Dreaming of a magical Disney wedding but want to keep it eco-friendly? Whether you plan an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration, there are plenty of ways to make your Disney wedding both unforgettable and sustainable.
With thoughtful planning and eco-conscious choices, you can host the wedding of your dreams at the “Most Magical Place on Earth” without compromising on sustainability. Read on for practical tips to create a low-impact, eco-friendly wedding at Walt Disney World Resort.
Why Disney is an Eco-Friendly Wedding Destination
Choosing Walt Disney World for your big day already aligns with eco-friendly values. Disney is known for incorporating sustainable practices across its parks, resorts, and dining experiences.
Disney actively focuses on renewable energy, reducing waste, and donating surplus food to local communities. Leftover food waste is composted and sent to nearby farms to enrich the soil, while recycling programs reduce waste throughout the property. From everyday operations to grand events, Disney is committed to making a positive environmental impact.
That means your Disney wedding starts with a solid foundation of sustainability.
1. Choose Reusable or Charitable Wedding Favors
Wedding favors are a wonderful way to thank your Guests, but many end up discarded. Instead of disposable trinkets, consider giving reusable favors your Guests will love and keep using.
Eco-Friendly Favor Ideas:
- Corkcicle products: Disney Weddings recommends these stylish, reusable drink containers. Personalize them with designs or initials to match your wedding theme.
- Charitable donations: Make a donation in your Guests’ honor to a sustainable nonprofit organization. It’s a meaningful way to spread positivity and make a lasting impact beyond your special day.
2. Select Venues That Shine Without Extra Decor
Disney offers more than 50 breathtaking wedding venues, making it easy to find one that aligns with your style and eliminates the need for excessive decorations.
From the World Showcase pavilions at EPCOT to the iconic Cinderella Castle backdrop, Disney’s natural beauty and intricate design provide the perfect setting for your ceremony. By choosing venues that stand out on their own, you reduce waste and minimize your carbon footprint.
3. Offer Plated Dinners to Reduce Food Waste
Buffet-style meals may seem appealing, but they often generate more waste. Offering a plated dinner is a great way to keep your event more sustainable.
With plated meals, each Guest receives a well-portioned dish, which helps minimize leftovers. Disney’s talented chefs can accommodate all dietary preferences, including plant-based options, to align with your sustainability goals. If sustainable dining is a priority, Disney’s culinary team can also help source eco-friendly ingredients for your wedding menu.
4. Provide Shuttle Services to Reduce Emissions
Transportation can have a significant environmental impact, especially when Guests need to travel between multiple locations during your celebration.
Arrange shuttle services to transport your Guests throughout the day. This not only reduces the number of cars on the road but also provides a thoughtful touch, ensuring everyone arrives comfortably and on time. By planning shared transportation, you’ll minimize emissions and make your event more seamless.
5. Incorporate Sustainable Floral and Decor Options
While Disney’s venues often require minimal decor, you can take extra steps to make your floral arrangements more eco-friendly.
- Opt for locally sourced or seasonal flowers to reduce the carbon footprint of imported blooms.
- Use potted plants or succulents that Guests can take home or donate to local organizations after the wedding.
- Rent decor items instead of purchasing new pieces to minimize waste. Disney’s event planning team can guide you in selecting sustainable decor options.
6. Host Your Wedding at Eco-Conscious Disney Resorts
Disney Resorts are continuously working toward sustainability goals. Resorts like Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawai’i, are known for incorporating eco-friendly practices.
Hosting your wedding at one of these eco-conscious resorts ensures your event aligns with your values while still offering world-class hospitality. Plus, Guests staying on property can enjoy Disney’s sustainable initiatives, such as energy-efficient rooms and recycling programs.
Get Started with Disney Weddings
Ready to plan your dream wedding with a sustainable twist? Visit DisneyWeddings.com to explore venue options at Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland, Aulani, and even aboard Disney Cruise Line. With Disney’s expert planning team by your side, you can create an unforgettable celebration while making eco-conscious choices every step of the way.
Whether you want an elegant ceremony under the stars or a fairytale reception in front of Cinderella Castle, Disney offers everything you need to make your wedding magical and meaningful.
Final Thoughts
A Disney wedding is more than just a celebration—it’s a chance to create lasting memories while reducing your environmental impact. From choosing reusable favors to offering shuttle services, small choices can make a big difference. With sustainable dining, breathtaking venues, and eco-conscious practices already in place, Walt Disney World offers the perfect setting for your dream wedding.
Make your special day even more magical by planning with purpose—and enjoy every moment, knowing you’re celebrating love and sustainability hand in hand.
