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Congratulations on getting engaged! So you may have deep dived into the wedding planning already and you’ve decided to have a sustainable wedding, you’ve got the lab diamond rings and your dress, now you are getting to planning the big day’s food! You want to serve a sustainable menu to your guests but already know a lot of your friends and family will still want a meaty main. Well here are some tips on how to have a meat main when having a sustainable wedding:
- Choose local, sustainably-raised meat. When you choose local, sustainably-raised meat, you are supporting farmers who are working to protect the environment and animal welfare.
- Reduce your meat consumption. If you are committed to sustainability, you may want to consider reducing your meat consumption overall. This will help to reduce your environmental impact.
- Serve plant-based alternatives. If you want to offer meatless options to your guests, there are many delicious plant-based alternatives available. These options can be just as satisfying as meat, and they are often better for the environment.
- Offset your carbon emissions. If you do choose to serve meat at your wedding, you can offset your carbon emissions by donating to a carbon offset program. This will help to mitigate the environmental impact of your wedding.
Here are some examples of sustainable meat options:
- Pasture-raised beef: Pasture-raised beef is raised on grass, which is better for the environment than raising beef on grain.
- Free-range chicken: Free-range chicken is raised outdoors, which gives the chickens more space to move around and forage for food.
- Duck: Duck is a good source of protein and iron, and it’s a relatively sustainable meat option.
- Fish: Fish is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, and it’s a relatively sustainable meat option.
By following these tips, you can have a sustainable wedding without sacrificing the taste of meat.
Here are some additional tips for having a sustainable wedding:
- Choose a sustainable venue. When choosing a venue for your wedding, look for one that is committed to sustainability. This could include a venue that uses renewable energy, has a green roof, or is located in a protected area.
- Use sustainable materials. When planning your wedding, choose sustainable materials for your decorations, favours, and other items. This could include using recycled paper, organic flowers, or locally-sourced wood.
- Reduce your waste. There are many ways to reduce waste at your wedding. This could include composting food waste, using reusable cups and plates, or recycling paper and plastic.
- Educate your guests. When planning your wedding, take the time to educate your guests about sustainability. This could include providing information about the sustainable choices you have made, or having a sustainability table at your reception.
By following these tips, you can help to make your wedding a more sustainable event.
