Eco Friendly Wedding Decorations Inspo
Planning your wedding might be the most exciting project you’ll ever take on, but it also means a lot of decisions on décor, style, and the little details. If you want your celebration to reflect your love for the planet as much as your love for your partner, then choosing eco friendly wedding decorations is a brilliant place to start. From straightforward swaps to creative alternatives, eco friendly wedding décor helps you create a meaningful atmosphere without leaving a big footprint behind. Here’s your guide to stylish, sustainable celebration ideas—plus tips and inspiration for every stage of your planning journey.
Why Choose Eco Friendly Wedding Decorations?
Weddings are wonderful, but they can generate a surprising amount of waste. Disposable décor, single-use plastics, and imported items can add up fast. Choosing eco friendly wedding decorations is about more than looking good—it’s a way to honour your values, reduce waste, and support a brighter future. Plus, going green often means finding creative solutions that feel even more personal and unique.
- Reduce single-use waste and plastics
- Support sustainable, local businesses
- Give your guests a meaningful experience
- Save money with clever, reusable options
An eco friendly wedding doesn’t have to be complicated. Even just a few thoughtful swaps can make a real difference. And the best part is that each sustainable touch adds depth and intention to your day.
Before you dive into colour schemes and Pinterest boards, it helps to remember some core eco friendly guidelines for your wedding décor:
- Choose Materials Wisely: Favour biodegradable, recyclable, and compostable materials like wood, fabric, or paper.
- Multi-use Matters: Decorations that can be reused, repurposed, or gifted are always a win.
- Support Local & Small Businesses: Local florists, artisans, and craft studios usually have a smaller carbon footprint.
- Avoid Single-Use Plastics: Swap out balloons, plastic confetti, and disposables for greener options.
These simple principles guide every aspect of creating an eco friendly wedding, and they make your celebration feel more thoughtful for your guests as well.
Top Eco Friendly Wedding Decorations For Every Style
Whatever your vision for the big day, you’ll find plenty of eco friendly wedding décor options to suit your look. Here are smart swaps and inspiration for every kind of celebration:
1. Sustainable Ceremony Arches & Backdrops
Start your day with a statement arch or backdrop that doesn’t cost the earth. Consider arches made from reclaimed wood, draped with natural fabrics like cotton or linen, and decorated with real foliage. Living plants in pots are another beautiful touch—plus, you can replant them after your wedding!
- Reclaimed wood or bamboo structures
- Natural fabrics for draping
- Fresh greenery or living potted plants
- Macramé hangings with biodegradable twine
2. Biodegradable Confetti Alternatives
The traditional paper confetti and synthetic options can be harmful to the environment, but you don’t have to skip the classic confetti toss. Go for dried flower petals, leaves, or even hole-punched leaves for a natural and biodegradable option. These choices are beautiful in photos and safe for local wildlife too.
- Dried rose petals
- Lavender buds or wildflower blends
- Punched leaves or seed paper confetti
3. Table Décor: Eco Conscious Table Runners, Centerpieces & Place Settings
Reception tables are the heart of your wedding party, so it’s the perfect place to show off your commitment to eco friendly wedding decorations. Try natural fabric runners, recycled glass vases, or jam jars as candle holders. Vintage tableware hired locally is also a low-impact, high-style option.
- Bamboo or linen table runners
- Upcycled glass jars or bottles
- Reclaimed wood coasters or signs
- Cloth napkins instead of paper
Setting the scene doesn’t have to mean all new gear. Borrowing, hiring, or sourcing secondhand are all excellent eco friendly options. It’s also a fantastic chance to highlight local flowers and seasonal greenery, which keeps your carbon footprint even lower.
4. Eco Friendly Wedding Favours
Wedding favours are your chance to thank guests—so why not skip the plastic trinkets entirely? Eco friendly wedding favours leave a positive impact and show your loved ones that you’ve really thought about each detail. Great ideas include:
- Seed packets for guests to plant at home
- Miniature potted succulents or herbs
- Reusable tote bags
- Locally made soaps or beeswax candles
- Jars of homemade jams or honey from local sources
Creative Ideas For Eco Friendly Wedding Decorations
Sustainability is all about creativity and invention. These ideas help you make a big visual impact with a minimal environmental cost:
Upcycled & Vintage Décor Finds
Secondhand treasures aren’t just budget-friendly—they’re also much kinder to the planet. Think glass bottles, mismatched candlesticks, old books, or even antique suitcases for display or card boxes. Charity shops, vintage fairs, and online marketplaces are treasure troves for one-of-a-kind wedding décor.
Living Decor Elements
Opt for living plants instead of cut flowers wherever possible. Potted ferns, succulents, or even trees create stunning visuals, and can be used in your home or garden after the celebration. Plus, living plants purify the air and add a vibrant quality you just can’t get from artificial alternatives.
Natural Fibre Fabrics & Ribbons
Look for materials like organic cotton, linen, or jute when choosing fabrics for banners, ribbons, or table runners. These materials break down naturally and are less energy intensive to produce. If you’re crafty, fabric offcuts or scrap ribbons can make lovely, unique bunting and garlands.
Zero-Waste Signage
Skip plastic or vinyl signs and choose chalkboards, wooden plaques, or recycled paper for your wedding signage. Not only are these better for the environment, but they also add charm and warmth to your space. You can reuse or repurpose signs for future celebrations or home décor too.
Making sustainable choices starts with asking the right questions. When you’re considering any décor item, ask yourself:
- What is it made of? Choose natural, recycled, or biodegradable materials.
- Where does it come from? Local and small businesses are often more sustainable.
- Is it reusable, returnable, or compostable? Avoid single-use items where possible.
- Can this be donated, sold, or gifted after? Think about the item's second life.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to suppliers and ask questions about their materials and methods. Many vendors are happy to share details about their eco friendly practices and can even suggest green alternatives you might not have considered yet.
Flowers are a backbone of wedding décor, but many conventional blooms have a high carbon footprint. To make your floral displays eco friendly:
- Choose local, seasonal flowers grown without chemicals
- Work with florists who use sustainable techniques (no floral foam)
- Opt for living potted plants, herbs, or succulents
- Create dried flower arrangements that last for ages or can be composted
If you have your heart set on a particular flower that’s out of season, explore silk or paper alternatives—but make sure they’re made from recycled or sustainable materials and can be reused or repurposed later.
The Benefits of Eco Friendly Weddings
Choosing eco friendly wedding decorations is more than a trend—it’s a commitment to values, community, and the planet. Some of the most meaningful benefits include:
- Creating less waste and minimising the impact on local ecosystems
- Saving money by hiring, borrowing, or sourcing secondhand
- Offering guests thoughtful, practical wedding favours they’ll use and appreciate
- Encouraging businesses and friends to make greener choices in future
- Feeling proud that every detail reflects your shared values
Your celebration becomes an expression not just of your relationship, but of your hopes for the world you’re building together. It’s a powerful way to set the tone for a lifetime of conscious choices as a couple.
Eco Friendly Wedding Inspiration
No matter your vision, there’s an eco friendly touch that complements your style. Here are inspiration ideas for popular wedding themes:
Rustic & Boho Weddings
- Wooden signage with handwritten details
- Wildflower centrepieces in mismatched jars
- Burlap or hemp table runners and napkins
- Macramé details using biodegradable fibres
Modern Minimalist Weddings
- Simple potted plants and succulents on tables
- Reusable metal candle holders rented from local suppliers
- Recycled glassware and neutral-coloured linen cloths
- Uncluttered layouts that keep décor minimal but impactful
Classic Romantic Weddings
- Elegant arrangements using seasonal blooms from local growers
- Cloth runners and linen napkins tied with twine
- Homemade seed paper place cards (that guests can plant later)
- Candles in reusable glass jars or lanterns
Garden & Outdoor Weddings
- Living potted plants as aisle markers or entryway displays
- Reclaimed wood benches and furniture from local hire companies
- Dried petal confetti for the perfect photo moment—earth-friendly and beautiful
Whatever atmosphere you’re working towards, eco friendly details can enhance your theme rather than compete with it. The key is choosing décor that’s meaningful and intentional, rather than disposable or generic.
Practical Tips For An Eco Friendly Wedding
Once you’re inspired, here are some steps you can take to make your eco friendly wedding vision a reality:
- Start early so you can source or borrow green décor from friends, family, or vintage shops
- Create a decoration plan with a focus on reusable or compostable items
- Communicate your eco friendly preferences to your suppliers—florists, venues, and rentals
- Recycle or compost any leftovers after your celebration
- Donate decorations to schools, local charities, or future brides
How To Talk To Suppliers About Sustainability
Open communication with your wedding suppliers can lead to even more eco friendly outcomes. When chatting with potential vendors, try questions like:
- Do you offer any environmentally friendly options or packaging?
- Are your materials recycled, biodegradable, or locally sourced?
- How do you handle waste after the event?
- Can you help suggest alternative, sustainable décor ideas?
Most local businesses will appreciate your interest in sustainability, and they may already have green solutions or products available. Asking these questions early means you can align your values and iron out any concerns long before your big day arrives.
Not all sustainable choices are physical—technology can play a big part in a greener wedding, too. Digital invitations, virtual guest books, and online seating charts help cut waste and save money. If you’re hosting guests from different areas, live-streaming your ceremony may reduce travel emissions, allowing guests to join in from afar.
These digital touches pair perfectly with physical, eco friendly wedding decorations. Used together, they create an experience that’s modern, thoughtful, and mindful of the planet.
At the heart of every wedding is love—and that extends to the choices we make for the world around us. Whether you’re planning a small gathering or a grand party, eco friendly wedding decorations let you showcase your style in the most responsible way. Every natural material, reusable item, and sustainable solution you choose helps shape a positive future, and your wedding becomes a testament to personal values as much as personal vows.
FAQ: Eco Friendly Wedding Decorations
How can I make my wedding decorations more eco friendly on a budget?
Start by borrowing, hiring, or shopping secondhand for decorations. Use local, in-season flowers, and repurpose jars, bottles, or fabric offcuts for stylish details. DIY elements often save money and reduce waste.
What are popular eco friendly wedding favours?
Seed packets, potted plants, reusable tote bags, local food items, and homemade soaps or candles are all popular and practical choices.
How do I reduce waste with my wedding decorations?
Choose reusable, biodegradable, or recyclable materials. Avoid single-use plastics and décor that can’t be composted or donated. After your event, donate or sell decorations whenever possible.
Can eco friendly weddings still look luxurious and stylish?
Absolutely! Sustainable décor options—like linen napkins, local florals, reclaimed wood signs, and vintage finds—add style and a personal touch to your celebration.
Where can I find eco friendly wedding decorations in the UK?
Support local florists, small businesses, and craft studios—many offer sustainable options. You can also browse eco friendly wedding décor and gifts at Peach & Pear Studio for personalised, planet-friendly ideas.