Wedding Planning in the Age of Climate Change

It’s almost impossible not to think of our ever-changing climate as you’re planning a wedding these days. From deadly heat waves and intense flooding to rampant wildfires and increasingly dangerous air-quality conditions, we’re seeing more extreme weather patterns than ever before. In fact 2024 is projected to be the “warmest or second warmest” year on record.

Of course, the climate crisis is much bigger than rain on your wedding day. And although weddings themselves aren’t the root cause of the crisis, they have a bigger impact than many people realize. Between the travel, food served, flowers, and more, the average wedding produces more greenhouse gas emissions than driving 146,000 miles. Like it or not, climate change is on the uninvited guest list.

Peak wedding months are between June and October. These peak wedding months also happen to be when wildfire, heat wave, monsoon and hurricane seasons occur.

This can affect your special day in not-so-special ways if you don’t plan ahead. Read on for suggestions on how keep the climate in mind while you plan your celebration.

Keep your guests comfortable

If you’re having an outdoor wedding in daytime, set up shaded “comfort stations” with pleasant seating where you can supply eco-friendly amenities to keep your guests happy and healthy.

A few great examples of items you can supply are cold-water dispensers with reusable glasses so that people stay hydrated, reef-safe sunscreen to keep them protected from the rays, paper fans made from recycled, reused or eco-friendly materials, plant-based protein-packed snacks like trail mix for energy, natural bug repellent that won’t harm wildlife or the environment, reusable cooling cloths, or DIY reusable ice packs in coolers for instant relief.

Tip: Put up creative, reusable signage to direct your guests to the different comfort options and explain how they’re wildlife-friendly.

Stay indoors

Whether it’s extreme heat, rain, or drifting wildfire smoke threatening your big day, your best choice may be an indoor wedding. But that doesn’t mean you have to opt for a stuffy ballroom. Search for unique local venues that won’t require much travel or extra decoration and have natural lighting to make it feel like you’re outside.

Choose a nonprofit-owned venue like a historical home, nature center, museum, or conservatory whose rental fees go toward supporting their mission. You can also look for venues that are Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified and have strong sustainability policies, such as responsible waste management and renewable energy use.

Did you know? One study found that, on average, green buildings use 26% less energy, emit 33% less carbon dioxide, use 30% less indoor water, and send 50%-75% less waste to landfills and incinerators.

Tip: Coordinate transportation for your guests if there’s a central location they’re coming from. Renting a shuttle bus, sprinter van, or charter bus can transport a large number of guests to and from your wedding in a safer, easier way while reducing carbon emissions. Bonus points if you can use a service that has electric or hybrid vehicles.

Go small

A bigger guest list means more people to tend to, and that can get difficult very quickly with unpredictable weather. Choosing to have a small and intimate wedding is a great way to keep the focus on meaningful bonds with the benefit of not having to over-purchase food, favors or decor. You can host an intimate gathering almost anywhere: in your own home, at a botanical garden, or even a favorite restaurant patio.

Restaurants are great for small weddings and already have all the decor and ambiance you need. Having a restaurant reception also means you can opt for menu ordering instead of relying on large, shared plates or a buffet, which will help control food portions and reduce waste. Whatever you choose, make sure to incorporate low-carbon, wildlife-friendly touches like plant-based dishes.

Fact: Ten percent of all wedding food is wasted. In an event of 100 people, that’s 10 full plates of paid-for food being thrown out. Squandering food also contributes to climate change and uses up natural resources wildlife rely on to survive.

To learn more about the relationship between destructive consumption and production, extreme weather, and the threat to wildlife and wild habitats, visit our site.