Top 5 Eco-Friendly Outdoor Wedding Ideas in New Jersey

Did you know that Chartwell Gardens’ peak season runs from May to November? And, according to the insiders at Truly Experiences, October is the most popular month for weddings, with 22% of all nuptials taking place then. Follow suit with a stunning autumn wedding, or buck the trend to enjoy the blooms in May. It’s easy to put together an eco-friendly outdoor wedding at our venue – and we have five must-know tips to make it happen.

1. Use Natural Décor

Chartwell Gardens is a stunning location with plenty of natural beauty, so let that shine through in your décor choices. Use natural elements like wood, stone, and flowers to create a beautiful, eco-friendly atmosphere. Consider using recycled or upcycled items for your décor, such as vintage vases or repurposed wine bottles, as centerpieces. Why not take your inspiration from the flowers and trees?

2. Encourage Carpools or Hire a Shuttle Service

Transportation to and from your wedding can significantly impact the environment. Encourage your guests to carpool; there’s a convenient parking lot at Chartwell Gardens. Another option is to hire a shuttle service to transport guests from a nearby meeting point to the venue.

3. Choose a Dress in Harmony With Your Commitment to Going Green

Your wedding dress is a key part of your environmentally friendly outdoor wedding. Standard dresses can have a significant impact on the environment. Why not choose a dress made from sustainable materials like organic cotton, bamboo, or hemp? Fashion insider Mark Ingram reveals that lace is the most popular fabric used for wedding dresses. Best of all, it can be woven from cotton in any of the styles you love.

If you have your heart set on a more traditional look with plenty of silk, tulle, and georgette, there’s the option of using a dress that’s been in your or your partner’s family. The older generations will love seeing you wear it, and there are plenty of specialists who’ll adjust the fabric, so it will fit as though it had been custom-made just for you. Another option is to rent a dress or shop at a vintage clothing boutique for a one-of-a-kind outfit.

4. Select Sustainable Catering

When it comes to wedding catering, there are plenty of ways to make menus more sustainable. Request the use of locally sourced and organic ingredients, choose seasonal produce, and avoid single-use plastics. You can also opt for vegetarian or vegan options to reduce the carbon footprint of your reception. Extend the commitment to eco-friendliness by serving with reusable plates, glasses, and utensils, or choose compostable options made from materials like bamboo or sugarcane.

5. Hand Out Eco-Friendly Wedding Favors

Another way to make your wedding more eco-friendly is to choose environmentally friendly gifts to present to attendees. Give guests small potted plants, reusable tote bags, or locally made honey or jam. You can also create personalized seed packets with wildflower seeds that guests can plant in their gardens at home. These are the types of gifts that perfectly accentuate your outdoor wedding at Chartwell Gardens.

By incorporating these ideas into your wedding planning, you can create a celebration that reflects your values and positively impacts the planet. And, since the Gardens are already set up for events of all types, the location easily accommodates your plans. Fifteen acres give you a lot of space to work with. Because all facilities on site are wheelchair accessible, all guests can claim the best seats at the ceremony and reception.

Whatever month, theme, or size of guest list you have in mind, we’ll be happy to help you host your dream wedding. The friendly folks at Chartwell Gardens would love to discuss your plans with you today. Schedule a tour by calling (856) 983-8827, visiting the location at 136 Paragon Avenue in Marlton, New Jersey, or reaching out online.