As the wedding industry evolves, couples are beginning to think more and more about incorporating eco-friendly choices into their big day. An environmentally conscious celebration is one way to show your commitment to preserving the environment, and it’s now easier than ever to green your nuptials.

If you’re looking for a sustainable wedding venue, go for one that has a commitment to environmental stewardship and conservation. This could mean that they have an environmentally-friendly housekeeping team, a paperless system of communication, energy-efficient lighting, and water-saving projects. Additionally, choosing a venue on a smaller scale can help reduce your carbon footprint –– you save on electricity, decorations, and travel.

What type of food do you want to serve your guests? Choose an environmentally-friendly catering service that uses seasonal ingredients that come from local farms. These foods are naturally fresher, and the shorter the distance between the farm and table, the fewer greenhouse emissions, thus reducing your carbon footprint. An added plus is that you’ll be supporting local businesses by purchasing these seasonal goodies.

Earth-friendly decor doesn’t have to be boring –– in fact, there’s a great selection of stylish items that are perfect for bringing your wedding vision to life without taxing the environment. Invest in sustainable decorations like wooden archways, potted plants, and vintage cardholders. There’s no need to buy everything brand-new either –– with a bit of creativity, you can easily create a stunning event with second-hand items.

Your wedding guests will probably expect to receive a thank-you present for being part of your special day. You can go with the traditional material gifts or opt for something eco-friendly like wildflower seed packets or Instagram frames for their memories. Additionally, try to avoid using single-use plastic items like straws or plastic trinkets, and if you must use them, make sure they’re recyclable.