them to local charities or community centers. This not only reduces waste but also allows others to enjoy and benefit from your wedding decor.

Eco-Friendly Wedding Ideas for Leftover Flowers

Recycling your wedding flowers after the ceremony is an excellent way to go green once your wedding is over. Here are a few ways to reuse and recycle your floral arrangements:

• Hang them to dry for use in crafts or decorations. Dried flowers can be used in wreaths, shadow boxes, or other keepsakes.

• Press them in a book and send one flower with each wedding thank-you card. This adds a personal and sentimental touch to your thank-you notes.

• Turn your flowers into potpourri. Enjoy the scent of your wedding day for weeks to come.

• Compost your flowers into rich, nutrient mulch. This is a great way to give back to the earth and help new plants grow.

Pro Tip: Consider donating your flowers to a local hospital or nursing home through organizations like Random Acts of Flowers.

Eco-Friendly Wedding Ideas for Your Wedding Attire

Some couples want to keep their wedding dress or suit as a reminder of their wedding day. Others simply don’t have the space in their closet. If you’re looking for sustainable ways to part with your wedding attire, here are a few ideas:

• Sell your dress online. There are plenty of platforms where you can list your wedding attire, like marketplaces or wedding-specific resale sites like Stillwhite or Nearly Newlywed. You can also sell shoes, jewelry, and other accessories you no longer need.

• Give your wedding attire to someone in need. If you know someone who can’t afford an elaborate gown or tuxedo, consider gifting your attire to them. It’s a meaningful way to help someone else create their dream wedding.

• Make something new with the material. If you’re a skilled seamstress or know someone who is, repurpose your wedding attire into something you’ll wear regularly, like a cocktail dress, scarf, or even a baby blanket.

• Donate your wedding party’s attire. If you purchased dresses or tuxedos for your wedding party, consider donating them to a local charity. Many organizations accept formalwear to provide prom dresses and tuxedos for kids who can’t afford their own.

By giving your wedding attire a second life, you’re not only reducing waste but also creating opportunities for others to enjoy these special items.

Eco-Friendly Wedding Ideas for Thank You Cards

Writing thank-you cards to hundreds of people can use a lot of paper. Here are some sustainable alternatives:

• Record video thank-yous. Personalize each video and send them via text or email to minimize waste.

• Use plantable thank-you cards. These cards are embedded with seeds that grow into flowers, herbs, or vegetables when planted.

• Go digital. Create beautiful digital thank-you cards or photo albums to share with your guests.

Bonus Tip: Save handwritten notes for older guests or those who would appreciate a traditional card.

Go Green with Epic Thyme and Plan the Eco-Friendly Wedding of Your Dreams

Going green after your wedding is much easier when you plan an eco-friendly wedding from the start. At Epic Thyme, we specialize in designing breathtaking, highly personalized, and sustainable weddings that reflect your unique vision while minimizing environmental impact. From sourcing eco-friendly decor and supporting local businesses to incorporating farm-to-table catering, we help you make intentional, thoughtful choices for every detail of your wedding.

Our team works closely with you to make sure your wedding is as sustainable as it is stylish. We’ll guide you in choosing the eco-friendly wedding ideas that'll work best for you, from selecting items that can be repurposed or rented, helping you plan for waste reduction, and even connecting you with local charities to donate leftover food or decor. With our expertise in eco-friendly wedding planning, you can enjoy a celebration that’s not only beautiful but also kind to the planet. Contact us today to start planning the Lake Tahoe eco-friendly wedding of your dreams!