Nearly 25% of all couples want to get married abroad according to a recent survey.  Of these couples, an increasing number are specifically seeking out destination weddings that are sustainable. At first glance, it may seem like a very difficult undertaking to organize a wedding abroad, even with the help of a wedding planner. Thankfully, a few tips and guidelines will make it much easier and more enjoyable to organize your sustainable wedding abroad. Here are a few things worth considering:

One of the simplest ways to make your wedding more sustainable is by choosing a venue that is eco-friendly.  When choosing a wedding venue it is customary to visit a number of venues before making your final choice. When getting married abroad this may be a bit trickier, unless you already found your dream venue on a previous visit to your wedding destination. Thankfully, the internet is inundated with comprehensive venue guides and reviews that will make it a lot easier for you to narrow down your options. Some places worth considering include eco-lodges, mountain chalets, bio-resorts, green hotels, and even tree houses.  Having your ceremony and the reception in one place will also help cut down on both costs and C02 emissions.

Even when you are having your wedding abroad, you can still reduce its carbon footprint by supporting local as much as possible.  Regardless of where in the world you are planning to get wed, there will be local suppliers you can enlist for everything from catering and photography to your flowers and entertainment. If you are making use of a wedding planner, make it clear that you want to support local as much as possible. If you are arranging your own wedding, make a shortlist of possible local suppliers by perusing local directories. Social media and Facebook, in particular, are also great for finding quality local suppliers and unbiased reviews.

It is no secret that fashion is one of the most polluting industries in the world. Wedding dresses are known to be among the most environmentally detrimental pieces of clothing. This is mainly due to the frequent use of polyester, a fiber derived from a chemical reaction that involves petroleum, air, and water. You can decrease the environmental impact of your wedding by choosing a pre-loved wedding dress and accessories and also ensuring that it is made from natural, sustainable fabrics such as linen, silk or cotton.
You can search for your dream pre-loved dress online, in bridal shops dedicated to the recycling of wedding dresses, and even thrift shops.  You can reduce your carbon footprint even more by borrowing bridal accessories instead of buying it and by either doing away with your wedding favors or opting for ones that are completely sustainable.
Having a destination wedding is a dream come true for many couples. With a bit of added planning and effort, a wedding abroad can be as sustainable as it is memorable.