2025/2026 Wedding Trends Edition: Greener Vows -Embracing Sustainability and Eco-Conscious Choices in Your Ontario Wedding (2025-2026 Trends)

June 23, 2025
By The Marry Men Wedding Officiants

As we look towards 2025 and 2026, couples are increasingly aware that their wedding day is not just a celebration of love, but also an opportunity to reflect their values. A significant and growing trend is the commitment to Sustainability & Eco-Conscious Choices. This movement is about making greener decisions at every turn, minimizing environmental impact, and leaving a positive legacy, not just a carbon footprint.

At The Marry Men Wedding Officiants, we believe that choosing a sustainable path for your wedding doesn’t mean compromising on beauty or luxury. In fact, it often leads to more thoughtful, authentic, and uniquely beautiful celebrations. It’s about ensuring your special day honours not only your love for each other but also your love for the planet we all share.

What Does an Eco-Conscious Wedding Look Like?

Gone are the days when “eco-friendly” meant sacrificing elegance. Today’s sustainable weddings are sophisticated, stylish, and deeply intentional. Here’s what this trend encompasses:

  • Local & In-Season Blooms: Moving away from imported, chemically treated flowers, couples are opting for florals sourced from local Ontario flower farms. This reduces transportation emissions and supports local agriculture. Florists are increasingly skilled in foam-free installations, using natural mechanics (like chicken wire, compostable netting, or water-filled vessels) instead of traditional floral foam (which is a microplastic).
  • Digital Invitations & Communication: While paper invitations can still have a place, many couples are significantly reducing paper waste by using elegant digital invitations, online RSVPs, and wedding websites for information dissemination. If paper is used, opting for recycled or seed paper is a popular choice.
  • Repurposed & Reused Decor: Instead of buying single-use decor, couples are renting items, sourcing from vintage shops, or repurposing elements from other events. Think classic furniture rentals, stunning backdrops that can be reused, or even DIY decor made from sustainable materials.
  • Ethically Sourced Attire: Beyond simply the look, couples are asking questions about where their dresses and suits come from, opting for designers who use sustainable fabrics, ethical labour practices, or choosing to buy pre-owned or vintage pieces.
  • Plant-Based & Locally Sourced Catering: The menu becomes a powerful statement. Caterers are being asked to prioritize ingredients from Ontario farms, showcasing seasonal bounty. An increase in delicious plant-based or vegetarian options, reflecting a growing awareness of the environmental impact of meat production, is also common.
  • Minimizing Waste: This is a comprehensive effort, including:
    • Composting & Recycling: Working with venues and caterers to ensure all organic waste is composted and recyclables are properly sorted.
    • Donating Leftovers: Partnering with organizations that collect surplus edible food to distribute to those in need.
    • Eco-Friendly Favours: Gifting guests items like seed packets for planting, reusable coffee cups, small potted plants, or making a charitable donation in their name.
    • Avoiding Single-Use Plastics: Using real dinnerware, glasses, and cutlery, and avoiding plastic straws and water bottles.
Why Green Vows are Gaining Ground

The drive towards sustainable weddings is fueled by several factors:

  1. Increased Environmental Awareness: Couples, often from generations deeply concerned about climate change, want their celebrations to align with their values.
  2. Supporting Local Communities: Choosing local vendors, farmers, and artisans directly benefits Ontario’s economy and reduces transportation footprints.
  3. Unique & Authentic Aesthetics: Sustainable choices often lead to unique, earthy, and naturally beautiful aesthetics that stand out from mass-produced elements.
  4. Cost Savings (Sometimes): While luxury sustainable choices exist, going local, repurposing, and minimizing waste can often lead to significant cost savings in certain areas, allowing couples to reallocate budget to other priorities.
  5. Setting an Example: Couples are inspired to set a positive example for their guests and future generations, demonstrating that beautiful celebrations don’t have to come at the Earth’s expense.