Blog: 15 Eco-Glam Ideas for Green Weddings | BOMV

Calling all eco-conscious lovebirds or wedding-planning helpers! 🌿💍 Ready to host a wedding that’s as kind to the planet as it is to your feed? You’ve landed in the right spot! I’m going to spill all the tea on how to have amazing, Instagram-worthy green weddings that Mother Nature will totally approve of.

In this blog post, I’ll list 15 practical ideas for making your wedding green and gorgeous. We’ll chat about everything from sustainable fashion to ethical rings, plus I’ll share some insider info on why Black Oak Mountain Vineyards is the best spot for your dreamy, nature-loving celebration. Trust me, by the time we’re done, you’ll be serving looks AND saving the planet. It’s a win-win, bestie!

Who will benefit most from this guide? Any couple who wants their dream wedding to be unforgettable for all the right reasons. Whether you’re a hardcore environmentalist or just someone who wants to do a little bit better for the planet, there’s something here for everyone.

15 Ways to Celebrate Eco-Consciously

1. Dress to Impress (Sustainably)

Your wedding gown is a big deal, but it doesn’t have to be a big deal for the planet. Here are some eco-friendly options…

• Rent a dress. Why buy when you can borrow? Click to start shopping.
• Go vintage. Channel your inner retro goddess with a pre-loved gown. Embrace your inner thrift-aholic.
• Choose sustainable fabrics. Look for dresses made from organic cotton, hemp, or recycled materials

And don’t forget about your bridesmaids! Encourage them to rent their dresses too, or choose styles they’ll actually wear again (no offense to all those puffy, shiny dresses sitting in the back of closets everywhere).

2. Put a (Ethical) Ring on It

Your ring is a symbol of your love, so why not make it a symbol of your love for the planet too? Look for jewelers who use recycled metals and ethically sourced gems. Some even offer lab-grown diamonds that are identical to mined ones but without the environmental impact. Talk about guilt-free bling!

3. Invites That Don’t Invite Waste

Digital invitations are the way to go for a green wedding. But if you’re set on paper, choose recycled or plantable options. Yep, you read that right – plantable invitations! They’re embedded with seeds, so your guests can plant them after the wedding and watch wildflowers grow. How’s that for a lasting memory?

4. Favors That Favor the Earth

Skip the trinkets that’ll end up in a landfill and opt for eco-friendly favors your guests will actually use. Some ideas include…

• Seed packets
• Potted herbs or succulents
• Reusable tote bags or t-shirts
• Homemade jams or pickles in glass jars

These are all practical and, at the very least, re-giftable!

5. Natural Decor That Wows

Who needs plastic wedding decorations when nature provides so much beauty? Use potted plants, branches, greenery, or locally grown flowers for your centerpieces. Bonus points if you can rent them and return them after the wedding! If you must go the old-fashioned route, try buying your decor secondhand. New apps like The Wedding Swap, let you buy off previous brides and resell the items all over again. It’s an endless cycle of celebrating love! 🥹  I’m not crying. You’re crying…

6. Venues With a Mission | Why Black Oak Mountain Vineyards is the Best Green Wedding Spot

Choosing a sustainable venue is key to a green wedding, and let me tell you, Black Oak Mountain Vineyards in Cool, CA is the hidden secret among NorCal venues.

First, it’s a 150-acre estate dedicated to organic farming. No nasty chemicals here! The estate has olive trees, fruit orchards, and vineyards that are 100% organic. Plus, there’s a greenhouse full of herbs and veggies. Farm-to-table wedding snack, anyone?

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Black Oak is also big on water conservation with its desert-like landscaping. They’ve got all these cool drought-resistant plants like Birds of Paradise and Pin Cushion Cactus. And get this – they’re 100% solar-powered and sustainable. Even their pool is saltwater and triple-filtered. So you can sip your morning coffee on their terrace, enjoy the killer views of the Sierras, and feel good about your carbon footprint.

Oh, and did I mention they’re bee-friendly? They have their own bee colonies and even raise money to save the bees through conservation funds. How sweet is that? (Pun totally intended!) Seriously, if Mother Nature were to plan a wedding, she’d probably choose Black Oak Mountain Vineyards. It’s that good.

7. Registry Revolution | Green Gifts Galore

Your registry is a great way to start your married life on an eco-friendly foot. Here are some ideas:

• Ask for experiences instead of things
• Register for eco-friendly home goods
• Request donations to environmental charities in lieu of a physical gift

Or, if you’re feeling really bold, go for a no-gift wedding and ask guests to simply bring their love and support. Aww!

8. Getting There Green

Transportation can be a significant source of emissions for weddings. Here are some ways to keep it green…

• Choose a venue close to where most guests live or ask guests to offset their carbon footprint
• Arrange carpools or shuttle services
• If you’re planning in a city, offer incentives for guests who use public transport

For my wedding in California, we rented a party bus to transport guests. It was fun and eco-friendly!

9. My Little Green Book

Supporting eco-friendly vendors is a great way to keep your wedding green. Here’s a list of some nationwide vendors that are known for their sustainable practices…

• Reformation – Sustainable bridesmaid dresses
• Catbird – Ethical jewelry
• Eco Caters – Organic, locally-sourced catering
• Bloominous – Sustainably grown bouquets

Remember to ask local vendors about their sustainability practices, too!

10. Eat, Drink, and Be Sustainable | Minimize Food Waste

Food waste is a big issue at weddings. Here’s how to tackle it…

• Opt for plated meals instead of buffets
• Donate leftover food to local shelters
• Compost any food scraps

And don’t forget about the bar! Choose organic, locally sourced wines and spirits. Black Oak’s own wines would be perfect for this!

11. Flower Power | Sustainable Blooms

Flowers are beautiful, but they can have an ugly environmental impact if not sourced responsibly. Consider…

• Local, in-season flowers
• Potted plants that can be replanted after the wedding
• Dried flower arrangements
• Silk flowers that can be reused

12. Beauty That’s More Than Skin Deep

Look gorgeous on your big day without hurting the planet. Opt for…

• Cruelty-free, vegan makeup brands
• Organic hair products
• Biodegradable glitter (for that extra sparkle!)

And don’t forget to ask your beauty team to use reusable or biodegradable tools!

13. A Piece of Cake | Eco-Friendly Desserts

Your wedding cake can be a showstopper and environmentally friendly. Choose a baker who uses…

• Organic, locally sourced ingredients
• Natural food coloring
• Minimal plastic decorations

And consider having a smaller display cake with a sheet cake in the back to reduce waste.

14. Green Entertainment

Keep the party going with these eco-friendly entertainment ideas…

• Hire local musicians to reduce travel emissions
• Use energy-efficient LED lighting for your dance floor
• Rent equipment instead of buying

15. The After-Party | Clean-Up and Beyond

The eco-friendliness doesn’t stop when the party does. Plan for a green clean-up by…

• Hiring a cleaning company that uses natural, eco-friendly products
• Setting up clear recycling and composting stations
• Donating or composting floral arrangements

And don’t forget about your guests! Provide information about local recycling and composting facilities at their hotels.

Tips for Planning Your Sustainable Celebration

Stay and Play – The Green Way

Want to make your wedding even more sustainable? Consider staying on-site at Black Oak Mountain Vineyards! They offer amazing lodging options that’ll make you feel like you’re at a luxury eco-retreat. Plus, it cuts down on transportation emissions. :)

Mini-Moon Magic | Nearby Eco-Adventures

Who says you need to jet off to Bali for your honeymoon? There are tons of awesome, sustainable mini-moon options right in Black Oak’s backyard! Lake Tahoe, for example, is just a hop, skip, and a jump away. It’s perfect for nature-loving newlyweds. Hike, bike, kayak, or relax by the crystal-clear water. Want more ideas?

FAQs | Your Burning Questions Answered!

Can a green wedding still be glamorous?

Ummm of course! Eco-friendly doesn’t mean boring. Think vintage Hollywood glam with upcycled decor, or boho-chic with local wildflower centerpieces. Green is the new gold, babe! The possibilities are endless!

How do I tell my guests about our eco-friendly choices without sounding preachy?

Keep it light and fun! Maybe include a cute rhyme on your invites, like “We’re tying the knot and going green, here’s how you can help us live our dream!” Then, list a few easy ways they can participate.

Is it okay to ask guests to offset their travel emissions?

Absolutely! Just be sure to make it optional and provide an easy way to do it. You could even make it a fun competition – the guest who offsets the most wins a sustainable prize! ;)

What’s a cool theme for green weddings?

How about going literal with a “Recycled Romance” theme? Use upcycled decor, serve local, organic food, and ask guests to wear vintage or thrifted outfits. It’s unique, fun, and super green! Here are some more sustainable wedding themes…

Remember, the most sustainable wedding is one that truly reflects you as a couple. So have fun with it!

Sustainably Yours,

There you have it, fam! Your guide to throwing a wedding that’s more eco-friendly than a Prius driving through a wind farm. With these tips, you’ll be serving looks, drinks, AND sustainability. Remember, every little bit helps. You don’t have to go full Captain Planet to make a difference. Choose the ideas that vibe with you and your boo, and know that you’re starting your happily ever after on the right carbon footprint. When you’re sipping organic bubbly at your sustainable soirée, surrounded by the Insta-worthy views at Black Oak Mountain Vineyards, you’ll be feeling yourself (and Mother Nature will be too). Here’s to love, laughter, and leaving a legacy that’s greener than your favorite matcha latte! 💚👰🤵🌎