Dr Matiur Rahman

An eco-friendly wedding, or green or sustainable, celebrates love and prioritises environmentally responsible choices and practices. It involves conscious decisions to reduce the event's environmental impact by incorporating sustainable elements such as minimalistic decor, ethical dining, waste reduction, and eco-friendly materials, aiming to foster a greener and more eco-conscious future while celebrating the union of two individuals.

The traditional Bangladeshi wedding, known for its grandeur and luxury, is a significant life event that often comes with a significant environmental footprint. However, in an era when sustainability and ecological consciousness are gaining prominence, a new trend is emerging in the country – eco-friendly weddings. These weddings are more than just celebrations of love; they reflect a commitment to a greener, more sustainable future.

Weddings in Bangladesh are typically elaborate affairs characterised by extravagant decorations, large guest lists, and lavish feasts. While these celebrations are steeped in cultural and familial significance, they often carry a high environmental cost. Eco-friendly weddings, also known as "green weddings," have emerged as a response to this ecological impact. They signify a shift towards more responsible and sustainable celebrations that align with the growing global awareness of environmental conservation.

Eco-friendly weddings in Bangladesh encompass a range of practices and choices that reduce the wedding's environmental impact. Principles of sustainability, resource conservation, and ethical consumption guide these practices. Some of the critical elements of eco-friendly weddings in the country include:

The choice of wedding venue plays a pivotal role in the eco-friendliness of the event. Couples are increasingly selecting media committed to environmental conservation, such as green certifications, minimal carbon footprints, and responsible waste management practices.

Eco-friendly weddings often feature minimalistic and sustainable decorations. Biodegradable materials, recycled decor items, and potted plants are favoured over single-use plastics and extravagant floral arrangements.

Couples opt for digital or eco-friendly printed invitations from recycled or sustainable materials. These choices reduce paper waste and minimise the environmental impact of printing.

Eco-friendly weddings prioritise sustainable dining options. Locally sourced, organic, and vegetarian or vegan menus are increasingly popular. Reducing food waste is a crucial aspect of sustainable dining at these weddings.

Couples are making conscious choices when it comes to wedding attire. Sustainable fabrics, such as organic cotton and silk, are preferred. Some teams also opt for second-hand or rented outfits to minimise the environmental impact of clothing production.

Efforts are made to minimise waste generation at eco-friendly weddings. This includes providing guests with reusable or biodegradable dining utensils and setting up recycling and composting stations.

Wedding favours are chosen with sustainability in mind. Couples often offer guests eco-friendly gifts, such as potted plants or seed packets, symbolising growth and nurturing.

Transportation choices are another aspect of eco-friendly weddings. Encouraging carpooling or providing transportation alternatives that reduce carbon emissions are steps towards sustainability.

Some eco-friendly weddings include charitable donations to give back to the community. This can be through contributions to environmental causes or supporting local nonprofits.

While eco-friendly weddings in Bangladesh are gaining ground, it has challenges. Here, we explore some of the obstacles that couples may face when planning such events, as well as the opportunities they present:

Sustainable choices, such as organic or locally sourced ingredients, can sometimes be more expensive. Couples may need to allocate a larger budget to accommodate these choices.

Many couples and wedding planners are still unaware of eco-friendly wedding options. There is a need for greater awareness and education on sustainable wedding practices.

Traditional Bangladeshi weddings often come with expectations of grandeur. Deviating from these expectations can be challenging, as societal pressure to conform to certain norms may exist.

Implementing eco-friendly practices requires careful planning and coordination. Finding suppliers who align with sustainable values and ensuring that guests are informed and engaged can be complex.

Eco-friendly weddings are an opportunity to reduce the environmental footprint of weddings significantly. Couples can contribute to a greener future while celebrating their love.

These weddings allow guests to engage in discussions about sustainability and environmental consciousness, inspiring them to adopt more responsible choices in their own lives.

While some sustainable choices may be more expensive upfront, they can lead to long-term cost savings. For example, reusable decor items can be more cost-effective than disposable ones.

The growing popularity of eco-friendly weddings is fostering the growth of sustainable wedding vendors and services. This creates opportunities for entrepreneurs and suppliers catering to this emerging market.

Eco-friendly weddings in Bangladesh symbolise a shift towards more responsible and sustainable celebrations. They offer an opportunity to combine the joy and significance of traditional weddings with a commitment to environmental conservation and ethical consumption. As these weddings become more popular, they reduce the ecological impact of such events, raise awareness, and inspire guests and future couples to make sustainable choices in their own lives.

These weddings testify to individuals' changing values and priorities in a rapidly evolving world. They demonstrate that love and sustainability can go hand in hand and that even in moments of celebration, we can be mindful of our impact on the planet.

With the continued growth of eco-friendly weddings, Bangladesh is contributing to the global movement towards a more sustainable and responsible future.

The writer is a researcher and development worker