One of the most inspiring aspects of weddings is that they symbolize the hope and promise of new beginnings. While they acknowledge the couple’s past and the paths that led them to that moment, they are a celebration of a future that will be all the brighter because they are together. Similarly, Phipps inspires guests through the beauty of stunning Victoria-era glass houses and floral displays. But Phipps also inspires with the promise of a bright and equitable future for all through sustainable practices and newer buildings that are some of the greenest in the world. They are beautiful, engaging spaces that are healthy for people and the ecosystems in which they are nested.  While we do face challenges that can seem overwhelming, like climate change, Phipps demonstrates that together, we can discover the beauty of living in harmony with each other and the natural world.

     — Adam Haas, Interpretive Program Manager

Your special day deserves a meal that is second to none. Choose the freshest foods by using locally-grown menu items. At Phipps, some of our food is grown as locally as our own greenhouses! Consider choosing mainly vegetarian options — the delectable possibilities are endless (wild mushroom risotto, anyone?) and minimizing the amount of meat on the menu will help to lower your carbon footprint. If you do choose meat, make sure it is humanely raised — key terms to look for include pasture-raised, grass-fed and Certified Humane Raised and Handled. Couples who choose Phipps for their special occasion can rest assured that their catering package uses only the most sustainably grown, delicious food because of our commitment to providing food that is good for you and the planet. Cheers!

     — Amy Reed, Café Phipps Manager

At Phipps, we strive to reduce, recycle and compost wherever possible, and I love how much we teach our guests and colleagues about waste reduction as well. Say no to single-use disposable anything. If your family and friends cannot take leftover food, donate it to people in need through 412 Food Rescue. If you choose to have your special event at Phipps, you can rest assured that your food scraps will go to AgRecycle – a local organization that turns food waste into a nutrient-rich, healthy soil that our local communities can use and that our horticulture staff uses throughout the conservatory and outdoor gardens.

     — Michelle Allworth, Facilities Project Manager

As the world continues to go digital, now is the time to cast aside paper invitations in your wedding planning! Digital invitations are fully customizable, helpful in managing guest lists and, of course, a more sustainable option. Websites like Greenvelope allow you to create your dream one-of-a-kind invitation with convenient R.S.V.P. tracking. Digital invitations take paper invitations a step further by offering the ability to send reminders, collect dietary restrictions and stay connected with guests for any last-minute updates. If you're set on a traditional invitation, look into utilizing recycled paper and plant-based inks to reduce waste!

     — Alexa Sinatra, Communications Coordinator 

Gifts are an expression of love and appreciation, and weddings are the perfect event to showcase some inspirational green gift-giving. Eco-friendly favors can include things like potted succulents, crafts by local artisans and packets of native flower seeds — to keep the love blooming, of course! Eco-friendly household items on the registry can also be a great way to green up the home. Alternatively, when my husband and I were married, we asked our guests to donate to their favorite organizations in honor of our special day. It felt like our guests were spreading our joy across the city!

     — Dr. Maria Wheeler-Dubas, Science Education Outreach Manager

When I think of weddings, I think of the beauty of two people sharing their lives with each other and uniting with a new purpose. Similarly, incorporating D.I.Y. décor by using recycled materials or looking to your backyard for natural materials is a way of giving everyday items a new purpose! Not confident in your own D.I.Y. abilities? Buying lightly used décor through The Wedding Flea Market and shopping at second-hand stores to find one-of-a-kind vintage pieces are other great options! From making your own center pieces to buying from local small businesses, there are many D.I.Y. options to help you reduce your carbon footprint and make fun memories with family and friends who help along the way, all while giving your wedding day a unique personal touch!

     — Ashley Dean, Chief of Staff

By choosing flowers that are in season and grown locally, you can lend a unique aesthetic to your wedding while supporting local business. Organically grown flowers with no pesticides used should be your first choice. Adding foliage, dried flowers and live plants to arrangements can be a way to amplify beauty without ordering flowers from other parts of the world. Also look for flowers with fair-trade certifications, which ensures that farms participate in trade with sustainability and integrity. No matter which direction you choose to go, there are wonderful options available for your special day.

     — Margie Radebaugh, Director of Horticulture and Education

When you’re on the hunt for an engagement ring, a great way to narrow down your search at the beginning is by looking for a ring that has been ethically sourced. Ethically sourced engagement rings are luckily becoming much easier to find in today’s market, and with a much lower environmental impact than the mined diamond industry you can rest easy knowing you chose a responsible option. Cultured gemstones (lab-grown as opposed to mined) are the perfect stone choice as they are eligible to be certified by the International Gemological Institute, are sold at a lower price point than mined stones and are often even more brilliant than their mined counterparts. Many retailers today offer extensive amounts of information when it comes to lab-grown stones (Clean Origin has a great introduction to lab-grown diamonds) so they make it easy for you to find the perfect ring while staying environmentally conscious!

     — Kelly Donaldson, Retail Manager

When planning your wedding, try keeping the events as local as possible. This will minimize the amount of travel that is needed. Sourcing catering and wedding flowers locally will also cut down on supply mileage that has an environmental impact. Providing guests with shuttle service is a great way to reduce carbon emissions. Especially, if you plan on having a large group of guests. Everyone will save money plus no guests will have to worry about driving post-wedding. If a shuttle service is not available for your wedding, Rideshare is a great alternative. These services allow passengers the option to save up to 20% on their ride while also being more climate-friendly. There are so many ways to travel more sustainably and still have time to celebrate with your loved one!

     — Sahara Duncan, Event Sales Supervisor

Planning a wedding can be daunting, especially an eco-friendly wedding, so it’s understandable that choosing an equally eco-friendly honeymoon spot may seem challenging as well. However, there are many ways to make sure your trip has a positive impact! No matter where you choose to go, the most important thing you can do is make sure you’re interacting with your surroundings in a healthy way. When traveling for a honeymoon, try to frequent locally owned spots and cater to small businesses. You can also find activities that are healthy for the planet. For example, instead of staying by the hotel pool all day, take a guided nature walk where you can learn about the natural ecosystem and local culture! 

     — Lauren Ranalli, Event Sales Supervisor