We got that very question from one user and went to our Marriage.com forums to see how engaged couples, expert wedding professionals and married couples were responding to this question.
Anisha K. wrote “Does anyone have eco invitation ideas? We are trying to plan an eco wedding. We are still going to include traditional, paper invitations. But, are there ways to incorporate green alternatives for our invitations?” We’re glad she asked—this situation is so common nowadays, with many couples still liking customary paper invites while wanting to explore greener ways to implement them.
Alternative Paper
Marissa C. wrote: “There are options to use organic paper and ink. Such papers include cotton, hemp and bamboo.” And she’s right: nowadays, there are tons of options for 100% recycled or partially recycled papers from wedding invitation suppliers or designers—think handmade or DIY invitations too! Choose chlorine-free paper, no matter what you do, and look for vegetable or soy-based inks. If you really want to go tree-free, there are tons of tree-free paper made out of hemp, bamboo, organic cotton, banana stalks, discarded/reused cloth, flowers, silk, grass, and more—all very unique options which will create a lasting impression on your guests and look just as good as paper, if not even better!
Reducing Paper
Consider reducing the paper you include in your invites too—one user, Chaundra M., mentioned “I’ve seen pretty cute wedding invites that were just post cards—way better than having tons of envelopes and sheets of unnecessary paper, ribbons, and all of that kind of stuff.” Amanda K. also agreed, saying “There are plenty of ways to glam up your invites—extra pieces of paper aren’t the only way to do it!” It’s also a great way to reduce the cost of postage, if you’re on a budget—invitations are often bulky and heavy.
Online Alternatives
Want to avoid using all paper? Marissa G. suggested: “What about using online invitations or a wedding website instead of paper stationery? I know it may not seem traditional, but I notice more and more couples using these online options…”—very true! If you’re on a budget and want to stay “green”, online invites or wedding websites are inexpensive and eco-friendly to the max. Plus, they can be easily personalized—match invites exactly to your wedding colors, add photos, favorite songs, details, and even videos! Also, the RSVP process online is MUCH easier. Not only is there less hassle (no RSVPs lost in the mail, mailed late, or missed calls on your answering machine), but it’s so straightforward —simply view all the RSVPs online instead of trying to collect them on your own.
Do Both
In the end, what’s one easy option for Anisha or other brides who are thinking of a paper/online invite duo? “Have guests RSVP online instead of mail back responses,” suggested Amanda K. “My friend just did this and it was a super cute way to get to her custom-made website.” We think the best alternative is send out eco-friendly paper invites made from an organic, recycled, or alternative types of paper (with limited extra fluff and inserts, of course. Extra waste? No thanks!) with a link to your personalized wedding website where guests can directly RSVP online. If you add photos, venue details, and all of the extra information that you couldn’t fit on a tiny slip of paper, your guests, wallet, and Mother Earth will thank you!
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