Talking to Vendors About Your Green Wedding

Photo Credit: Studio 1923 Photographic Art

Finding vendors that reflect your green values can be challenging task, but it is the key to making the green wedding of your dreams a reality. Sometimes, couples can hit a roadblock when looking for vendors, or ensuring the vendor follows through on green products or services.

To help you navigate these challenges, here are some tips to find your green vendors and make sure they are for real. 

Photo Credit: Finfrock Photography

1. Do Your Research

Get started by creating a list of potential vendors in your area. While some lucky couples will already know of several local green businesses where they can start their search, others may have to dig a little deeper.

First and foremost, ask green-minded friends and family for recommendations. Once you’ve exhausted these referrals, try a vendor directory like  The  Green Bride Guide's Green Wedding Directory, which narrows down businesses according to geographic location and rates them on their eco-friendly practices.

To get listed in our Directory, vendors must fulfill certain green industry standards, and are then given a green leaf rating based on their eco-friendly business practices. We make it quick and easy for you to see a potential vendor’s offerings and commitment to the environment.

Green America’s Green Pages is another trusted directory where all vendors must pass a screening process in order to be listed.

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2. Talk About Your Expectations

Once you’ve created a list of possible vendors and begin meeting with them, be very clear about your expectations and let them know what “green” means to you, and what eco-friendly services or products are at the top of your priority list.

Most times, vendors do not have a problem accommodating your requests for organic foods, specific fabrics, or local and ethically grown flowers, but being up front and specific will ensure that you will get the products or services you ordered and paid for.

Photo Credit: Mieke Zuiderweg

3. Ask the right questions

To ensure you have the right vendor for your green wedding, don’t be afraid to ask questions about specific brands or business practices. Schedule a consultation and ask them about the green services they have provided for past clients or how they deal with recycling after the reception. Don’t be afraid to ask businesses about their green certifications, such as Green America or Fair Trade organizations. The more you know about the vendor, the better informed you will be when choosing the right green vendor for your event. 

Photo Credit: Restu Photography

4. Check-In and Follow Through

Make sure to check in with your vendor every so often, and keep an open line of communication. Consider setting up a vendor checkpoint calendar to ensure you touch base with the progress of your orders.  Schedule a phone call once a month to see how progress is moving along, and check to see if any changes need to be made. As your wedding date approaches, you should increase the frequency of your check-ins, but be careful not to become a pest. Keep your calls to the point and just make sure you are going to receive the services and products agreed upon on your wedding day.