GREEN WEDDINGS IN INDIA: SUSTAINABLE TRENDS AND COST-SAVING TIPS

• Publish on Jan 01, 2025
• Read Time 5 min

In India, there has been a trend of sustainable weddings in recent years, where couples want to make their big day an extension of their environmentally minded ideals. As the desire to be more meaningful with our weddings and a growing awareness for environmental issues have inspired green weddings. sustainable celebrations prioritize waste minimization, resource conservation, and local business support while providing an experience guests will remember. With biodegradable decor and locally sourced catering, green wedding trends are changing how couples celebrate their big day. In this blog, we will walk through some of the most popular sustainable wedding ideas in India and tips for couples on how to make their wedding greener while saving a little money.

To decrease carbon impact, cut down on waste, save natural resources while still producing a pretty and festive event. No wonder, incorporating sustainable wedding ideas in India requires a creative approach (without compromising on the luxurious options) to traditional customs in the big fat Indian weddings! Ideas For Making Your Wedding a Sustainable One

The perfect formation of culture and sustainability is one of the key factors that attract couples to green weddings in India. From the centres of eco-friendly weddings, Couples are embracing new and changing wedding trends that not only demonstrate their commitment to the planet but add a creative twist to the festivities.

1. Biodegradable Decor
   From plastic flowers to synthetic materials, traditional wedding decor can generate an enormous amount of waste. But now there are biodegradable decor options, and many couples are choosing them. Many Indian weddings use flowers like jasmine and marigolds, which look lovely and are also biodegradable. And instead of plastic or foam-based decorations, couples are opting for more organic materials such as jute, bamboo, and recycled paper to create rustic, sustainable wedding aesthetics. Eco-friendly wedding planners are also offering flower petals that can be reused following the ceremony, reducing waste even more. Additionally, sustainable mandaps made from reclaimed wood or natural fibers are gaining popularity, along with compostable tableware and biodegradable confetti to ensure that every decorative element is environmentally friendly.
2. Locally Sourced Catering
   Seasoned with love: Food is an all-time favorite for Indian weddings, and in a bid to cut down food miles and carbon footprints, couples are opting for locally sourced ingredients for their wedding spread. When couples collaborate with caterers who connect to organic, seasonal food providers, not only do they eat everything fresh and delicious, but they also help promote farms that use sustainable methods. The regional cuisines will also reduce the carbon footprint involved in transporting food across the globe, making the entire catering eco-friendly. You can also approach reducing food wastage through the caterers you choose; they can adjust the quantity to reflect the guest count closely, minimizing wastage. Another great initiative is working with caterers who donate excess food to local shelters or food banks, ensuring that no food goes to waste while helping those in need.
3. Eco-Friendly Invitations
   The party starts with the wedding invitations: These are a fundamental aspect of every celebration, but paper invitations are an incredibly significant factor in deforestation. Couples can opt for digital invitations or use recycled paper and plantable invitations for an eco-friendly wedding in India. Plantable invitations have seeds embedded in them, so guests can later plant them and grow something beautiful while also cutting down on waste. This option also conserves paper while giving guests a tangible touchpoint of the couple’s commitment to sustainability. You can even focus on venues that use solar panel-infused lights and have charging stations for EV vehicles. Additionally, QR codes on digital invites can provide guests with event details, maps, and RSVP options, eliminating the need for printed itineraries and minimizing paper use.
4. Sustainable Fashion Choices
   You know, Indian bridal fashion is a whole industry of heavy embroidery, stoned outlines, heaviness of clothing, accessories, cinching, ethnic wear. A number of designers are creating sustainable wedding dresses and customs from organic fabrics including hemp, cotton, and silk, which are grown without toxic pesticides and chemicals. And renting wedding attire — one of the biggest and most wasteful fashion purchases many make in their lifetimes — not only decreases waste, but it can also save couples money. For grooms, sustainable options also include choosing classic, versatile outfits that can be worn again for other occasions. Brides are also choosing to upcycle their heirloom outfits, blending tradition with sustainability by redesigning their mothers' or grandmothers' wedding sarees or lehengas. Ethical jewelry made from lab-grown diamonds or recycled gold is another way to make an eco-conscious fashion statement.
5. Green Wedding Favors
   Traditional wedding favors are meant as a gesture of gratitude for guests but can often be seen as waste or clutter. If you decide to give away green wedding favors instead of plastic trinkets or items that will not be recycled, then you can be sure that they are thoughtful and eco-friendly. Small potted plants, edible treats, or homemade products, such as jams or candles made with and from natural ingredients, are all options that can be personalized and enjoyed long after the celebrations. And if you want to add a bit more of a special touch, couples can even donate to a charitable cause in place of a gift and have the donation certificate presented as the wedding favor. Seed paper bookmarks, herbal tea blends, and upcycled fabric pouches filled with organic goodies are also becoming popular as thoughtful, zero-waste wedding souvenirs.
6. Sustainable Venue Choices
   Not only is the location of a wedding one of the most crucial factors, but the ideal venue can also play a key role in how sustainable the overall affair can be. Eco-friendly couples can find venues that take energy-efficient steps, use natural resources, and waste less. For instance, you can drastically decrease the use of high-consumption lighting and air conditioning if you choose outdoor weddings in natural environments like a garden, farm, or eco-resort. To reduce the event's environmental impact, venues utilizing water and waste management systems make it easier for the wedding to leave a small footprint. Opting for solar-powered venues, venues that use rainwater harvesting, or those that compost food waste can make a huge difference. Encouraging guests to carpool or providing electric shuttles can further lower the wedding’s carbon footprint.

Plan a Budget-Friendly Green Wedding in India With These Cost-Saving Tips

Sustainable weddings do not necessarily have to carry a hefty price tag, and certain eco-friendly choices can even lower wedding expenses while keeping your celebration beautiful, of course. Here are some tips for couples who want to plan a green wedding on a budget:

1. Select a Location with Built-In Sustainability Features
   There are plenty of venues out there that already adapt sustainability in their business model, so you will not have to spend money on resources that help make the venue eco-friendlier. Green wedding packages, which offer decorative elements and waste disposal aligned with sustainability such as organic elements, eco-friendly decor, and sustainable catering options, are being offered at many venues in India. Opting for such a venue then reduces your hiring of additional suppliers and streamlines the process. Some venues even have solar panels, water recycling systems, and composting programs, making them the perfect choice for eco-conscious couples.
2. Rent or Borrow Wedding Items
   Instead of buying wedding-related items that will only be used once, such as wedding attire, decor, and even jewelry, rent or borrow these items. Not only does this help reduce waste, but it can also save you money. Renting high-end decor items, such as floral arrangements, lighting, or furniture, can save you a substantial amount of money compared to purchasing on your own. Many wedding rental services now provide eco-friendly options, including biodegradable table settings and reusable fabric decorations, making sustainability an easy choice.
3. DIY Wedding Decor and Favors
   Making your own wedding decorations and favors can personalize the event and save money. Whether it means handcrafting wedding favors or mapping out how a table centerpiece will look using local materials, there is something fun and cost-effective in doing it yourself. By involving friends and family members, this process can be more enjoyable. Using upcycled materials, such as glass jars for candle holders or repurposed fabrics for table runners, adds a unique and personal touch to the wedding while reducing environmental impact.
4. Limit the Guest List
   One of the best ways to go green and save money in India at your wedding is by keeping the guest list small and intimate. A smaller guest list equals less food waste, less décor needs, and all-around less waste. It also enables you to add more individual touches, making for a more special event. Choosing an intimate celebration allows you to focus on quality over quantity, ensuring a luxurious yet sustainable experience for all attendees.

FAQs

1. Does Ecofy offer financing for solar energy and EVs?
   Yes! Ecofy provides loans for solar panels and electric vehicles, helping individuals and businesses transition to clean energy solutions.
2. How does Ecofy promote sustainability beyond weddings?
   Ecofy supports green financing for solar energy, EV adoption, and ESG-compliant businesses, driving long-term environmental impact and sustainability.