Planning your wedding? Exciting, isn’t it? But if you’re the kind of couple who wants to say “I do” without saying “I don’t care” to the planet, you’ve come to the right place. Sweden, with its deep-rooted commitment to sustainability, is the perfect country to host an eco-friendly wedding that’s stylish, heartfelt, and gentle on the environment.
So, let’s dive into how you can create a wedding that’s both stunning and sustainable, with some real-life tips from Swedish couples who have been there, done that (and recycled the t-shirt).
1. Find the Perfect Eco-Friendly Wedding Venue in Sweden
The venue is one of the biggest sustainability factors in your wedding. Sweden offers a range of green-certified hotels, organic farms, and even nature reserves that will make your wedding both beautiful and responsible.
Tip from Elin & Markus (Stockholm):
“We wanted a venue that aligned with our values, so we chose a small organic farm outside Uppsala. The owners had solar panels, composting toilets, and even grew their own flowers for decorations!”
Pro tip: Choose a venue close to most of your guests to reduce travel emissions.
2. Eco-Friendly Invitations: Paperless or Plantable?
Let’s be honest—most wedding invitations end up in the trash. Instead, why not go digital? Modern e-invites look stunning and can be customized to match your wedding theme. If you really want physical invites, choose plantable seed paper—guests can plant them and grow wildflowers instead of adding to waste.
Tip from Sofia (Malmö):
“We used a Swedish design company that prints on recycled paper with eco-friendly ink. It felt good knowing our invites weren’t harming the environment!”
3. Say Yes to a Sustainable Dress
Your wedding attire is another area where sustainability shines. Options include:
- Vintage or second-hand dresses and suits (Stockholm has amazing second-hand bridal shops!)
- Renting your attire instead of buying (why not save both money and resources?)
- Choosing an eco-conscious designer who uses organic, recycled, or vegan fabrics.
Common mistake: Avoid fast fashion wedding attire—it often comes with an environmental (and ethical) cost.
4. A Menu That’s Delicious and Sustainable
Food waste is a massive issue at weddings. Combat it by:
Opting for locally sourced, seasonal, and organic ingredients Choosing a plant-based or reduced-meat menu (even traditional Swedish buffets have great veggie options!) Asking your caterer about food donation options for leftovers
Real story: Tobias & Anna (Göteborg):
“We didn’t want to compromise on taste, so we worked with a caterer who sourced everything locally. Our guests were blown away by the flavors of the farm-to-table meal!”
5. Sustainable Wedding Decor That Feels Luxe
Ditch the plastic and choose decor that’s reusable or biodegradable. Sweden has plenty of rental services for wedding decor—from elegant candle holders to rustic wooden tables.
Green wedding decor ideas:
- Use potted plants instead of cut flowers (guests can take them home!)
- Rent linens, dishes, and glassware instead of disposable items
- Choose locally grown flowers (or even wildflowers for a boho feel)
6. Ethical Wedding Rings: Love That Lasts a Lifetime
Wedding rings should be a symbol of love, not exploitation. Look for:
Recycled gold or lab-grown diamonds Fair-trade and ethically sourced metals Vintage or heirloom rings with a story behind them
Common mistake: Many couples forget to ask about where their jewelry comes from. Always check for fair-trade or eco-certifications!
7. Eco-Friendly Wedding Transport
Sweden has fantastic public transport—use it! You can:
- Organize a group shuttle for guests
- Encourage guests to carpool or use bicycles
- Pick a venue close to most attendees to reduce emissions
Pro tip: If your venue is far, arrange shared electric cars or use a biofuel-powered bus for transport!
8. Wedding Favors That Guests Will Actually Use
Skip the plastic trinkets! Instead, go for: Mini jars of locally sourced honey Seed packets for guests to grow their own flowers Reusable bamboo straws or fabric tote bags
Common mistake: Avoid single-use favors that guests will likely throw away.
9. Extend Your Sustainability to the Honeymoon
Even your honeymoon can be eco-friendly! Consider:
- Eco-lodges in Swedish nature reserves
- Sustainable travel options (trains instead of flights)
- Supporting local businesses when traveling abroad
Sustainable honeymoon tip: Sweden has incredible treehouse hotels, glass igloos, and solar-powered cabins that let you honeymoon in harmony with nature!
Final Thoughts
Planning a sustainable wedding in Sweden is easier than you think. With a bit of creativity and thoughtful choices, your special day can be stunning, meaningful, and kind to the planet.
Oh, and don’t forget—your wedding photos deserve to capture every beautiful, eco-friendly detail. That’s where I come in!
Let’s make your wedding unforgettable—book your photographer today! See my latest works: Weddings Portfolio
Follow my journey on Instagram: @alexmart_photo
Choose the best package for you: Investment Options
Let’s make your dream wedding a reality! Get in Touch
4o
