Planning a vegan wedding may seem overwhelming, but it’s much easier than you think. Plus, its totally worth it when you get to incorporate your values as a couple. If you’re concerned about how guests will feel about a vegan wedding, just remember that if it’s meaningful to you, your loved ones should understand. In fact, some guests may even be pleasantly surprised to learn how amazing a vegan wedding can be and how delicious vegan menu can taste.

 Here, are some tips to help you with making your ethical wedding plans.

Shop for ethical rings

Instead of buying new, consider going vintage or picking a family heirloom? Not only will it be eco-friendly but unique too! Another option is picking a pre-owned ring. You may find something you like instantly or find a way to match it to your taste by either changing the stone or turning the yellow gold into white or rose gold.

However, if you want a new ring you don’t have to feel guilty about it. You can always choose from a sustainable jewelry brand that uses recycled or ethically mined metals and diamonds. Good news is, there are many amazing jewelry brands in the market who are committed to conflict-free baubles..

Pick a sustainable venue and opt for eco decor

A day wedding is also a good idea. It will save on your energy usage by cutting down on the amount of lighting you'll need. Thank you, sunshine!

As for the eco-friendly wedding décor, opting for renting décor and equipment is way better than single-use items. While flowers may look beautiful, freshly cut plants aren’t the best for the environment. Fortunately, there are fantastic eco wedding alternatives. Consider potted flowers, such as orchids or spray roses, or plants, including herbs and even trees, that can be reused at home, on a patio, or transplanted to the garden after the event.

Did I forget the candles? Candles bring a romantic feel to your wedding. But most candles are made with animal-derived ingredients like beeswax and animal fat and also contain toxic chemicals. As a clean-vegan alternative, soy candles are a great option. They use soybean oil and actually burn longer than traditional candles..

Find plant-based catering

Make sure to contact local caterers early-on in the process. Also, ask them if they can use locally sourced and seasonal ingredients as that’s more environmentally-friendly than food that requires additional shipping and storage. Plus, using seasonal produce into your menu will make your meal taste riper and fresher. Adding colorful foods to your buffet is also a good idea. A buffet with many colorful dishes will bring a fun, happy note to your wedding day.

Once you have finalised your caterer and the menu, make sure to have some non-vegan friends or family during the food tasting session, so you can get the honest feedback. This will ensure you and your partner will not have last minute surprises about the guests not liking the menu.

Plan creative vegan food stations at the wedding: Setting up interesting vegan food bars and stations can add a nice twist to your party. For example, varieties of dates and olives from around the world, vegan chocolates or continental appetizers not common in your region can change things up. I know, its not the most sustainable option, but it can be a great way to please your non-vegan guests and change their minds about vegan food and the varieties it offers!.

Choose eco-friendly invitations

Did I forget? Like Jennie and Smith’s vegan wedding bash at Château d’Ermenonville castle near Paris, sending out letters to your guests beforehand explaining why veganism is important to you is also a good idea. It will spike interest in the wedding and there wont be any surprises for them too..

Have an eco-friendly gift registry

When you are committed to a vegan and eco-conscious lifestyle, you wouldn’t want to be disappointed with gifts that don’t match your values and you won’t be able to use.

Register for items that support your cruelty-free values and are sustainable. Your guests can get in on the fun as they browse your registry, and they may even be inspired by your pledge. Instead of a leather bag, they’ll learn you can buy a apple-leather handbag or one made from corn.

 You can also request for cash gifts instead of items, or request donations to a charity that supports a vegan cause. A charity registry especially make sense if you and your partner are already live together and don't necessarily need to register for items like kitchenware, linens, and household décor..

Choosing your vegan wedding dress

Upcycling an old dress and making it new would be a great choice for your wedding. Upcycling reduces waste by taking something old and remaking it to be used again. A friend of mine wore her grandmother’s wedding outfit to her own wedding, after making some minor tweaks on it. And she was really happy about the choice because the dress added that emotional connect.

You can also opt for renting your wedding outfit, because after all you will wear this dress only once. Renting a wedding dress is a wonderful option because not only because it is a sustainable choice but is an affordable one too! 

Want to get a new dress for your wedding? There are plenty of  bridal boutiques and designers around the world where you can find your vegan wedding dress. One of the well-known one is Parisian designer Rime Arodaky. Her beautiful cruelty-free wedding dresses are designed in Paris and handmade by fairly paid artisans and boasts couture patternmaking and tailoring that will satisfy even the most picky and glamorous brides. For a more affordable option, there is Cotton Bride that has some beautiful cotton wedding dresses in their collection. Indian designer Purvi Doshi also creates wedding outfits using sustainable vegan fabrics and can custom-make an outfit just for you.

Ah, and don't forget your wedding shoes. There are some amazing vegan shoe brand that have gorgeous range of shoes for every style and heel size you like. Some of my favorites include Piferi, Veerah, and Kate Whitcomb.

If you are a designer shoe lover, and money is not a concern, then you can get your custom vegan Christian Louboutin design Jennie Wilson did her luxury vegan wedding. She managed to get a pair of peep-toe platforms towering on 5.9-inch heels made from a pale pink satin-like fabric in the designer’s Paris atelier. Christian designed a completely cruelty-free pair right down to his trademark red soles.

Make sure you use vegan and cruelty-free makeup