Sustainable Weddings with Story: Our Take on the Garden & Gun Feature
Recently, I had the honor of contributing to Garden & Gun’s feature on Eight Ways to Make Your Wedding More Sustainable—Without Compromising on Style. It’s a thoughtful piece that proves an event can tread lightly on the earth without losing an ounce of beauty or meaning.
For me, sustainability in wedding design isn’t about compromise. It’s about intention—choosing elements that feel personal, serve a purpose beyond the day itself, and still offer an elevated guest experience.
Design That Begins with Meaning
As I shared in the article, “Incorporating personal items into wedding design not only tells a story, but it is also incredibly sustainable.”
It’s easy to default to rented or mass-produced pieces when planning a wedding. But often, the most compelling design details are already within reach. That round entry table in your parents’ foyer might be the perfect cake table. Your grandmother’s silver dishes could hold matchbooks or cocktail napkins at the bar. These objects carry stories, and when woven into the design, they create a sense of place and connection that purchased décor simply can’t replicate.
At a recent Reagan Events wedding, the bride’s own taxidermy ducks became a signature element—elegantly placed throughout the lounge, bar, and dining areas. This wasn’t novelty for novelty’s sake; it was a reflection of the couple’s shared love for the outdoors and their family’s land. Those ducks, along with heirloom silver and an alligator skull from the family’s collection, became the heartbeat of the celebration.
Choosing Details That Last
Another principle I shared with Garden & Gun: “If you want to make a purchase, consider how it can be used long after the wedding day.”
Think monogrammed dinner napkins that become part of your home entertaining set, or table runners gifted to family after the celebration. These are details with a life beyond the event—reducing waste and creating lasting mementos for you and those you love.
It’s not about stripping a wedding of beauty or abundance. It’s about ensuring the investment in each element carries forward, whether in your home, your family’s traditions, or your guests’ memories.
Why It Matters
Sustainable weddings don’t have to look “eco” in the literal sense. They can be black-tie, floral-heavy, and utterly grand while still honoring the principles of reuse, longevity, and local sourcing. The magic is in the thought process—choosing the meaningful over the disposable, the personal over the generic.
For more ideas and inspiration, you can read the full Garden & Gun feature here. It’s a beautiful reminder that style and sustainability can be seamless partners in celebration.
If you would like to talk with us about planning your next event, CLICK HERE.
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