When it comes to destination weddings, green is the new white. Couples today are not just saying "I do" to each other; they're also pledging their commitment to the planet. The shift toward eco-friendly weddings isn't just a passing fad; it's a conscious choice driven by a collective desire to minimize environmental impact.
The top trend in destination weddings isn’t something you’ll see on a runway. It’s not a hip color scheme or a new twist on an old classic. It’s a lot less about the new and now and a lot more about the future.
When it comes to destination weddings, green is the new white. Couples today are not just saying "I do" to each other; they're also pledging their commitment to the planet. The shift toward eco-friendly weddings isn't just a passing fad; it's a conscious choice driven by a collective desire to minimize environmental impact.
Destination Wedding Global Market Report 2023 by The Business Research Company noted the rise of the eco-friendly trend saying, “As sustainability and eco-friendliness trends gain traction globally, the rise of eco-friendly weddings in natural locations has been a key market trend.” They also cited, “According to a 2022 real weddings survey by Theknot, a US-based wedding planning company, 70% of couples agreed if they planned to have a marriage in 2022 to include environment-friendly activities and décor such as buying second-hand or up-cycled items, using recycled paper items, and minimizing the use of single-use plastic. One-third of the couples believed that the vendors should be more proactive in providing eco-friendly solutions.”
“Sustainable weddings have become increasingly popular as couples prioritize environmentally friendly options for their weddings,” explains Sadiba Hasan in her New York Times Article “How to Have a Sustainable Wedding.” From ethically sourced decor to carbon-neutral venues, couples are weaving sustainability into the very fabric of their nuptials. It's more than a trend; it's a movement that reflects a growing awareness of the environmental footprint associated with traditional weddings. In the age of eco-conscious consumers, saying "I do" now comes with a commitment to leaving a smaller footprint on our beautiful blue planet.
According to Forbes Article, Destination Weddings Continue To Surge In Popularity, “Eco-friendly weddings in natural locations have emerged as a key trend gaining popularity in the destination wedding market. People are attempting to be more environmentally conscious these days, which is why they are opting for eco-friendly weddings in natural settings.”
Fortune contributor, Leanne Italie, wrote in her article Couples are opting for eco-friendly weddings—and the industry is taking notice, “The wedding industry remains fraught with waste, but a growing contingent of brides and grooms is pushing for more sustainable changes, from the way they invite guests to the food they serve and the clothes they wear.”
Italie interviewed the bride, Anna Masiella, who said, “I really started to learn about climate change and the real impacts of it. We hear so much about it but sometimes it’s so overwhelming that we decide not to learn more or to understand it,” she said. “I just said, OK, it’s time to act.” To do this Masiello upcycled their wedding attire and jewelry, used leaves to make compostable confetti, and skipped handing out wedding favors.
Another bride interviewed by Italie said, “We agreed we would use the resources that we have and avoid buying anything that we won’t continue to use.” This bride made sure to use compostable plates and cutlery and chose to wear her sister’s wedding dress and mother’s bridal veil.
Beyond the eco-chic aesthetic, couples are finding that an environmentally conscious wedding is a reflection of their values. The quest for sustainable choices extends to everything from invitations made from recycled paper to locally sourced, organic catering. It's about celebrating love in a way that aligns with a broader commitment to responsible living. As couples embark on this green journey, they're not just creating memorable moments for themselves; they're inspiring a shift in the wedding industry as a whole. Eco-friendly weddings are more than a trend; they're a celebration of love that leaves a positive mark on the planet, showing that weddings can be both breathtakingly beautiful and environmentally responsible.
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