How to achieve a sustainable wedding
Planning a wedding in Italy is about more than a beautiful day, it’s about creating an experience that reflects who you are. If sustainability shapes your lifestyle, it can shape your celebration too. From venues to food to travel - small conscious choices can make your wedding feel even more meaningful.
Monica, wedding planner of Dandelion Celebrations shares with us the many ways you can honour the values you support in daily life and translate them for your wedding.
Photo: By Marta D. Weddings
Embrace Slow Travel
Destination weddings often stretch across several days. Skip the whirlwind itineraries and encourage guests to enjoy a holiday after the celebrations have stopped - explore nearby villages, taste local wines, and connect with the region. Fewer flights, more depth - a win for you, your guests, and the planet.
“Use your wedding website to help guests plan an extended, and more enriching stay in Italy. Share nearby towns and villages, highlight the diverse landscapes within the region, and suggest meaningful local experiences, such as visiting regional markets and vineyard tours, or taking artisan led workshops.” Monica, Dandelion Celebrations
Celebrate the Local
Swap mass-produced favours (you know the ones, made cheaply and shipped quickly from far distant countries) for local artisan treats. Fall in love with a gorgeous traditional pasticceria and have some biscotti lovingly made for your guests welcome. Trust us, they will much rather taste the true Italy over some generic wedding ‘tat’ they are bound to leave in their room!
Hosting experiences like vineyard tastings or cooking classes is a wonderful way to surprise and delight your guests but also support the people and culture which makes Italy so special. Concerned about costs adding up - this can totally be on guests to pay if they wish to take part.
“These activities support local artisans and businesses while giving your guests the opportunity to savor authentic, simple pleasures that in typical tourist destinations may not be available or would feel more transactional.” Monica, Dandelion Celebrations
Choose Sustainable Venues
Italy is full of breathtaking venues now prioritising eco-friendly practices and we have many on our Directory to explore. From sourcing ingredients locally to cutting waste and investing in their communities. Ask about their sustainability commitments and let your venue choice reflect your values.
“Seek out venues that are serious about sourcing ingredients from local sustainable farms or produce their own food. By choosing such a venue, you’re ensuring that the food served at your wedding supports the local community as well as sustainable farming practices, whilst offering guests an authentic taste of the region.
Tip: Whether you’re planning a city wedding or a countryside celebration, ask whether they measure their environmental impact and what sustainable practices and initiatives they’re involved in. Let’s redefine what luxury means and support those locations who are involved in conservation and regeneration projects, promote sustainable tourism and invest in the local community through education and employment.” Monica, Dandelion Celebrations
Farm-to-Table Food
Food is at the heart of any Italian wedding. Opt for seasonal, locally sourced menus and work with your caterer to minimise waste. A generous aperitivo followed by a dinner of fewer courses often feels just right. And in doing this you might just find yourself saving a little budget!
“Tip: Work closely with your caterer to craft a menu that you and your guests will love, taking into consideration portion sizes. Explain to your caterer your wish to avoid leftovers and food waste.” Monica, Dandelion Celebrations
Work With Like-Minded Vendors
Build a team that feels right for you. Ask questions on their ethics and look for vendors committed to sustainable practices, whether that’s using seasonal flowers, reducing travel, or supporting conservation.
“Work with vendors who share your values, whether they are local or international. For example, some florists incorporate sustainable practices, such as using seasonal flowers and working foam-free. There’s international suppliers spending part of the wedding season in Italy and minimising the need for flights to and from their home country. Building a team that shares your ethos will help ensure a seamless collaboration and a wedding that reflects both your personal style and environmental values.” Monica, Dandelion Celebrations
Learn what steps other couples are taking for a greener wedding and join the conversations in our couples only Planning Community.
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