We've gathered advice from Nebraska's top wedding professionals to help you create a wedding that’s not only memorable, but also environmentally responsible. From venues and catering to signage and wedding attire, there are numerous ways to plan a celebration that is both beautiful and sustainable.
Minimize your big day's carbon footprint with these suggestions that give back to the planet.
Written by
Laura Cross
Published:
Nebraska Wedding Day Spring/Summer 2024
For Rent
Hilary Kaiser of Elite Events Rental offers these valuable tips about rentals. “Two of the biggest ways to reduce the amount of waste produced from your event is by renting linens and dishware. Our linens and dishware items are used over and over again.” Using non-disposable place settings encourages the principle of reuse and promotes sustainability by reducing single-use items.
Green Day
Connie Van Nostrand of Arbor Day Farm emphasizes the advantages of hosting your wedding in the great outdoors. The natural setting, whether it’s a lush forest or rolling countryside, not only provides a breathtaking backdrop but can eliminate the need for cut florals. Furthermore, for guests staying at hotels, consider accommodations that offer the option to offset their stay’s carbon footprint, such as Lied Lodge in Nebraska City, where every guest can make their stay carbon-neutral through tree planting.
Arbor Day Farm, photo by Molly Sheppard
Arbor Day Farm, photo by Molly Sheppard
Eco-Fashion
Renting or reusing wedding attire offers significant cost savings, and it also helps reduce environmental impact because manufacturing new clothes consumes considerable resources and energy. Jaimee Anderson from Ellynne Bridal suggests eco-conscious options such as transforming your gown into a dress you can wear every year on your anniversary or renting or selling your gown, allowing it to be worn again by another bride, contributing to a sustainable bridal fashion cycle.
At the Table
Selecting a certified zero-waste caterer is a pivotal step in minimizing your wedding’s environmental impact. Patricia Catering and Cocktails proudly diverts over 90% of its waste from landfills through an efficient five-bin system that encompasses composting and recycling of hard plastic, soft plastic, glass and cardboard.
Courtesy of Patricia Catering
Courtesy of Patricia Catering
