Eco-Friendly Invitation Tips & Tricks

‘Save a tree’ isn’t just a cute catchphrase, between global warming and natural habitat destruction, it’s now imperative! Minimising the amount of new paper used in your wedding stationery can have a huge impact. While there aren’t extensive options for eco-friendly printing of wedding stationery due to the inks, toners and solvents used, there are fabulous and responsible choices when it comes to choosing paper.

Opt for Recycled Paper

You can’t completely dismiss the wedding invitation in the lead up to your wedding, so instead, you can use paper that has been recycled or is made from an alternative fibre such as hemp or bamboo. There are some beautiful and stylish recycled papers on the market and in buying recycled paper you’ll be helping the environment. According to experts, for every ton of recycled paper there is a reduction in air pollution by 74%, reduction in water pollution by 34%, saves 17 trees, saves 7,000 gallons of water and the energy equivalent of 380 gallons of oil. Buying recycled paper for your wedding invitations creates demand for this product which is inevitably great for the planet. 

Consolidate Inserts

Typically, there’s a lot of information to convey to your guests. So instead of enclosing multiple cards in your invite, perhaps combine the essential info into one card. Or, even better, print up a website card that directs guests to a wedding invitation you’ve created online with all the information they’ll need to attend your big day.

Minimise the Mailings

Use online invites for the surrounding events such as the hens party, rehearsal dinner and the post-wedding brunch. If you need to update your guests about any changes to wedding events, replace paper alerts with an email version.

Skip the Extras

Instead of placing a menu at every setting, have one or two for the table. If you’re having wedding programs, eliminate unnecessary pages such as the monogrammed layer of parchment. Or print up one per couple; you definitely don’t need extra programs.

Seat Guests with Paperless Style

Instead of paper place cards for each guest at the reception, why not paint or stamp their names onto stones or tie a ribbon to the stem of a flower using ribbon left over from the programs. Instead of printing up a reception seating plan for the entrance, why not take it up a notch with white glove service and organise for the waiters to seat guests when they arrive.

Splurge on Calligraphy

Have as many items hand calligraphed as your budget allows. Not only is calligraphy gorgeous and elegant, it’s totally eco-friendly. Envelopes are pretty standard, but you can calligraph menus, table names, numbers and even the invitation itself.

Investigate Printing Alternatives

Most large printing companies still use traditional printing methods, but there’s no harm in asking if yours would be willing to try soy or vegetable based inks. There are some printing firms already established that are accredited in eco-friendly printing methods, so when you work with them you’ll be assured of an environmentally friendly outcome.