Make A Vow To Help Save The Planet: How To Plan A Sustainable Wedding, From Invites To The Dress

Say ‘Yes’ To The Rented Dress

It's estimated the average six-hour wedding in the U.S. produces between 400 and 600 pounds of trash.

And that doesn't account for the pollution created by manufacturing and delivering all the things that can be key to making the big day special.

But a trend of sustainable weddings is gaining momentum.

"I’ve seen a meaningful shift: More and more couples want their wedding to reflect not only their personal style, but their values," Robbie Vorhaus, a wedding officiant in Austin, Texas, told us via email.

That includes picking a more eco-friendly option for what many consider the most important item of the day.

"Renting a wedding dress is absolutely a good choice for the planet," Vorhaus said. "It reduces the demand for new production, keeps garments out of landfills, and helps extend the life cycle of something typically worn just once."

He also recommends being mindful about things like wedding invitations and flowers. For the first, use recycled or other earth-friendly paper or go digital. For floral design, choose local in-season plants and flowers, or those that can be planted after the event.

When it comes to food, Vorhaus says couples should consider offering at least some plant-based options and plan ahead to donate leftovers to a local nonprofit if possible.

And instead of favors like coasters or glasses that might sit on a shelf forever, consider donating to charity instead.

"I often remind couples that their wedding is their first joint statement to the world," he said. "Choosing to make it intentional and sustainable adds depth to the day - and models a beautiful kind of love, one that considers not just each other, but the community and the world they’re stepping into together."

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Weather.com senior writer Jan Childs covers breaking news and features related to weather, space, climate change, the environment and everything in between.