Make your special day a little more sustainable without breaking the bank
Wedding Traditions: Keep, Toss, or Make Your Own Rules?
Over the years, we’ve hosted more than 300 weddings on the farm, witnessing countless creative ideas. Some couples stick to their vision, while others feel the pull of family traditions and expectations. Our hope? That every couple feels empowered to design a wedding that reflects who they truly are.
Remember: everything is optional, and nothing is actually required—besides getting married, of course!
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Wedding Favors: Thoughtful or Forgettable?
Favors began as a sweet thank-you gesture from couples to their guests. But after countless cleanups, we’ve seen so many favors left behind. If you have a meaningful, budget-friendly idea—go for it! But if sustainability or saving money is on your mind, skip the favors. No one will miss them.
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Bouquet Toss: Outdated or Fun Tradition?
Times have changed, and many brides are choosing to forgo the bouquet toss. It can feel awkward to single out women who are unmarried—especially when some may never want to marry. If it feels right for you, keep it! If not, skip the toss without guilt.
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Confetti Toss: Picture-Perfect or Environmental Nightmare?
Confetti might make for a dreamy photo op, but it’s a nightmare for outdoor venues—especially farms like ours. Confetti impacts soil health, insects, and wildlife. If you care about sustainability, ask yourself: is that 10-second thrill worth the pollution and cleanup? Consider alternatives like biodegradable petals, herbs, or even bubbles.
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Ceremony Programs: Practical or Wasteful?
Most guests glance at ceremony programs, then toss them. If you love the idea but want something practical, here’s a tip: for summer weddings, print programs on cardstock and attach them to sticks to double as fans. It’s functional, reduces waste, and adds a unique touch. But honestly? Programs are optional.
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Monogrammed Decor: Chic or Costly?
Monogrammed napkins, signs, clothing—it all adds up fast. While leftover napkins might make it home, custom signs often end up in the trash. Consider skipping the pricey personalization, or opt for reusable decor that can find a second life after the big day.
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Cake Cutting: A Must-Do or Skip the Spotlight?
This one’s not about sustainability—but it’s worth mentioning for our introverted couples. At a 100-person wedding, maybe 20 people will actually stop to watch the cake cutting. If you love the tradition, embrace it! But if standing in front of a crowd to feed each other cake makes you cringe, skip the performance. Serve dessert and keep the party going—no awkward photo op required.
Bottom Line: Make Your Wedding Your Own
Weddings are packed with traditions, but none of them are mandatory. Reflect on what feels meaningful to you, and let go of the rest. Whether you embrace the classics or rewrite the rules, the most important thing is that your wedding feels like you.
