17 Eco-Friendly Ways to Celebrate Your Big Day

Tiered Cake Pick in Fall Colors ($28+)

This fall-ready cake pick is made with a mix of dried and artificial flowers that includes grass, wildflowers, herbs, eucalyptus, and lavender.

Lighted Mason Jar Centerpiece ($19+)

Each of these quart-size mason jar lights includes a set of LED fairy lights, a beige sunflower with coordinating flowers, and a jute bow

Fall Wedding Pumpkin Cake Topper ($21)

Say hello to two of the most darling little pumpkins you will ever lay eyes on.

Cake to the Top Fall in Love Banner ($13)

Gold and on-trend, this adorable banner is perfect for hanging over your sweetheart table. Another idea? Hang it as part of a photo booth where guests can cake photos.

Little Pumpkin Balloon Garland Kit ($32+)

This pumpkin balloon DIY kit includes an assortment of balloons, a strip to make the garland, glue dots, and instructions (both written and video).

Earth Entwine Macrame Wedding Cake Decor ($38)

Having a fall wedding means you can go as earthy as you want. This macrame wedding cake decor looks fab and will add boho vibes to your big day.

Magpie Linens Burgundy Velvet Table Runner ($26+)

This beautiful and luxurious burgundy velvet table runner will take your reception tables to the next level. Pair it with moody blooms for a classy autumn affair.

Bloom Bar Floral Design Deluxe Dried Flower Posie Bouquet ($17+)

Fall kicks off with Virgo season, and nothing represents the maiden like dried sheaths of wheat, flowers, and grasses. These gorgeous dried bouquets are perfect for using in tablescapes, groomsmen's pockets, favors, or anywhere else you need an elegant autumn touch.

Large Velvet Pumpkins, Set of 3 ($40, was $50)

This handmade set of lush velvet pumpkins has three pillows in rust, gold, and olive. Each one measures 6 x 3 inches (plus, the 4-inch tall stem).

Eucca Hair Comb ($45)

Ditching the veil for a non-traditional hair accessory? This lovely comb puts a trendy twist on your look. It's made with real preserved and dried flowers so it's sure to last months — or even years!

Sheila Weil Studios Wool Felted Acorns ($21)

These ADORABLE felt acorns make for the perfect autumn detail. Your can scatter them across your table, decorate with them, or give them as favors.

Eucca Succulent Boutonnieres ($13)

Let your S.O. embrace the theme of your seasonal wedding with these assorted succulent boutonnieres. They're made with dried blooms, berries, lavender, and textural elements. And the best part? You can plant these cuties afterward!

Emma's Attic Store Terracotta Boho Wedding Cheesecloth Tablerunner ($6+)

Line your tables, drape your displays, and wrap your silverware in this beautiful boho cheesecloth. This material isn't just on trend, it's both rustic and elevated.

Personalized Skeleton Wedding Cake Topper ($60)

Get you initials monogrammed on this Halloween-ready wedding cake topper featuring bride and groom skeletons.

Gold Pumpkin Place Card Holder with DIY Place Cards ($31)

This set of 12 gold resin place-card holders come with coordinating blank place cards.

DIY Floral Centerpiece

Statement centerpieces for every table can be a sinkhole for your budget. Cut out the middleman and assemble this graceful arrangement in minutes using faux blooms that you don’t have to worry about drooping before the dancing starts. (via Afloral)

Naked Cake With Flower Topper

This Pinterest-perfect cake is easy to assemble yourself, and a budget-friendly alternative to the fondant masterpieces at the bakery. Make this smaller display cake for photos and the ceremonial cutting, and serve sheet cake to your guests — no one will be any the wiser. (via Brit + Co)

DIY Hanging Flower Installation

Is your dream venue a bit of a blank slate, decor-wise? Suspend this colorful element to create a magical canopy of color and texture. (via Sugar & Cloth)

Geometric Floral Mobiles

No obvious altar in your amazing loft space? Create one in situ with these hanging metallic mobiles adorned with pretty flowers. They’ll frame your ceremony space, then add color to your gift table or bar. (via Brit + Co)

Ultra Violet Bouquet

The best part about this vivid DIY is the instructions apply to making an eye-catching bouquet in any color of the rainbow. (via Ruffled Blog)

DIY Boutonnieres

Give your groomsmen a punchy pop of color with these cheery boutonnieres. The sunny yellow color couldn’t be more perfect for a spring event! (via Paper & Stitch)

Succulent Flower Crown

Ditching the veil for a flower crown? This lovely version puts a trendy twist on the form with succulents, but the basic technique is one you can use with your favorite blooms. (via Brit + Co)

DIY Floral Photo Backdrop

This tropical stunner will make your photobooth pics the best on the ‘Gram. And by using a pegboard, you’ll have no trouble getting it to and from the venue. (via Lovely Indeed)

Hanging Floral Chandelier

Set the head table apart with this magnificent chandelier and give your wedding the wild romantic garden feel you’ve been dreaming about. (And yes, this is DIY-able, we promise!). (via We Are Scout)

Floral Hair Comb

Want that boho look but not ready to commit to a full-on flower crown? These smaller, more delicate hairpieces are easy to incorporate into your updo. (via Brit + Co)

Venice, Italy

Bali, Indonesia

Once an idyllic paradise, Bali now suffers from traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and overcrowded beaches. The island’s resources are strained under the weight of mass tourism, but there are efforts underway to promote sustainability like putting a moratorium on new hotels.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Overtourism has led to erosion and damage to this ancient Incan citadel. A quota system and mandatory guides are helping preserve this popular South American destination.

Tulum, Mexico

Once a tranquil paradise known for its pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and eco-chic vibe, Tulum has become a cautionary tale of overtourism. The surge in popularity, fueled by Instagram-worthy scenery, has brought overcrowding, environmental strain, and rising costs. The Guardianreported that locals are being pushed out by developers and despite the thinking that tourism helps local communities, poverty nearly doubled between 2015 and 2020. Local ecosystems, including fragile mangroves and coral reefs, are threatened by unchecked construction and pollution too. The local ruins have implemented stricter rules like no food or drink to limit trash and environmental impact from tourists.

Santorini, Greece

Instagram fame has turned this once-serene island into a tourist hotspot. Narrow streets are perpetually clogged, and locals are struggling with soaring costs of living due to tourism demand. The government has since capped the number of daily cruise ship visitors to keep overtourism at bay.

Cinque Terre, Italy

Known for its colorful cliffside villages and breathtaking coastal views, these once-quiet fishing towns now see millions of visitors annually, way more than they can handle. To combat issues like congestion and cruise ships, local authorities have introduced visitor caps and encourage sustainable travel to protect Cinque Terre’s charm.

Reykjavík, Iceland

Is there anyone not going to Iceland these days? A small country with breathtaking landscapes, Iceland has been overwhelmed by tourists flocking to Instagram-famous sites like the Blue Lagoon and Diamond Beach. It's best to travel during the off season (November to April) and travel to lesser known spots like the Sturlungalaug hot spring.

Maya Bay, Thailand (Phi Phi Islands)

This iconic beach, popularized by the DiCaprio film The Beach, suffered ecological devastation from hordes of visitors and anchored boats. Coral reefs were destroyed, and the beach was closed for years to allow recovery. It has since reopened after a huge revitalization project, but they have introduced visitor caps.

Kyoto, Japan

Traditionally quiet streets of this ancient capital city now teem with tourists during peak season. An increase in litter from tourists has required the city to install more trash bins to handle the crowds, and peaceful geishas are often chased down for photos. To mitigate the problem, Kyoto is considering running special buses to popular sites to reduce overcrowding, and temples and shrines are encouraging visitors to come early in the morning.

Mount Everest, Nepal

The ultimate challenge for adventurers, Mount Everest has experienced overcrowding on the slopes and at base camps, leading to dangerous conditions, with litter and human waste piling up on the mountain. Permits are now harder to get, and stricter regulations for climbers are being enforced.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Game of Thrones effect brought an influx of fans to this medieval city. Overcrowded streets and cruise ship arrivals have made it difficult to appreciate its beauty. The local government is taking steps to limit daily visitors and impose stricter cruise ship regulations.

Lisbon, Portugal

Short-term rentals dominate the housing market now, thanks to affordable flights and the digital nomad craze. This has led to skyrocketing rents and displaced locals. Historic neighborhoods are inundated with tourists, making them less charming too. Everything from public transport to waste management struggles to keep pace with the influx. I went in December and it still felt a bit like Disneyland. Douro Valley and Madeira might be more favorable destinations any time of year.