Creating a Sustainable Wedding of Your Dreams

As we know, there is a lot of planning involved with having a wedding. But, at the end of the reception, once all of the guests have left, do you have any idea how much waste is created from one event? Just googling the waste amount reports that anywhere between 400lbs and 600lbs can be produced by a single day of wedded bliss. In the last few years, we’ve seen an upward trend of more eco-friendly or sustainable weddings. Sometimes, even making the smallest changes or swaps can help lessen the effect on the environment. So join us, as we discuss how to implement a sustainable wedding, with it still being the wedding of your dreams.

Choosing an Eco-Friendly Wedding Venue
One of the biggest parts of planning is your wedding venue. Not only will you spend most of your budget on your venue, it will also most likely house most of the waste produced from your event. When looking for a venue there are a few guiding questions that you can research if you’d like to plan a more eco-friendly affair. 

• Are rentals included in the venue? 

• Does the venue have onsite composting or recycling bins for the caterers? 

• Are sustainable operational methods a part of the venue’s day-to-day operations?

• If your venue is outside, is it a conservation area?

A budget-friendly tip is to use nature as your wedding day backdrop. We’ve seen more and more outdoor weddings and weddings that use landscape as their focal point. Couples have hiked to their location, said their vows in nature reserves, or even used a friend’s backyard. Check outside, look at reviews, find a good trail to explore and take the plunge to an outdoor wedding. And if you choose to elope, or use mother nature as your venue, be sure to consider how to reduce waste. A good hiking tip is, you carry out what you carry in. 

Be Our Guest
Not only does having a smaller guest list cut down your wedding budget, but it also helps reduce the waste and carbon footprint produced from your big day! Sometimes it can be nerve wracking creating a guest list. Working together with your partner to be intentional about the guest list is key. Now, when it comes the time to send out save the dates and invites, this is a great way to swap for more eco-friendly alternatives. There are so many different invite companies that have moved towards using recycled paper for invites. One of our favorites is The Minted and Paper Culture. If you want to completely swap out paper, check out invitations, check online to send invitations via text or email. 

Finding the Right Vendors
Vendors play a large role in the overall experience of your day. As you carefully select your vendors, choose individuals that can be sustainable as possible. Here are some tips to help make an eco-friendly decision. 

• Speak with your caterers, baker, and DJ. What are their plans for clean-up, disposing of trash etc.? 

• Working closely with your caterer to make sure it’s eco-friendly. Swap out plastic utensils and plates for washable or biodegradable alternatives. Ask your caterer how they dispose of the left-over food.

• Can catering donate the food to a local organization or shelter? 

• Is your caterer sourced by local farmers or farm to table? 

These are just a starting point for selecting eco-friendly caterers. You and your partner will need to work closely with your vendors through the wedding planning process so be intentional with hiring and ensure that your overall views are aligned for the wedding day. 

Say “I Do” with Ethical Rings 
One of the more trendy ways to make an eco-friendly swap is choosing a jewelry company that has ethically sourced gems. Many couples are choosing to swap the traditional diamond for a gemstone such as sapphire or emerald. Stones such as moissanite have become increasingly popular with its affordability. Moissanite is comparable to a diamond, even down to the dazzle and brilliance. You and your partner can even check out local vendors and small businesses for alternatives to traditional wedding rings. If choosing a conflict-free gem is a swap you’d like to make, Brilliant Earth provides thousands of options to customize your wedding day bling. 

Sustainable Decor
Decor can be one of the biggest areas of waste. Sometimes you can go down the wedding decor hole and purchase odds and ends that you don’t even end up using. Be intentional with what you’re purchasing and look for ways that you can reuse or recycle your decor. A popular way to buy upcycled wedding decor is through Facebook Marketplace and once you’re through with your wedding decor find a new couple that can utilize it. 

Cutting down on flowers is another way to be eco-friendly. Depending on the types of flowers or greenery you chose, flowers can be spendy and can often go to waste. If you have centerpieces, give them to guests at the end of the night or donate them to a retirement home. Think of other options besides throwing your florals in the trash. If you’re planning on using real flower petals down the aisle way, especially if you’re eloping in mother nature, be sure to pick up all of the petals when you’re done. 

If you and your partner want to plan an eco-friendly wedding, start researching and be intentional with hiring your wedding vendors. Be intentional with the items and areas in which you can make sustainable and more eco-friendly swaps and explore your options. Don’t be afraid to ask questions in order to make your wedding day not only beautiful but sustainable. If you’d like to discuss how to incorporate more eco-friendly wedding details, reach out to our wedding planning team! 

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Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 17 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.

Our Top Trend Predictions for 2023

Let’s be real. We’ve all had an interesting last 3 years. We’ve had a worldwide pandemic, closures, and even the wedding planning world was paused. As the clock struck midnight, I knew we were all thinking “This is going to be OUR year.” As 2023 starts, the wedding season is right around the corner. And as wedding planners, we know what that means – wedding planning is in full force and it’s coming in hot. As our couples begin the wedding planning process of creating a timeless affair, they are searching for what's modern, fresh, and new. So, we’ve done our research and compiled some of our predictions for the 2023 wedding season. What will be a flop and must this season?

01 - A traditional affair?

At the top of the list, we are predicting that more and more couples will move away from the traditional, classic wedding. If there is anything the last two years have taught us and of course the living in a worldwide pandemic, traditional weddings are not as popular. Due to outside circumstances, couples had to think outside the wedding box and find their own path. One of the ways couples are breaking tradition is by personalizing their big days and creating weddings that are unique to them. Personalization can create weddings unique and specific to you and your partner. Creating weddings that are unique and personable is the easiest way to move away from the traditional “I dos”. 

02- Let’s travel baby!

Next, our list is a less traditional wedding version, it’s all about hosting destination weddings. Now that travel is becoming safer and more popular, more couples are opting to say “I do” abroad. Having an international affair allows more intimate time with family and friends and who doesn’t love to travel. Additionally, an international affair gives couples and families an opportunity to escape and truly enjoy their big day. But, yes, having a wedding abroad sounds spendy, but often venues and hotels can provide a destination package. Our research shows that some European countries will become popular, such as Greece, Italy, France, and Spain. So, be adventurous and take a look at some of the upcoming destinations for your big day. 

03- The smaller, the better – right?

Having a destination wedding also means that most likely your affair will be in an intimate setting. Due to the pandemic and wedding closures, many couples had to have weddings with just a few family and friends. What we found was many individuals agreed that having intimate weddings allowed couples to enjoy their day with the people they love most. Even though the pandemic has hit the back burner, we predict that intimate gatherings will stick around. One perk of having an intimate wedding advocates spending the day with your closest family and friends. And, it also supports a couple who may be on a smaller budget. 

04- Sign us up for a wedding weekend!

Whether you host a local affair or an international one, there is a high chance that some of your family and friends must travel to attend. One of the trends we’ve seen become more popular over time is having weddings that expand on more than just a day. Venues and/or retreats are offering wedding weekend packages, some including lodging and meals. This allows your guests to not only enjoy your wedding, but create a once in a kind experience. Retreats can hold various classes and events such as yoga, touring, and even cooking classes. It also eliminates the need to provide transportation for your guests to and from the wedding. Guests are able to eat, dance, drink and enjoy themselves. 

05 - Did you say custom?

We predict that fashion will be front and center this upcoming year. More brides are flocking to designers for custom wedding dress designs. Designers offer the chance to have a one of a kind dress, as well as personalized touches. Tik Tok has also introduced various upcoming designers and ways to sew your own wedding dress. We’ve noticed an increase in individuals trying to do it themselves, or finding someone to help with their attire customizations. Customizing your attire, as well as your wedding parties attire can add a creative and memorable touch. 

06 - But, have you seen on Tik Tok…?

Yes, we’re going to mention Tik Tok again. Tik Tok has become an international sensation. During the pandemic Tik Tok brought viewers a chance to explore the outside world and interact with people, even while being on lock down. Today, Tik Tok offers various tips, tricks, and even DIY projects. We are noticing that more people are finding their inspiration for everyday life through this app. Which means couples will most likely find a lot of their inspiration for their big day from not only couples on the app, but wedding planners and coordinators, too! Whether you’re looking for the hottest dance trends, fashion, or reception ideas - Tik Tok seems to be an inspiration for the masses. 

07 - A Formal Affair!

We love a good black tie. And let's be honest, people love a good reason to dress up in their finest attire. We think that this upcoming year will bring us formal affairs, including black tie. Couples love the idea of dressing up and having their guests join in on the fun. Guests can enjoy formal gowns, or cocktail dresses, and debonair suits. So, don’t be surprised if your latest invite says formal attire, and hey – even look towards Tik Tok to find some inspiration! 

We are thrilled to begin the new year with a fresh attitude. We are looking forward to seeing our own couples tie the knot, but also look forward to seeing what the wedding world has to offer in 2023. Whether you want to have a destination wedding, local intimate affair, customized wedding party attire, or even search Tik Tok for inspiration we are here to watch and support your wedding dreams. So happy planning and we can’t wait to see what this year brings. 

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Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 17 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.

Planning for the Unexpected

You’ve spent the last year or so planning every detail of your wedding day. You’ve got your wedding day planner filled out, you have your minute by minute timeline, everything will happen perfectly. But wait – you can’t help but feel like you’re forgetting something or, worse – something unexpected happens. Yes, on your big day, there may be moments of frantic, panic, and sometimes things may not go according to plan. Maybe your DJ doesn’t show up, or your groomsmen had pancakes with syrup for breakfast and now it’s on his shirt…But, we’re here to help. We’ve compiled our favorite odds and ends to decrease those unexpected moments, or pre-plan for those details you’ve forgotten, so you can be intentional with creating your wedding day plan and eliminate the panic.

Tip 1: One of the most assumed parts of the wedding day is the wedding morning. In a picture perfect world, everyone will know where to show up with a venti espresso in hand. But sometimes, somewhere, there are hiccups during the getting ready process. Overcommunciating with your wedding party is key! Remember that you know your wedding party and family best. You will want to be intentional with creating an easy to follow plan for all members of your wedding party. Do not assume that they know where hair and make-up will be done, what time they will need to arrive, or will there be enough seating for all guests? And, if you know that your maid-of-honor needs a snack, or your Aunt Betty may get hangry in the mornings, plan to bring snacks and provide food. Creating a formal plan of a morning timeline and communicating with your wedding party will decrease any unexpected moments. 

Tip 2: Things can happen throughout the day, especially with the wedding party attire. We have experienced everything from red wine spilled down the bride’s dress, a missing button on the suit coat, or the time we had to hand sew a bridesmaid into a dress. Pre-plan for clothing emergencies. Create a special kit, that is in a spot where everyone in the wedding party can access it. Pack a tide pen, sewing kit, scissors, hot glue gun, multiple colors and types of thread, witchery tape, and even a steamer! With an emergency kit you will be prepared for any unexpected fashion emergencies. 

Tip 3: One of the biggest, easily forgotten details is how are you and the groom getting to the ceremony? Oftentimes, this can be a detail that is overlooked. Additionally, be sure to manage how you and your wedding party are getting to the ceremony, reception, and then how you are getting home or to the hotel. You want to make sure that your wedding party is safe and can safely arrive on-time. Pre-plan your rides, schedule your uber or car service, and communicate with your wedding party before the drinks begin to flow. Having a transportation set will make sure you and your wedding party are able to get to and from the wedding safely. 

Tip 4: Timing is key. Your timeline may be outlined minute by minute, or you're feeling good about having your wedding planner with you every step of the day, but be sure to add time buffers to your schedule. If you are going from various locations throughout the day, pre-plan those drives. Apps like Waze or Google Maps can help you pre-plan your drive and predict traffic. You need to leave each location with plenty of time and add in room for errors.

Tip 5: Where will you keep your personal belongings? Are you bringing a purse? Will you need your ID? Be sure to talk with your wedding party or buy a clutch or bag to store at the venue. You never know when you will need your personal belongings, so designate a space or a person to support you with this. 

Tip 6: Most of your vendors will be paid throughout installments or in full during the wedding planning process. But, there are some vendors who get paid day of and plan on how you want to thank your vendors on the day. If you need to pay vendors or give tips at the end of your event, be sure to talk with your wedding planner or assign someone in your family to handle this for you. Create separate, labeled envelopes for each vendor and communicate with the individual when and how they will handle payments or tips. You don’t want to forget to pay any vendors, nor do you want to be scrambling writing checks or finding cash at the end of the night. 

Tip 7: You’ve said your “I Do’s” and the event is done, but what happens to all your stuff? This is one of the most often forgotten parts of the night. How will your items get home and who will be helping with the clean-up of your items. If you have a wedding planner, work with your wedding coordinator or planner to determine a plan. Be sure to assign people and vehicles to take decor, be in charge of event take down, and most importantly decide who will take your gifts and cards. 

As much as we hate to say it, unexpected occurrences happen on your big day. But if you work to pre-plan the unexpected or the little forgotten details, your day will be filled with less panic. The more planning you do to determine all of the odds and ends, the less stress you will feel on your wedding day. Whether you work with your wedding planner on creating a plan or sit down with your partner and create a plan together, planning all of the odds and ends is a necessity. Be intentional with your logistics, over communicate, and plan your day from start to finish. The more you plan, the more you get to relax and be worry free on your big day! 

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Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 17 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.