How to Plan an Eco-Friendly Wedding in Metro Detroit
Dreaming of a wedding that reflects your love and your values? Whether you’re planning a rustic barn bash or a downtown Detroit celebration, going green is easier than ever. With sustainable choices—from the dress to the wedding DJ—you can reduce your wedding’s impact and support local businesses along the way.
One Venue, One Big Impact
Metro Detroit is home to many stunning venues that offer both ceremony and reception spaces, making it easy to host your entire wedding in one location. This eco-friendly choice cuts down on guest travel, reduces fuel emissions, and simplifies logistics for everyone involved.
If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony, even better! Natural lighting and ventilation help eliminate the need for artificial lighting, heating, or cooling—boosting your wedding’s sustainability.
Tips for an eco-conscious indoor wedding:
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Choose a venue with large windows and plenty of natural sunlight. Host a daytime celebration to reduce electricity use.
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Look for green-certified hotels or venues that prioritize recycling, use energy-efficient appliances, and offer biodegradable products.
Local Examples:
- Planterra Conservatory: A stunning botanical garden venue in West Bloomfield, perfect for eco-conscious couples.
- The Henry Ford Museum: Offers spacious indoor/outdoor options and supports local history.
- Zingerman’s Cornman Farms: A certified sustainable venue in Dexter, MI.
Farm-Fresh Fare from Michigan Farms
Support local agriculture by choosing seasonal, Michigan-grown ingredients for your menu. Farm-to-table is more than trendy—it’s responsible and delicious. The farm-to-table movement is in full swing – in other words – that option won’t be hard to find (especially since Michigan is home to so many incredible farmers). Work with your venue or caterer to choose locally grown, organic menu items. Organic foods do not use pesticides so they are great for the environment and your guests. Vegan and vegetarian menus are also becoming standard in wedding fare.
Local Caterers & Farms:
- Two Unique Catering: Known for local sourcing and personalized menus.
Food Donation Tip: After Your Wedding: Rather than throwing it out, ask about the option to donate the leftover food from your wedding reception. Many halls will work with local charities. Partner with Forgotten Harvest to reduce food waste and feed local families.
Gifts that Give Back
Don’t register for things you don’t need: give your guests the option of giving donations in your name instead. Choose a few charities that you care about as a couple. You can also make a donation to a charity rather than supply wedding guest favors. Set out information on each charity and allow guests to read up on them all and decide which organization they’d like you to donate to on their behalf.
Donation-Friendly Charities:
- Detroit Dog Rescue
- Gleaners Community Food Bank
- The Empowerment Plan: Employs homeless Detroiters to manufacture coats that turn into sleeping bags.
Add these to your wedding site or create a small “Giving Table” at your reception.
Eco-Friendly Dresses from The Brides Project
How special (and eco-friendly) would it be to re-wear your mother’s wedding dress? Not totally in love with it? Work with a seamstress to make it more your style. Another option, check out vintage clothing shops or consignment boutiques. Don’t stop there, go eco-friendly for the bridal party, too by truly picking clothing they can wear again! Think casual suits and summer dresses for your bridal party.
Your gown can tell a powerful story—before your big day even begins. For brides looking to make a difference, we highly recommend The Brides Project in Ann Arbor. This unique boutique features donated gowns—both “pre-loved” and brand new. Every purchase helps fund the Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor, supporting families affected by cancer.
Pro Tip: Choose bridal party outfits that can be reworn—or explore rental options.
Local & Seasonal Flowers, the Michigan Way
If you have your heart set on fresh cut flowers, work with your florist to create bouquets of local, seasonal flowers, reducing the transportation of exotic blooms. When the event is over, consider donating the flowers to a senior center or hospital. Some of the seasonal choices include:
- Spring: Lilies, Lilacs, Peonies, Tulips
- Summer: Calla Lilies, Daisies, Roses
- Fall: Sunflowers, Asters, Gerbera Daisies
- Winter: Amaryllis, Orchids, Pointsettias
PRO TIP: Send your guests home with your wedding flowers—have an attendant ready to arrange your florals into individual bouquets for friends and family to enjoy for a few more days in their homes.
Donation Option: Partner with Random Acts of Flowers to brighten local hospitals or senior centers.
Cut Paper Waste with Smart Choices
From invites to programs, weddings use a lot of paper. The list of wedding stationary is quite extensive:
- Save the Dates
- Invitations
- Wedding programs
- Seating Chart
- Menus
- Place cards
… and more! Look for ways to reduce your usage and insist on recycled paper where you can. You can also reduce the inserts in your invitations by directing people to your wedding website for any extra details.
For an even greener approach, consider online invitation services. Consider digital save the dates, a tabletop instead of seating cards, and forego menus at the plate. You’ll reduce paper consumption and cost.
Michigan Stationery Studios:
- Tied & Two: Detroit-based studio offering digital and recycled paper options.
- Paper & Honey, Wixom: Custom calligraphy and recycled materials.
- Freshly Squeezed Cards
Borrowed, Thrifted & Loved Again
Ask friends and family to lend their tableware, decorations, runner, vases, and other items for all of your wedding events; rehearsal dinner, wedding shower, cocktail hour and even your reception. Reducing your consumer footprint is a great move for wedding sustainability (and saves you money).
Your wedding deserves to be as unforgettable as your love—and at Mike Staff Productions, we’re proud to help Metro Detroit couples plan weddings with heart and purpose.
Whether you’re focused on sustainability or just want a celebration that feels uniquely you, we’re here with:
- 🎥 Wedding Videography: Storytelling through cinematic film.
- 📸 Wedding Photography: Clean, natural images with timeless beauty.
- 🎧 Professional DJs: Music that matches your vibe—with no waste, just energy!
We’re honored to be part of so many local weddings and can help you plan an event that celebrates both your love and your values.
FAQs: Eco-Friendly Metro Detroit Weddings
What makes a Metro Detroit wedding eco-friendly?
Using local vendors, donating décor, serving farm-to-table food, and reducing waste are all great ways to green your celebration.
Where can I find sustainable wedding dresses in Michigan?
The Brides Project in Ann Arbor offers beautiful gowns while supporting families impacted by cancer.
How can I find green wedding vendors in Detroit?
Look for businesses that mention sustainability practices, use local resources, or offer donation/recycling programs.
Are eco-friendly weddings more expensive?
Not necessarily. In fact, borrowing, repurposing, or donating can help you save money.
