Austin’s unique blend of natural beauty and environmental consciousness makes it the perfect setting for sustainable celebrations. As more couples prioritize eco-friendly wedding choices, we’re seeing innovative approaches that prove green weddings can be both stunning and sophisticated. Here’s your guide to planning a sustainable celebration in the heart of Texas.

1. Embracing Local, Seasonal Flowers: From Venues to Arrangements

Texas offers an incredible variety of seasonal blooms, but it’s important to know how to use them both in your venue landscaping and cut arrangements. Here’s your guide to working with local flowers:

At Your Venue:

• Select venues with natural florals, fields, or greenery for stunning photo backdrops 
• Choose locations with established wildflower gardens 
• Select spaces with maintained native gardens

For Cut Arrangements:

• Locally grown roses or sunflowers 
• Sustainably farmed Texas wildflower varieties
• Cultivated Indian Paintbrush

Pro Tip: Work with venues and florists who understand Texas flower regulations and sustainable practices. Many venues now maintain their own cutting gardens specifically for events, ensuring both beautiful backgrounds and legal, sustainable florals for your arrangements.

2. Farm-to-Table Catering: A taste of Austin’s renowned food scene provides endless opportunities for sustainable catering:

• Work with caterers who source from local farms within a 100-mile radius
• Reduce your carbon footprint by minimizing transportation distances
• Support local agriculture and Austin’s food community

3. Biodegradable Décor: Beauty that gives back, think beyond traditional decorations with these eco-friendly alternatives:

• Seed paper invitations that bloom when planted
• Living centerpieces featuring native Texas succulents
• Soy or beeswax candles from local makers

4. The Smart Economics of Renting isn’t just sustainable—it’s often more cost-effective:

• Wedding attire: Consider designer rental services for the wedding party
• Furniture: Utilize local rental companies for unique, high-quality pieces
• Tableware: Choose reusable options over disposables

5. Giving Back: Transform post-wedding cleanup into an opportunity for community impact:

• Partner with local food banks for catering leftovers
• Coordinate with nursing homes or hospitals for flower donations
• Connect with local schools or community centers for décor items

Planning Tips for Success:

• Start early: Sustainable vendors often book quickly
• Communicate your values to vendors clearly
• Consider hiring a planner experienced in green weddings
• Track your environmental impact to share with guests
• Include your sustainability efforts in your wedding story

Remember, every sustainable choice makes a difference. Your wedding can set a beautiful example for others while celebrating your love in a way that honors both your style and our environment.

Start your sustainable wedding journey by connecting with some of our favorite local eco-conscious vendors like: The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center:

Check out Something Borrowed Something Blooms, where you can actually rent stunning silk flowers:

For real, native “grown not flown” florals, select: Wild Vine Floral:

Ready to plan your sustainable Austin wedding? Let’s create a celebration that’s as kind to the Earth as it is beautiful.