How to Execute Eco-Friendly Green Weddings?

Weddings in India are known for their grandeur, deep-rooted traditions, and vibrant celebrations. From the melodic nadaswaram to the fragrance of jasmine and the sacred rituals around the homa, each moment carries cultural richness. But these weddings can also generate large amounts of waste—from plastic bottles to excessive decorations and leftover food. With growing awareness, many couples today are opting for eco-friendly, sustainable weddings that honor tradition while respecting the environment. Here’s how you can plan a memorable green wedding.

1. Choose a Sustainable Venue

Instead of banquet halls and traditional kalyan mantaps, that rely heavily on artificial lighting, air-conditioning and heavy decor, consider open-air wedding venues, temple courtyards, ancestral homes, or eco-resorts. South Indian weddings often start early in the morning—using natural daylight and ventilation to reduce energy consumption while adding authenticity to the rituals.

2. Eco-Friendly Décor

Traditional South Indian décor already leans toward sustainability. Use banana leaves, coconut fronds, marigold strings, and rangoli made from rice flour or flowers. Replace thermocol and plastic backdrops with cloth-based mandaps or bamboo structures. These not only reduce waste but also enhance the natural beauty of the celebration. Opt for locally grown flowers like marigold, sevanthige, jasmine, etc.. instead of western flowers like orchids, hydrangeas etc.. which further help reduce the carbon footprint by reducing transportation distances. Another pro tip is to reuse backdrops or add to existing backdrops to further reduce decor cost and reduce waste.

3. Green Invitations

E-invites and wedding websites are gaining popularity. For families who prefer physical invites, opt for recycled paper, seed paper cards (that can be planted later), or simple cloth-based scrolls. Pair them with digital updates through WhatsApp to minimize excessive printing.

4. Sustainable Catering

Food is central to South Indian weddings. Serving meals on banana leaves is already a time-honored, biodegradable tradition. Partner with caterers who source local, seasonal produce and minimize food waste. Any surplus food can be donated to NGOs that collect and distribute meals. Say no to bottled water—set up water stations with reusable steel tumblers. Be mindful about the number of dishes and choose your menu items carefully - certain dishes & sweets needs additional cutlery increasing waste.

5. Minimalist Attire & Jewellery

Opt for handwoven silk sarees from sustainable weavers’ cooperatives or heirloom pieces passed down through generations. Encourage grooms to wear traditional veshti made of organic cotton or silk. These attire items can be reused several times. Jewellery rental services are also becoming popular, reducing unnecessary purchases while keeping traditions intact.

6. Responsible Waste Management

Work with event planners & venue management who provide segregation bins for wet and dry waste. Talk with your caterers to segregate waste mindfully. Wrapping banana leaves in plastic/non-biodegradable table runners hinders composting. Composting floral waste and recycling plastics ensure that the wedding leaves a minimal footprint.

7. Meaningful Return Gifts

Instead of plastic/woven bags with tambula items, give eco-friendly favors—such as small potted plants, traditional brass lamps, steel boxes with sweets, or seed packets. These gifts carry cultural value while promoting sustainability.

Closing Thoughts

A green wedding proves that sustainability and tradition can go hand in hand. By choosing conscious practices, couples not only celebrate their union but also honor the environment. After all, a marriage blessed by both elders and Mother Nature is the most auspicious way to start a new journey.

The Peacock Grove is inspired by this ethos providing the perfect setting for a sustainable celebration. Surrounded by nature, adorned with simple traditional décor, and multiple traditional vintage nooks and corners, each space remind us that going green is not a modern trend but a continuation of the wisdom our ancestors lived by. Choosing an outdoor heritage-style venue such as The Peacock Grove is more than just a nod to sustainability—it is a way of reconnecting with our cultural roots while creating unforgettable memories.

-The Peacock Grove : Contact us for the best wedding venue in Bangalore, for traditional south indian weddings, in a outdoor green natural setting with covered areas and modern amenities. Close to airport and Bengaluru city