When I started planning weddings, I quickly realized that an eco-friendly approach isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s a meaningful way to honour the planet while celebrating your love. Every decision, from the flowers you choose to the food you serve, can reflect your values and help reduce your environmental impact. If you’re dreaming of a wedding that’s beautiful, personal, and sustainable, I’m here to share everything I’ve learned about planning an eco-friendly celebration that feels just right.
Why Go Green with Your Wedding?
Weddings are joyful milestones, but they can also generate a surprising amount of waste and carbon footprint. Choosing eco-friendly options means you’re making a conscious choice to:
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Reduce landfill waste and pollution
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Support local businesses and artisans
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Lower energy and water consumption
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Encourage mindful consumption and creativity
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Create a unique wedding experience rooted in respect for the earth
For me, using naturally grown and dried flowers for bouquets and decor has been a game changer. These blooms require far less water and no chemicals, plus they last long after your day, preserving memories in a truly special way.
Practical Tips for Planning Your Eco-Friendly Wedding
1. Select a Venue That Supports Sustainability
Look for venues that actively reduce waste, use renewable energy, or have green certifications. Outdoor venues such as farms, gardens, or natural parks are perfect for couples wanting a minimal environmental footprint. Hosting your ceremony in a local botanical garden, or even a family backyard, can also keep things intimate and low-impact.
Toronto Area Venues to Consider:
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Toronto Botanical Garden – Known for beautiful garden spaces and a commitment to sustainable operations.
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Evergreen Brick Works – An urban gem with a focus on sustainability, organic gardens, and eco-conscious events.
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Artscape Wychwood Barns – A community hub with green initiatives and gorgeous rustic spaces.
2. Invitations and Stationery That Respect the Planet
Traditional printed invitations use paper, ink, and energy—but there are greener choices! Consider sending digital invitations through beautiful, customizable platforms like Paperless Post or Greenvelope. If you love the tactile feel of paper, opt for invitations printed on recycled or seed paper, which guests can plant to grow wildflowers.
Local Eco-Friendly Stationery Vendors:
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EcoEnclose – Though based in the US, they ship sustainably printed invitations and packaging using recycled materials, great for DIY projects.
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Folk Press Studio (Toronto) – Specializes in letterpress on recycled papers with eco inks.
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The Paper Place (Toronto) – Offers recycled and seed paper invitations and eco printing options.
3. Naturally Grown and Dried Flowers for Bouquets and Decor
This is a special passion of mine. Using flowers grown without chemicals preserves their natural beauty and reduces waste. Dried bouquets don’t wilt or need refrigeration, cutting water and energy use. Plus, they become timeless keepsakes. I focus on sourcing and creating bouquets that are both gorgeous and sustainable—perfect for couples wanting something unique and eco-friendly.
Local Florists and Studios:
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Harvest Hill Flowers (Me!) — Naturally grown and dried flower bouquets crafted with care and sustainability at heart.
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Dried + Co (Toronto) — Beautiful dried flower arrangements and bridal bouquets made from seasonal, locally sourced blooms.
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House of Honey (Toronto) — Eco-conscious florist offering dried and preserved flower designs.
4. Sustainable Wedding Attire
The fashion industry has a big environmental impact, and wedding dresses are no exception. Renting your dress or choosing secondhand options can drastically reduce waste. Several bridal boutiques now offer rental services or pre-loved gowns in beautiful condition. For suits and accessories, look for sustainable fabric choices or rental shops.
Toronto-Area Bridal Rental and Secondhand Shops:
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Borrowing Magnolia — A boutique specializing in bridal gown rentals and pre-owned dresses.
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Vow to Be Chic — Luxury designer bridal gown rentals with an emphasis on sustainability.
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Once Wed Shop (Online) — Marketplace for secondhand bridal gowns and accessories.
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Moores Clothing for Men — Offers suit rentals, including eco-friendly fabrics and altered-for-fit services.
5. Farm-to-Table and Plant-Based Catering
Food waste and transportation emissions add up fast. Choosing caterers who source local, organic ingredients supports farmers and reduces your carbon footprint. Plant-based menus, even partially, lower environmental impact and often delight guests with fresh, seasonal flavors. Talk to your caterer about composting leftovers and using biodegradable or reusable dishware.
Eco-Friendly Toronto Caterers:
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Fresh on Front — Organic, local, and seasonal menus with plant-based and sustainable options.
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Copper Branch — Fully plant-based catering with eco-conscious practices.
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My Pantry Chef — Offers farm-to-table, organic, and seasonal menus with a focus on reducing food waste.
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Green Zebra Kitchen — Known for creative plant-forward catering and zero-waste initiatives.
6. Thoughtful Decor and Details
Swap disposable decorations for reusable or natural items. Fabric bunting, vintage tableware, wooden signage, and beeswax candles add charm without waste. Many couples get creative with DIY projects—think wildflower confetti or potted herbs instead of plastic confetti.
Local Decor & Rentals:
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Make My Day Rentals (Toronto) — Vintage and sustainable decor rentals to reduce waste.
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The Green Room Collective — Specializes in eco-friendly event decor with reusable materials.
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True Grain Events — Offers natural wooden signage and sustainable wedding details.
7. Eco-Friendly Transportation and Accommodations
Encourage carpooling or provide shuttle buses to reduce emissions. For overnight guests, suggest eco-certified hotels or cozy Airbnbs that practice sustainability. If your venue is in a natural area, prioritize walking or biking to soak in the surroundings and reduce impact.
Suggestions:
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Hotel Ocho (Toronto) — Boutique hotel with green initiatives and locally sourced products.
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The Gladstone Hotel — Known for sustainability efforts and supporting local artists.
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Local Airbnbs — Choose hosts who highlight eco-friendly practices like recycling, composting, and energy efficiency.
8. Gifts and Favors That Give Back
Instead of mass-produced favors, consider donations to environmental charities or gifts like seed packets, homemade jams, or beeswax candles. These thoughtful gestures leave a lasting impression and align with your values.
Local Gift Ideas and Charities:
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Native Plant Seed Kits — Available from local nurseries like Sheridan Nurseries or Northern Wildflowers.
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Toronto Botanical Garden — Offers seed packets and gardening kits.
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Donation Options: Consider supporting groups like Tree Canada or Ontario Nature and including donation cards for guests.
My Personal Touch: Naturally Grown and Dried Flower Bouquets
I’m passionate about creating wedding bouquets that connect couples to the earth. Growing flowers naturally, from seed to stem, then carefully drying them preserves their delicate beauty with minimal environmental impact. These bouquets not only look stunning in photos but also last for years as keepsakes. Choosing dried flowers means no need for water, no refrigeration, and no waste—a truly sustainable choice that feels intimate and timeless.
If you’re interested, I’d love to help craft a bouquet that fits your style and vision—rich in natural textures and colours, sustainably grown right here on our Port Perry farm.
Final Thoughts: Celebrate Love and Earth Hand in Hand
Planning an eco-friendly wedding is a wonderful journey that allows you to align your values with your most cherished moments. Every choice—from your bouquet to your menu to your venue—tells a story about love and care for the planet. And the best part? Many of these sustainable options bring unique beauty and heartfelt meaning to your day.
