So your friends are getting married, and you want to throw them a party- so exciting! Weddings are a great time to celebrate and to think about the future. One great way to protect that future is to throw an environmentally conscious event, focusing on taking care of the environment. Because a happy future may have a mixer in it, but a happier future has clean air.

You don't have to announce it; your guests will probably not even notice the difference, they will only notice what a great time they had. So let's look at simple ways to throw an amazing shower:

1. Go Recycled Paper (or Paperless) for your Invitations

What do you do with an invitation after a party? Usually, the answer is throw it away. That is a lot of added waste to the world! Instead, you can go two different directions (depending on the formality and tech saviness of your crowd).

First, you can find recycled options for all of your invitations. No trees have to come down so you can throw a brunch.

I found a bunch of stationary places that use recycled paper; some are even filled with seeds so you can plant them! To check out these amazing companies, look at this post. Since then, I have also fallen in love with Whole Weddings, that does gorgeous plantable invitations as well.

If you have a younger crowd, you can probably get away with paperless invitations for your event. I think evite.com and Paperless Post offer really cute invitations, and you can track RSVP's and ask for pictures from the same site, which is pretty convenient. This may have been a faux pas 10 years ago, but now most people think of it as commonplace.

2. Switch Up the Registry

Wedding showers are really all about the gifts, so to have a green shower, you really need to think of all the gifts being consumed. It may seem strange at first, but consumerism is one of the key factors in climate change, so it takes a change in consumerism to see things improve.

If you love the couple enough to throw them a shower, you may love them enough to throw in a suggestion or two. It can be tempting to approach the registry with a "what do we want" attitude, but thinking more about what they need and what does good. That means a shift in priorities, but even more it means that they would have to do all sorts of research to have an ethical, lasting, and green registry.

Luckily, I have done all that work already. You can literally scroll through this registry and find everything on their list ethically and locally-made. If nothing else, it might be a fun thing for them to browse through as they figure out what the heck they are going to do with their registry!

3. Suggest Secondhand, Experiences, or Just Money 

(No, Really!)

There is this unwritten rule that you never EVER even mention the registry on a wedding or shower invitation. You would NEVER dare to ask for money or help with your honeymoon. It is UNHEARD of to actually ask for things secondhand. I mean, who would do that!??! New is so NEW?!?!

Alright everyone, let's stop clutching our pearls for a minute and get real.

A shower is literally a party where the couple (often the bride because obviously only heterosexual women use towels) is SHOWERED with gifts. It is a "we'll give you scones, you give us a blender party." Why are people not allowed to say this? Why do we have to pretend? It may be too much for the couple to say what they really want is help with their honeymoon, but you as their host can pass that message along.

Not only that, but money toward a down payment or honeymoon is WAY more eco-friendly than the gift of a toaster (when they already have a toaster but felt like they had to register for something). And if the couple is eco-friendly, secondhand alternatives to the items on their registry keeps more things out of landfills and in use.

So, consider being a huge rule breaker and actually telling people what the couple want. Maybe their grandmas will be offended, but really, will anyone else care?

4. Serve (Sneaky) Vegetarian Treats

In general, the production of meat products come at huge environmental price; they use up resources and cause a lot of waste. All the dead zones in the ocean you hear about? They are basically caused by the waste of beef production. If you want to cut into climate change, eat way less meat. Fish turns out to have serious problems as well; fishing nets are the number one source of plastic in the oceans.

You can usually only control what you do, but when you throw a party, you control what everybody does. A good host or hostess is really just someone who knows how to properly wield power (i kid, sort of). So, for this event, you get to control what everyone on the guest list eats for lunch. Choose something vegetarian. That's a little less food being eaten, and people will probably not even notice. Try a bunch of soups, an amazing salad, or some pasta. Give them carbs, and no one will complain.

This little gesture can keep a bunch of meat from being eaten and might even inspire a guest!

5. Focus on Memories, Not Materialism

Showers are kind of the worst in that they are the apex of capitalism. They are literally just about showering someone in stuff that you bought. There are games about the stuff that you bought. Everyone has to pretend to be excited about the stuff other people bought.

But seriously, who cares?

The couple picks out exactly what they want, they can track how it is going, and then they receive it. It would be like if every student watched while their other students turn in their assignments. Yes, you did your homework. And if this is a rare time where the bride(s) or groom(s) get to be with their loved ones, do they really want to spend it opening a mixer? (Seriously, who cares? Pretending about caring about other peoples' shower gifts is one of the worst parts about being a woman. It's up there with cramps and inexplicable gender inequality).

So I am suggesting an absolutely radical step to take at the shower you host: Don't open the presents there.

Instead, think about other things people can share at the shower. For my shower, everyone brought a scrapbook page or two. It was an amazing gift, and many of the pages have only grown more precious to me as life happens. You could have all of your guests show off their pages instead of giving a gift. Or each person could bring a piece of advice to share. Bring a recipe and a memory about it to put into one big book. There are so many options here, and you should do whatever best fits the couple.

You can let people know ahead of time, so if there is something they really want to watch be opened, they can come up with another plan.

Yes, someone will complain. Who cares? People will complain about anything.

6. Go Outside

The easiest way to have a beautiful party without spending a bunch of money on decorations or a fancy room is to simply have it outside. A beautiful venue means you won't need much to make it special, and the less you decorate with, the less waste you make.

Yes, this can be risky if you live in a rainy place (and obviously seasons come into play here too), but if you can have your party outside, do it!

Not only will it save you money, but it also nearly guarantees your guests will have a better time. Being outside and in the sun creates all sorts of positive chemical reactions in all of our brains. The pictures will all have great light. People will remember it fondly. We all are happier when we live outside. Such a simple shift in planning, but it has a huge effect and will save lots of waste.

from startadaycareservice.com

7. Decorate With Meaning (And Without Balloons)

If you want to nail the decorations I have two big pieces of advice:

1. Think about decorations that could be used again.
2. Only bother with decorations that are meaningful.

Neither of these are particularly "green" advice, but in following these ideas, you can actually do all sorts of good for the environment. It couldn't be easier to run to Target or Walmart and just grab some stuff from the party aisle; vinyl tablecloths, balloons, and themed paper plates.

But balloons and disposables are terrible for the environment. Both not only introduce more chemicals into our water and land (causing a lot of harm to our bodies) but they are also easily mistaken for food by birds. And honestly, balloons are not that cute. You can do better. Check this blog for tons of ideas for simple and cost-effective replacements. There are more than you think!

That said, when you decorate, if you focus on things that can be used again (vases that can be game prizes, reusable napkins to stock the couple for life, picture frames to take home, scrapbook pages to be treasured later, etc), you can set the couple's home up with treasures that are already deeply meaningful and imbued with the love of that day. My favorite idea? Decorate each table with a sapling or small plant, and then go plant them in the couple's yard (if they have one). What a happy thing to help them remember (and breathe).

That's pretty cool, and certainly beats a garbage bag full of balloons. Maybe you will have fewer things, but a few focal points tends to make a bigger impact anyway.

Think about the couple. Are they athletes? Use balls as part of your center piece (and they can take them home with them). Nerds? How about lego centerpieces. If you stop thinking of what showers are like and start thinking about what the couple is like, you will throw a way more memorable party.

8. Use Reusable Party Supplies. Not Available? Go Compostable

If you can, use reusable forks, plates, and napkins. If the place you are having the party have them available, use them! You can have a dish washing after party (no seriously, leftover drinks and dish towels and chatting sounds perfectly fun to me). If you are having a more formal event in a space without reusable stuff, check with party suppliers nearby (or your caterer) so you can rent.

Your last option is to find compostable options for all the cutlery, plates and cups you need. In bulk, it is similarly priced to plastic, but it is WAY better for the Earth and it looks a lot less tacky.

Plastic looks like garbage, because it is garbage. If you want a party that looks good, you shouldn't use plastic.

Check this post for all of your party supply needs. Good stuff is out there, you just have to know where to look.

9. Get Thrifty

If you are looking for supplies or a platter, consider checking your local thrift shops. You can always find neat things there that might be the perfect fit for your party. People donate regularly to thrift stores, but don't always think of them as good options for shopping themselves. Walk through one and see if you feel inspired!

10. Choose a Green Favor

If you are going to do a favor (which really, you don't have to), do something that is zero waste. Maybe choose a plant or seeds for everyone to take home. At my shower, my amazing MOH made washcloths rolled up to be lollipops that people took home to use. Washcloths are actually useful! Start by thinking of usefulness. You can read lots of favor ideas on this post.

 If nothing else, just avoid those stinking cozies or some sort of lame treat wrapped in plastic. Other mistakes to avoid? Anything "personalized"- do I really want to carry a tote bag with a cute saying or the couple's wedding date on it? No. But if you make it a little more subtle, I will be all about it.

11. Donate your Leftovers, Recycle your Waste

The last thing you can do to make your party greener is to think about what you do with what's left. Leftover food can be donated to nearby shelters. Any food you can't donate can be composted to make soil instead of garbage, and if you got compostable plates or silverware, you can throw them in the same pot.

On the same end, if something is recyclable, recycle it. If paper or bags can be reused, save it. The less you have in those garbage cans at the end of the day, the more good you have done.



Have an amazing party! Your friends are so lucky that you are celebrating their present happiness and taking care of their future!

Oy, wedding costs! You go into it with a vision, and then slowly, that vision can be chipped away just by the shrinking amount still left in the budget. Before you are really planning, you spend a lot of time plotting decorations and cool details, but those are often the things that get cut for the sake of the event as a whole. Some of that is inevitable, but I do think there are cool ways to approach your wedding that can save you BIG money.

Even better, if you shift your approach to the stuff you buy for the wedding, you can save things from landfills and create less waste. So many of these decor pieces are used one night only, but if they are shared between many couples, they can have much longer and happier lives.

1. Get Everything You Can Used

 This is the most cost-effective AND eco-friendly thing you can do for your wedding decorations. So many wedding decorations become one time use things, and I hate to think of all the perfectly useful objects that get thrown out. But the bright side is you can find so much out there if you just know where to look and don't mind some browsing.

You can find great used decorations:

Newlyweds- We all know these big life events happen in waves. If you have friends getting married before you, check and see what you can get off their hands once they are hitched. We definitely gave decorations away to the Boy's beloved cousin, and our lights to the high school for dances. Your friends will have stuff they are happy to part with. Doesn't perfectly match? Get creative about what you can stretch to fit or change the color of and then offer the rest to others. After your hitched you can pay the favor forward!

On Buy Nothing- Have you joined your local Buy Nothing Project yet? I have seen it all on there- people offering their table runners to other asking for (and receiving) tons of glass vases for their center pieces. Check with your Buy Nothing and you could save 100's of dollars.

Goodwill and other Consignment Stores- Sometimes, this kind of shopping is a bust, but if you know what you need, you might find a steal. Also, lots of cities have craft consignment stores that might sell the ribbon or fabric you need as well.

Online Resale sites- Thank goodness for the internet, because you can now find everything you would ever want to decorate with used. Cheaper, convenient, and keeping things out of landfills? Amazing.

Ruffled is an absolute treasure, and you can find so many gorgeous things on their "Recycle your Wedding" pages. They have at least a thousand items, so it's a lot to go through, but you are sure to find something.  Make sure to check the price against the brand new cost, and don't be afraid to ask them to lower it a little (I mean, what else are they going to do with 100 extra mason jars?) Browse often, because things are going up all the time! You can find a steal on beautiful decorations.I may actually buy some things from them for a non-matrimonial party.

Tradesy- Tradesy started as wedding only, but they have had enough success to branch out. They have all kinds of wedding stuff, from bridesmaid dresses to wedding papers, but their decorations section is especially amazing and well-organized. They have 5,500+ items up right now! Easier to browse than most of the other sites as well. Be sure to join their mailing list so you get even more money off.

Wedding Recycle- This website also has lots of selection (about 3000 items) and they are connected to the Can't Buy me Love Project, where you donate wedding dresses that can be given away to brides who otherwise couldn't afford them. Pretty cool.

2. Let the Space do the Work

 You picked your venues for a reason. Start with that premise and just let the beauty of your wedding and reception spaces shine through. Choose colors that match the space. If it's already a good-looking spot, you may not need much. Don't pick a theme that doesn't fit the room, and you have already saved yourself tons of money.

3. Focus on Lighting (and someone can always lend you lights)

 If I had to decorate a whole reception with one item, it would be white twinkly lights. Lighting sets the mood, makes everything look intentional (even when it isn't), and adds that magical thing. Even better, you can almost always find lighting as a rental or used. Twice this summer, I have seen brides gifted tons of Christmas lights for their weddings on Buy Nothing (have you joined Buy Nothing yet? DO IT). If you do get lights lent to you, be sure to mark who each strand belongs to. Otherwise, you can get this high impact item for very cheap or even free.

4. DIY it

 I love browsing the decoration ideas on Etsy, but I am often struck how many of the things on there can just be made- you don't need to buy them! Sparkly branches? Glue, glitter, and a walk in the woods. Tissue paper flowers? Buy some bulk tissue paper and wire. Peg doll cake topper? Paint that business yourself. We made our escort cards from paint swatches- it doesn't have to be expensive to be memorable and fun. I love these crocheted boutonnieres, and you could do so many kinds of homemade flowers like these to cut floral costs.

 When you buy decor, you are paying for time and skill. Work ahead so you have the time, and you can self-assess which skills are within your wheelhouse. You can a little bit of money go a lot further this way! Only trick is to plan ahead!

5. Pick Focal Points over Details

 I have seen so many weddings where there were fussy centerpiece things at the table but nowhere to look in the room. Make a few spots really worth looking at and don't bother trying to make every corner beautiful. People will only remember a handful of things anyway.

6. Multi-Task Where You Can

 Use your favors or cake or guests as decor. You have millions of choices dependent on your favor, but it's a nice way to have something do double duty. I went to a wedding last year where the cakes were the centerpieces, which saves tons of money on flowers, and you get more time with cake, so who can complain? Stepping out of the box even a little might help you figure out how to make what you are already paying for a key part of the room.

7. Think Smaller

This can mean anything from a smaller guest list to a smaller wedding party to smaller floral arrangements. Simple is good, and over the top is actually kind of boring. Rather than totally giving up on your dreams, think about how you can do it in a smaller way.

Another way to think about this is that it is for one day, so anything you can rent DO IT. One day is a pretty small increment of time, so think in terms of borrowing, NOT buying.  A bunch of bought and disposable stuff may seem cheaper, but how much time, effort, and money are you spending trying to make it look nice? Skip the plastic table cloths and just rent. You will save in the end, and it will look fancier (because plastic looks like garbage even before it is garbage).

There is so much joy in not letting things become a circus. And you will be just as married.

8. Everything Doesn't Have to Match Perfectly

Prioritize what is free over what perfectly matches. Matchy matchy can be great if you are meticulous, but a little variation never hurt anyone. One of my friends is very detail-oriented and got all the colors to match perfectly at her wedding. And it looked amazing, but it doesn't have to go that way.

It's more important to have a set sense of style than an overly particular matching set mentality. That sense of style and vision for the big picture is what will have the impact in the end. Try this- write a list of five things you want your wedding to feel like (elegant, joyful, fun, cool, etc). Have your partner do the same. Start with those lists and build an overall style from there.

If you can find 40 free plates that look one way and 50 that look another, and they both fit, just use them both. The people at table 3 will not be comparing plates with the people at table 9. It can be hard to remember when you are in the thick of planning, but your guests don't care. They just want to eat.

9. Please Don't Monogram your Napkins

 Why. Why. Why. Why is this even still a thing? If you are doing the little cocktail napkins, by all means, get them in a color that resonates with your scheme (even better, get them recycled from a company like Susty). But why is this insta-garbage a good time to remind people whose wedding they are attending? No one has forgotten, and honestly, it is never all that classy. Put your money into other details, and then whatever you don't use can be for another couple or your dinner parties.

10. Do What Feels Like You (and What Makes You HAPPY)

We have been to so many weddings, and my favorites are the ones that are undeniably THAT couple. Like, I could look at the details and guess it was them.

There are always trends and childhood fantasies to contend with, but if you can't afford a grand ball, it will show. Instead, talk about what you actually like to do together, what kind of party is fun to you. When you start from that place, instead of looking at chandeliers on Pinterest or the 50,000 dollar event you saw on a blog, you will come up with something people love even more. If you aren't really champagne and caviar, but are more of a picnic couple, do that. And you can do that well.

To me, this is the key to happiness in most life events, and I think it works for us. I am not dreaming of a mansion, instead I want to do a small family home really well. You are always going to hear the message that more, bigger, more expensive are better, but we all logically know they aren't. Empower each other to do what is real and meaningful to you, and let the rest go.



So you may be overwhelmed with the amount of money you have already spent nailing down the DJ and planning with the caterer. I don't blame you- weddings are expensive! But decorations is an area that with a little creativity, you can make huge impact with a little bit of money.

Want an environmentally responsible registry? Be sure to read The Eco- Friendly Wedding Registry. Want more Green Wedding goodness? We have SO MANY ideas here of how to make your special day kinder to the environment and that much more original. Check out the Green Wedding Page for more ideas.

Weddings are such a great time to celebrate, but too often parties create a LOT of unnecessary trash. You are trying to attend to a lot of needs at once (often with a smallish budget) so creating waste can be the least of your problems. But we know that the waste we create (especially plastic) is a genuine threat to our future, so how do you protect the earth and future without breaking the bank?

 How much of this blessed day would you like to go to a landfill?

This is a challenge lots of us face for our weddings (or really any big party we throw)- when you host a party that big, it isn't surprising that some of the wares will be disposable. Maybe you are renting tables, chairs, plates, and silverware, but I bet you have had the cocktail napkin conversation (GAH!!! Do not get monogrammed napkins. Everyone already knows what wedding they are at- what a waste of money). Or maybe you are going to buy straws and cups for the bar.

Disposable is certainly easy to come by (and cheap), but think about your priorities before you go that way across the board. Please, if you can rent any of these supplies from your caterer (or the venue or a local party rentals place), do it. Renting means reuse, which is exponentially less harmful for the environment than any one time use goods. The cost may seem high, but think of all the ironing and cleaning you won't be doing.

That being said, sometimes the cost difference is ridiculous, and other times (with things like straws and cocktail napkins), a rentable option may not exist. Maybe you are doing a big potluck picnic or another party where disposable makes the most sense. We used paper straws and plastic cups (would do that so differently now), and I think most couples do end up with a mix.

If you splurge a little on compostable and recycled goods for even half of these items, your wedding will have a significantly more positive impact on the world you will be married in.

If you want to do a little, just don't buy any plastic. No plastic plates, straws, or cups. They are incredibly wasteful, dangerous to wildlife, and will outlive our grandchildren. Plastic is a problem, never a real solution. Plus, you are spending all this money, and plastic always looks trashy, because it is in fact trash. 

So if you are doing the world's least exciting wedding shopping, let me join you. Here are some things worth looking into:

Plates

Americans throw out a trillion disposable plates A YEAR. Can you even imagine a trillion? At the very least, we can make the ones we add compostable, so they will break down.

Some people use all disposable plates, and others only go that route for dessert or appetizer plates. Whatever you need to do is what you need to do, but I think you can find something classier and eco-friendly all at once. Yes, you can get a plastic plate in exactly your colors, but 100+ plastic plates straight to a landfill? Kind of a bummer, and you might be able to find something just as cost-effective while being much more eco-friendly.

Plus, I think the perfectly matched thing only works for particular styles, and you have to be very meticulous to make it work. It's a wedding. White always makes sense.

As a side note, LOOK AROUND and see where you can buy what you want in bulk. If you buy your plates 25 at a time, you will be wasting money. Track those bigger sets down on websites like Eco Party or Webstaurant Store.

Susty Party from Amazon

Our Pick- I think if you are going for an elegant look, it doesn't get much better than the Susty Party square plates. They are sturdy, look so sharp for a table, and cost about as much as any "premium" plastic plates they sell for weddings (around 50 cents a plate). They have a dessert plate as well, and I just think this is an absolute winner if you are having a more elegant or classic wedding.

Leafware from Amazon

If you are doing something more rustic, I love these Leafware plates (compostable, not recyclable) and made out of palm leaves. They are very sturdy and look gorgeous and modern. Plus, they will decompose, so they create no waste. Win! If they don't quite fit your style, check Thynk and CiboWares as well.

Other Options- Susty also sells a more rustic and papery option that still look great and these ones are made in America as well. For any of our regular life parties, this is probably what we would buy. They scream picnic to me, not necessarily wedding (though some colors look more polished than others), but if you are having a more picnicky shindig, this is an awesome option.

Check bamboo options, like these plates from Bambu! Find an aesthetic that works for your style. If you want something even more low key, try these plates from Earth's Natural- still completely biodegradable and only 18 cents a plate!

Cups

Susty Party from Amazon

We definitely used plastic cups at our wedding bar, and they will literally still be around when death parts us. If I could go back, I would put our drinks in something more eco-friendly. Because, why not? If one more good thing (beyond the dancing) came out of our alcohol, who can complain?

Our Pick- I tried to find ones that don't advertise themselves too much, not because there is anything wrong with being environmentally-psyched, but it doesn't always look that pretty. Susty Party sells both clear compostable cups and even more environmentally-friendly paper cups, so they may be the big winner in this category.

Other Options- There are tons of other options, and some like Zilchables are even made in the USA. They all have branding on them, which is a pain in the butt, but if you are less fussy than me and don't care, you can find a great deal and a huge eco-friendly win- Eco-Products, Stalkmarket, World Centric, and Repurpose.

Make sure to to poke around and find the bulk option that best fits the number you were thinking- great way to save some money!

Straws

Tranquilo from Amazon

Who doesn't love a straw in their cocktail? If you want a little something extra at your bar, paper straws are biodegradable and eco-friendly. Plus, they are trendy enough that you can absolutely find something eco friendly AND in your colors!

Our Pick- Tranquilo straws are made from paper, in the US, and money goes to Ocean Clean Up projects. Their stated goal as a company is to eliminate the "needless consumption of disposable plastic products." As you can probably guess, this company is one of my absolute favorites. If you are buying straws for anything, buy these ones. The options on Amazon are limited, but you can find more on Tranquilo's website.

Other Options- Any paper straws are a thousand times better (and classier) than any plastic straw. You do more good if you find ones that haven't traveled far (so maybe not Kikkerland- at least try their subset Green Party Straws that biodegrade). I really love Aardvark straws because they have lots of colors, biodegrade, and are made in the USA. You also do more good if you find ones using recycled paper. Crave sells all recycled ones, so it might be a great option.

Still can't find the perfect straw? Hello, Etsy. "Paper Straws" and the USA filter gets you 16,000+ options. Some of my favorites- Puppy Cat Crafts (every color or pattern you could possibly want), Cherished Blessings (super affordable if you can find your color), The Papered Table (great options all around) and The Party Gnome (crazy patterns, but I like the birch if you are doing a rustic wedding). You can probably get all you would need for 10-20 dollars, and it is so much cuter than those damn cocktail napkins.

Silverware

Brichware from Amazon

Ugh, plastic silverware is the worst, right? What a waste to use a piece of plastic once and then send it off to the landfill. You still have better options than horrible plastic- even recycled plastic isn't great if you are just going to toss them. We will never go back to this- it just doesn't make sense. The wooden and biodegradable stuff looks and feels better too, and the price difference isn't too significant when you buy in bulk.

Our Pick- Wooden Cutlery. They really do look beautiful, and I think they could work with so many wedding styles. I couldn't find a specifically "Made in America" brand, so let's do the best we can. My favorite might be these Birchware wood cutlery- they have clean modernist ones and more elegant choices, so I think it could be great for so many weddings. I also think buying the pieces separately makes sense since you need way more forks than spoons for most menus.

You have more options, some of which cost less, so look around and find the wood (and biodegradable) options that work for you- HUJI Disposable (super cost-effective), Perfect Stix (also well-priced and great reviews), Creative Juice Cafe, and Pretty Sweet Party.

Other Options- Bioplastic. You can get plastic made from plants that still biodegrades I don't think it is nearly as attractive, but you can save money and it still biodegrades! Repurpose has a line of biodegradable silverware and you can get everything you possibly need (maybe for your whole marriage). I love that they are out to replace all those disposables that hurt your wedding's carbon footprint. Transitions 2 Earth has some to look out as well- they are made in China and biodegrade over 5 to 20 years. So mixed bag, but still an improvement on plastic.

Napkins

Now I know I have been pretty secretive about how I feel about decorative napkins at weddings. You probably aren't sure where I stand. Oh you are? Alright, well let's just leave it there then.

If you aren't going to use them as major decor, I say go basic. If your wedding aesthetic works with that recycled kraft color, go that route. If not, white and recycled is still way more eco-friendly.

Our Pick- My loyalty remains with Seventh Generation for eco-friendly paper goods, and you can get 100% recycled lunch napkins (in white or kraft) at low prices. They don't sell cocktail napkins, so for that, I would recommend Hoffmaster kraft napkins which are 100% recycled and made in the US.

Susty Party from Amazon

Other Options- Susty Party sells some cocktail napkins with great-looking designs (you can find them here too). I can't remember one napkin from any wedding I attended, but maybe you love a good napkin. Start with this company then. If you want something plain white, Tree Free cocktail napkins are made of bagasse (sugar cane) instead of tree products. They also donate proceeds to the Arbor Day foundation!


Want an environmentally responsible registry? Be sure to read The Eco- Friendly Wedding Registry. Want more Green Wedding goodness? We have SO MANY ideas here of how to make your special day kinder to the environment and that much more original. Check out the Green Wedding Page for more ideas.


If you like this post, please share it! This blog is all about making small changes. The more people who make these small shifts, the better the Earth will be!

Wedding favors are kind of the best. Everyone at the wedding gets a little present just for showing up, and often it is something to eat. There is a lot of sweetness in them, because it's a way that the couple can show gratitude to their guests for coming to celebrate with them. This is important, because the couple probably won't get to spend the time they thought they would with every guest (at least I didn't- those hours go fast).

So favors are really a lovely little tradition, and it annoys me when wedding advice suggests skipping them all together. So much of what you spend on your wedding doesn't necessarily show gratitude, but I think gratitude is so important.

On the other hand, wedding favors are kind of the worst.

Often, guests either don't remember them or eat them immediately. We ate this cupcake before we left the reception (that's a lot of plastic boxes to throw away). We do remember that we once got a cookie with the bride and groom's faces on them. We still have that cookie, after five years, and they look like zombies.

 We have all received favors we will never use.  They so often come in clear plastic boxes. Lots of clear plastic with ribbons and tags. I get it, to a certain extent, you want it to look fancy, and that is all in the framing. But that is a lot of pointless garbage so you can see inside a box you are about to open. 

Can you give a favor Can you gift favors that don't create a bunch of plastic waste? Or maybe even do some good while still being a gift, not a grandstand? I think so.

So what do you want from your favors? My thoughts.

1. Low cost but high meaning. You aren't buying fine jewelry for every guest.

2. Useful and not wasteful. You want the guests to actually want your favor.

3. Captures the spirit of your wedding. Memorable in a Good Way. Or a zombie cookie way.

To me, the answer screaming out here is to make something yourself, because you can get a lot more for your money. The favors have a lot of feeling and effort behind them, but you can save the money for another aspect of your wedding. And if you avoid really wasteful instagarbage packaging, this can be an eco-friendly option as well! That being said, not everyone has time to make 75 candles or jar their own jelly or paint 100 ornaments. So I will try to list off some simple purchase options as well.

from Lynnburg Lane

1. Soap

 This might be a more common gift for showers (ha! joke), but I think this might actually be nice for a wedding. Perfectly useful, and it might be a fun treat for your out of towners (better than lame hotel soap). I have never seen this at a wedding, but I like the pretty, subtle colors, and I think it might make a good universal gift.

You can find lots of very girly rosy ones or super-themed ones (Star Wars, Winnie the Pooh, etc), but I found some simple ones to get you started (consider buying one tester from them so you can find one that you like before diving in)- Lynnburg Lane from Wisconsin, Home Brewed Soaps (they have beer soaps- might be perfect) and Fat Belly Farm from Maine,  and Tighty Whitey Soap Co from Virginia.

2. Tote Bags

Some of your wedding guests could probably use some more grocery or shopping bags, and totes can find lots of practical uses. My suggestion would be to choose something that nods to your wedding and theme without it just saying "Jerry and Donna - March 31, 2019" How mementos other than wedding favors are that on the nose? Instead, consider doing something fun and cheeky that won't be embarrassing to carry later. Because why would your Aunt Mildred want to lug around her groceries in something with your name on it?

If you find one you like, but it is out of budget, consider asking the store if the price goes down if you buy in bulk. There are also a bunch of etsy shops that do something custom if you have a great idea for this. Either way, just ask. You might be pleasantly surprised. Here are some bag shops that look pretty good to me- WhoDoesntWantThat, DreamState, Pressed Cotton, and PCBHome.

from Sweet Home Darlings

3. Cookies, Candies, or Cupcakes in Responsible Containers

Pennsylvanians love a good cookie table, but too often the deliciousness comes in one of those plastic boxes or bags. Boo! Plastic is no good.

One option is to just have no container at all- you could tie them with compostable string or just leave them as is.

Another option is to use a reusable container. Ball jars had their moment in decor, and they are still great for sending home goodies. You can always find jars in secondhand stores too.Those jars could be put to a million uses. I would choose

If you want something that breaks down (or need something as cheap as possible), I bet you can track down some very affordable boxes (I like these pillow boxes) but I would suggest cookie envelopes that are made of recycled paper and break down. I would choose simple envelopes, which will break down and are made of recycled material.

I love the many different styles of cookie envelopes on Details on Demand (they have a completely custom option as well), Mavora, and Sweet Home Darlings (and a soft pretzel one?!? Please, someone invite me to the pretzel wedding). If Kraft paper doesn't look right with your decor, check out stores like Mind the Wrap, because it sells tons of options. Using one of these, no one would even suspect you were trying to have a low-waste or Plastic-free wedding.

from Heavenly Handmades

4. Homemade Recipe Books

Ok, the Harry Potter book is a bit misleading, but you could make a small book with five to ten pages of recipes.

Print two to a page on recycled paper, get some cardstock for the cover, and bind it together with some ribbon!

Perfect if you are a foodie couple, and people might actually want to try out your recipes. You can put a sweet note on the front page, and leave the rest to recipes. I bet it would only take a few hours to put together.

from Life and the Little Details

5. Local Treats or Spices

 Have a lot of people coming from out of town? Use the opportunity to introduce them to your hometown's hot sauce or maple syrup or ketchup. It might be cool to gift Old Bay for your Maryland wedding or other honey from your local beekeeper. Coffee from your favorite coffeehouse! Come from different regions? Pair the favorites from each place together so everyone is getting something new! The options are endless and you already know some of the things your neighborhood has to offer.

 It's great to do something like this as well, because hot sauce or syrup will actually be used, but more slowly than the sweets I will have eaten in the car on our way to the hotel.

Show off what you love about where you live and give that money to someone giving your neighbors jobs. Have a family recipe hot sauce or spice rub? Do that! The more you put yourself into it, the better a favor it will be. The shorter a distance your favor has traveled from field to your wedding, the better. Be thoughtful about the packaging, and keep it simple.

from Tree2mydoor

6. Saplings

I love this one so much. Can you imagine all the trees growing out there because of the day you were wed? I mean, how does anything else even hold a candle to that!?! I wish we had done something like this. In the six years we have been married, our little gifts would have grown to do so much good already.

Saplings may be the coolest wedding favor ever, and how cool to track down your wedding trees years later? People could send you pictures, and imagine what they will look like decades into your marriage? The price is a bit higher, but if you gifted one sapling per family at your wedding, you could probably pull it off. And I would just think you were the best couple ever

7. Bookmarks

 You could make these yourself, but these could be perfect for a nerdy or bookish wedding. Buy a few used books, atlases, or comic books and cut them into long strips. You could stamp them at the bottom or add your names and the date, then simply laminate and cut. You could punch a hole and string a ribbon as well. You can buy them, but I would just use the Etsy options as inspiration. I also found some out of recycled circuit boards if you are that kind of nerd. I also found plain kraft bookmarks if you wanted even simpler decoration. Fun and quirky, and you can probably easily incorporate them in with your seating cards or to make another focal point.

Meow Kapow also sells recycled comic book magnets and bottle openers for favors if you want a different twist on the idea!  I think these have a fun look and aren't too fussy.

from San Pedro Cactus

8. Succulents

Handing out regular plants might be a gamble for some guests, but you have to work a lot harder to kill a succulent.

Gifting small succulents might make for a pretty and low maintenance gift (you may be in a danger zone if your guests are mostly flying in). I love these little jarred ones (though I am not excited about the plastic), and they would really be all the green decoration you needed on a reception table, depending on what look you were going for too. Put one at every seat, and you already have a gorgeous table and a lovely gift for each guest.

I did find some that seem to be in terra cotta (??) from SmittenwSucculents and SucculentGiftShop. I think your actual best option is to try to buy some from a florist or grower near you and then put them in separate pots.

from Elux Magazine

9. Seeds

Now depending on how willing you are to let your tree-hugging flag fly (or what best fits your venue, you could give straightforward seed packs like these or plantable seed paper like these from Ka Bloomz or (in every color) from Recycled Ideas or Fancy That Loved. Doing a really green-themed wedding? These leaves from Recycled Ideas are gorgeous and get the point across. I think the seed paper is really pretty, and it might look nice in a more formal/ sophisticated setting in simple envelopes (I also think it would make super cool confetti for an exit, but I am not sure how you would work it).

If you think a lot of your guests don't have anywhere to plant, you could do a twist on it and make bird seed feeders instead. Still taking care of the natural world. Plus, they look so sweet and pretty. Check out this simple DIY recipe from Intimate Weddings.

from Recycled Ideas

from Megmichelle

I also wonder if you want to give seeds, if you could just get envelopes or small boxes like these ones from MegMichelle or these from Inside my Nest and put seeds in yourself. The envelopes are really lovely, and if you buy the seeds in bulk, you may save lots of money. Maybe not every guest will go home and plant the seeds, but how neat if some of them do? And talk about memorable- you could gift perennial tulips for your spring wedding, and then every year, they would have tulips. Too cool.

from Iron Maid Art

10. Christmas Ornaments

 Even if you are getting married mid-July, an ornament might make a nice gift that actually gets some use from year to year. Plus, there are lots of options from DIY to Etsy buys that are pretty affordable!

-These Iron Maid Silhouette ornaments could be cool for a wedding at home or destination wedding, which you can buy in bulk for something like wedding favors.
- I think these antique keys might make really pretty Christmas ornaments once they are done bedecking your wedding.
- I think my favorite idea is to buy a collection of wood slices  and make an ornament yourself. Nothing too fussy, but this could be a great opportunity to make it yourself if you have the time! We were just in a wedding where burnt wood slices were the favors, and I can say without a doubt, we will treasure them forever.

If you have lots of time, check around pinterest, the land of a billion ideas, and you can find something fun to plug away at when you binge watch tv together at night.

from Recycled Ideas

I love a cake topper at a wedding.

 Part of this is that you just can't be mad about anything cake-related. The other reason is that even if you are at the most straightforward or traditional couple, you can still show a little bit of who you are with this detail. To me, the best weddings are undeniably that couple.

from Lollipop Workshop

Weddings are a hotbed of waste, and even these details can be pretty wasteful. Anything that you only use or see for only one day is essentially wasteful. I mean, what happens to all those cake toppers after the honeymoon? Ours, which is such a sweet piece from Lollipop Workshop (I swear it wasn't that expensive, but it probably was), lives in a little glass dome in our dining room, but I have never noticed cake toppers up in many homes.

good luck, honey. thaat's a long life ahead of you. from Pieceofcaketoppers4u

So what happens to most cake toppers? Please tell me people aren't putting those horrible ones with the bride dragging the groom up in their house somewhere. You dragged him to the wedding and now you are dragging him though life? Not a good look on anybody.

Rather than buying something generic, this is the perfect opportunity to buy something local or made in America. People have all kinds of amazingly creative ideas out there. Plus, if you have something in mind, I bet you can find someone to bring it to life (or make something yourself- you can do it!). Some etsy toppers are expensive, but many are no more than what you would buy in the store. Step one of an eco-friendly topper is to buy or make something that hasn't traveled far.

So these are my best ideas for having a cake topper that you love, that is true to you as a couple, and doesn't spend the rest of your marriage in storage somewhere. Basically, how can you make a cake topper environmentally responsible AND awesome?

from Mr and Mrs Cake Toppers

1. Use Something you Already Love 

This could be anything. Maybe you have picked up trinkets on travels or collect something together. It could be any items you own (that fit on a cake and aren't completely unsanitary), and if it is important to you already, all the better.

Do you get salt shakers on vacation? Use those!
Collect erotic Precious Moments figurines? Sounds memorable!
Wear each other's blood in vials? Please don't put that on the cake, but you get the idea.

This idea will cost you nearly no money, can bring in a little more of your real life to the big day, and they can head back to their original purpose (with a little extra honor) once you are wed.

from Ever After Products

Now, you could go two ways with this. Either, leave them as is for a perfectly cool topper, OR dress them up in marital garb to make something no one has seen before (but might not fit as well with a collection). I am obsessed with ones like these gussed up dinosaur toys or these incredibly cool personalized funko pop dolls that might fit perfectly in some bride or groom's already existing collection (you can be on a shelf with all of your favorite characters, for goodness sake).

from LovebirdsGoods

2. Pick a Topper with its Future Spot in Mind

I think it would be cool to have your topper on a bedside table, as bookends on your shelf, or as a focal point on a dining room table or mantel. If you shop with the style of your home in mind, you could see your cake topper as a reminder of your wedding everyday (also, a reminder that cake is delicious).

Using it as decor in your house is way more subtle and fun than the giant wedding picture.

Not that it isn't great too, but this is a different approach. I think these wood peg doll toppers would look sweet and understated as part of your decor, and they aren't so precious or delicate that you have to hide them away. Check etsy for peg toppers, because they really are great.

from Wooden Heart Buttons

My favorite store for this might be Wooden Heart Buttons- a former cake decorator got sick of the expensive plastic toppers coming through and started making toppers with eco-friendly materials specifically intended to be used as decor in your home after the big day. Check them all out- they are beautiful.

from Juniper and Ivy

The laser cut toppers with text or silhouettes are on trend right now, and they could potentially look great in a frame or shadowbox on your wall for a very long time.  If you do go that route, be careful to pick something that is timelessly YOU. The "eat me" toppers are cute, but do you want that on your wall?

Also, I'd go wood over plastic- it will look better in most cases (and you can more easily adjust it to fit in a frame). Also, plastic likely won't feel very timeless.

from Life Ephemera

3. Look for a Vintage Gem

 Are you a heterosexual Aryan couple that enjoys the good old days? There are already tons of little porcelain white people waiting for you. It doesn't have to be as vanilla as these people, and you can use vintage items to save money and minimize your wedding's footprint. You can get a basic vintage wedding topper for 10-15 dollars. Cheaper than the basic cake toppers available at Walmart, and it's that much less plastic being purchased. Some of these have more personality than others, but it can be a fun and eye-catching option.

from Protector of Vintage

This couple is really committed... to their eyebrows.

from Protector of Vintage

These two look too old and too young at once- what state allows ancient babies to marry?

from Design Room 3

Love this one. They look like they want to kiss, but just can't figure out what to do next.

Jokes aside, if you are having a wedding with vintage flair, why not poke around and get something that is actually vintage? You can find all sorts of figurines and save the world from one more object just sitting in an attic somewhere.

from bridal guide

4. Get Something that can have a New Life after the Wedding

 My brother-in-law and sister-in-law had a lego cake topper. They also have a basement full of legos. The topper was true to them, for sure. If you aren't ridiculously sentimental like I am, you can get a cake topper like this that you can actually take apart and use again! If you have kids, toys make a lot of sense. If you are handy, could you use tools? Good in the kitchen? How about a salt and pepper set you can use? It just has to have some use value once you are in your new normal life.

ftom Corky Friendz

5.  Recycled Toppers

 If you can't think of something with a practical life after the wedding, why not get a topper that had a life before? It is a wonderful world. Don't believe me? Look up "recycled cake toppers" on Etsy. Maybe some won't be your style, but one could be exactly right. They take trash and turn it into something you will treasure for the rest of your life. That's pretty cool. Can't find the perfect thing? You could also make it yourself! Get inspired and you can really put yourself out there.

from The Lost Key

I want to go to this steampunk wedding. And 40 dollars? That's a steal from The Lost Key.

from Ready Go

Ready Go makes cake toppers out of recycled cardstock. They are simple and lovely, and you could totally frame it afterward (recycled and reused? You win!). I do love their simplicity, and I think they look sweet without being saccharine or boring. You can also add children for blended families and even get personalized coloring book pages.

from wedding chicks

6. Just Skip It Completely

You know what cake without a topper is? Cake, so it is still the best thing ever, If tracking down the perfect topper seems like a waste of time or money to you, then just don't have one! And feel glad you are getting married at a time where almost every tradition is flexible. Never waste energy or money on the junk you don't care about, because why even throw the party if you aren't enjoying it?

Will I miss the topper? Yes, but there will still be cake. So I will still be happy.



Want more eco-friendly wedding ideas? I have TONS of them! You can make your wedding environmentally responsible by reducing waste, minimizing purchases, and buying items that have life beyond that big day.