We get it—there’s a lot that goes into planning a wedding. Which means, you might not really be thinking about reducing waste on your big day, and we want you to know that’s totally okay! There are already a million things to think about. 

But if you are considering sustainability in your wedding planning process, we’re here to help! Because the truth is, with about 2.5 million weddings occurring per year, that equates to approximately 1 billion pounds of trash, according to the Green Bride Guide. That is… a lot.

At After The Tone, sustainability is a pillar of what we do, and we’re here to guide you through some easy, eco-conscious, choices you can make to help reduce your carbon footprint and plan your wedding with going green in mind. So, without further adieu, here are 6 easy ways to reduce wedding waste, from your favorite audio guestbook. 😇

1. Phone an (Eco-Conscious) Friend with After The Tone

If you’re looking for a way to go green while still maintaining the integrity of your event (perhaps even elevating it), ditch the traditional guest book for yours truly. We rent and reuse our phones intentionally so that we can say goodbye to adding more plastic to landfills and hello to audible memories that last a lifetime. 

One hundred percent of our vintage phones were sourced and refurbished from the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s. By renting our phones, we ensure that they are used and reused for countless events (of course, after being vigorously cleaned and disinfected after each use) and not as discarded electronic waste. This approach not only minimizes our environmental footprint but also allows us to share the magic of these vintage devices with many couples and their guests, all around the world. 

2. Say Yes to the Pre-Loved Dress

Who says your wedding gown needs to be fresh off the rack? Embrace timeless elegance and sustainability all at once by opting for a vintage wedding dress. Not only does a vintage dress add a touch of glamour to your big day, it also reduces waste by giving a stunning gown a second chance to shine.

And don’t forget another huge bonus: Vintage is totally en vogue! So if you’re considering a vintage gown, you’ve got plenty of stylish options to choose from these days. 

Oh, and one more thing when it comes to attire: there’s always the option to rent! Grooms can consider renting their tuxes, and bridesmaids their dresses, to make their carbon footprint a bit smaller (and their bank accounts a bit bigger 💸). The Black Tux and Rent The Runway are two of our favs. 

3. Opt for Florals with a Sustainable Twist

True story: After The Tone cofounder, Jacob Yackley, who previously worked as a wedding videographer, once shot a wedding that recruited the magical aesthetic of tens of thousands of white roses. While it was gorgeous, by the end of the night, the staff was filling up huge dumpsters chock-full of roses, headed straight for the landfill.😞

To avoid excessive floral waste, consider silk blooms from a vendor like Something Borrowed Blooms. The company is an innovative startup modernizing the wedding flower industry with a unique Rent & Return Floral model. 

Not only do these beauties look just as stunning as the real deal, but they also save couples an average of 70% or more compared to traditional fresh flowers. A more sustainable AND affordable floral option for your wedding? A win-win! 

Learn more about Something Borrowed Blooms in our recent podcast episode.

4. Go Eco-Chic with your Invitations/Stationary 

Set the tone for your eco-friendly celebration with invitations and stationery made from recycled paper. Opting for a stationery company that's committed to sustainability shows that you care about the environment as much as you do about your big day.

Not only that but there are a ton of these companies to choose from nowadays, which makes it super easy to go green while still maintaining a convenient, smooth, quality experience when it comes to your invites. 

5. Elevate Your Dining Experience with Real Silverware

Plastic cutlery? No, thank you! Upgrade your tablescape with real silverware for an elegant touch that's also eco-conscious. Not only does it reduce single-use plastic waste, but it also adds a touch of sophistication to your reception. Kinda like a voicemail guestbook! 😉

6. Go Green with Digital Photo Booths

Lastly, say cheese without the waste by choosing a digital photo booth experience with companies like Desert Luna. Instead of printing endless strips of photos, the company texts your snapshots straight to your phone for instant sharing and zero waste. It's a modern twist on a classic wedding tradition.

And, there ya have it! Six simple ways to go just a little bit greener for your celebration. At After The Tone, our commitment to sustainability isn't just about ticking boxes or following trends. It's about making a real difference in the world. Rotary phones may no longer be a vital addition to every home, but our goal is to make them a source for creating memories at events around the world.

After all, sustainability never goes out of style. 

Book your eco-friendly audio guestbook here.