Living in Hawaii gives you an undeniable sense of our planet’s beauty and the importance of living sustainably. From Hawaii’s lush green mountains and jungles to our tropical blue oceans and lively coral reefs, we cherish our islands natural magnificence. A sustainable wedding is not just eco-friendly but rather an elevated level of wedding planning. As wedding coordinators in Oahu, HI it is our duty to help clients design their wedding experience to be more “green” adding to the overall beauty.

BELOW ARE 6 TIPS FOR HAVING AN EARTH-FRIENDLY SUSTAINABLE WEDDING

Also, check out the styled shoot at the bottom to see just how to accomplish an eco-friendly wedding”.

1. KEEP YOUR GUEST COUNT SMALL

At Simple Oahu Wedding, we specialize in intimate weddings because less can be so much more and we believe Simplicity = Beauty. There are many benefits of a small wedding, from cost savings to the quality time you get to spend with each guest. Keeping wedding guest count small reduces the environmental impact of your wedding. It’s estimated that one round-trip flight between New York and California, generates about 20 percent of the greenhouse gases that your car would emit over an entire year. The fewer people you have flying and driving from far distances to your wedding, the smaller the environmental impact.

2. HAVE YOUR RECEPTION AT A RESTAURANT

A private reception in an epic location looks amazing in photos and has lots of options for decor and design. However the more “Disposable Details” you include in your wedding, the more waste goes into the local landfill. When you are on an island with limited land, it’s very important to reduce the amount of wedding waste to decrease pressure on the local infrastructure.

Restaurants are a great option for an eco-friendly reception. They often already have a great deal of reception dinner decor. Restaurants can usually reuse the flowers from their wedding arch for table centerpieces and almost always have candles. There is a significant cost saving having your reception at a restaurant as well because you don’t have to rent everything down to the forks. You can easily spend $15- $30 dollars per guest renting table settings for a venue style reception dinner and you haven’t even got food on your plate yet.

Many restaurants in Hawaii use locally sourced ingredients reducing the distance your food has to travel. Meanwhile when food is shipped it increases the carbon footprint of your reception dinner or brunch. Most importantly you can find ocean-friendly certified restaurants by the Surfrider Foundation to make your reception even more sustainable! See Ocean Friendly Certified restaurants on Oahu.

3. USE LOCALLY SOURCED FLOWERS

Hawaii is full of beautiful flowers that grow year-round here. If you want something that doesn’t grow here, it has to be flown from somewhere else increasing your carbon footprint. Why insist on Peonies when you can similarly get lush fresh Protea?

Local flowers add a sense of place to your wedding rather than importing flowers. Embracing the local flora and fauna adds to the specialness of a wedding. Our styled shoot below features locally sourced flowers harvested in Oahu. The vibrant colors on the arch set against the striking green mountains are simply gorgeous and complement the location! The floral for the below eco-friendly wedding shoot was designed by the local floral shop Sweet Blossoms Hawaii.

4. RENT YOUR WEDDING DRESS

According to sustainyourstyle.org, clothing has become disposable. As a result, we generate more and more textile waste. A family in the western world throws away an average of 30 kg or 66 lbs of clothing each year. Only 15% is recycled or donated, and the rest goes directly to the landfill or is incinerated. Reduce your wedding’s environmental footprint by renting your clothes so they can be reused. Many people think of renting the Groom’s suit, but there are lots of perfect island wedding dresses available to rent as well! We rented our model’s dress from Rent the Runway a service where you can rent special occasion dresses as well as everyday fashion.

5. RENT AN ELECTRIC CAR

You would be surprised how many cars there are on an island as small as Oahu. The more you can reduce the toxins that gas-powered vehicles produce and put into the environment the more you can feel good about cruising the island with zero emissions! You can rent electric vehicles through most rental agencies and even easier on Turo the car-sharing app. When you use Turo you are also supporting a local family rather than just a big rental car agency. We rented a Tesla model 3 for this shoot from a local resident through Turo click the link above to rent this model 3.

6. USE NATURE AS YOUR DECOR

When thinking of having a sustainable wedding the key is to really get back to nature and enjoy earth’s beauty. By surrounding yourself with nature as your wedding backdrop you don’t need to bring in a lot of stuff to make your wedding beautiful. I know all the wedding blogs and magazines are constantly pushing “More Stuff”, “More Details”!! The truth is it’s just more stuff to have to manage and more stuff to have to throw away.

When you decrease the amount of “wedding stuff” you instantly become closer to a sustainable wedding and are on your way to an eco-friendly marriage experience!

Simple Oahu Wedding – Team

By employing just a few of these sustainable wedding tips you can make your wedding more eco-friendly yet still stress-free. Our whole company philosophy is stress-free wedding planning and our wedding coordinators are happy to help you embrace a more environmentally friendly wedding!

SEE THE ENTIRE ECO-FRIENDLY WEDDING – BELOW

ABOUT THIS SUSTAINABLE WEDDING-STYLED SHOOT IN OAHU, HI

We chose the Royal Hawaiian Golf Club as our venue for this shoot as it shows off the natural epic beauty of Hawaii! We love that you can take an electric golf cart ride about 5 minutes to a LUSH tropical wild jungle. You can see our Oahu Wedding package at this awesome venue on our website here.

We rented the gorgeous Badgley Mischka gown from Rent the Runway and we loved the simplicity of the lines and the romantic swooped back.

The bridal hair and makeup were done by our friends at Reveal, the soft curls and bold lip look was perfect with the vibrant flower crown.

The locally sourced floral was designed by Sweet Blossoms Hawaii, how gorgeous is that cascading white orchid bouquet!

The hexagon arch was rented from Aloha Artisans. We love the sleek yet simple design of it and how well it went with the dark wood chairs. It added to the natural scenery without taking attention away from it.

Of course, our favorite Oahu wedding photography company, Karma Hill Photography, took these epic wedding photos!

Special thanks to our models Megan and Tim. Megan is one of the photographers at Karma Hill Photography so not only is she great behind the camera, she is stunning in front of it! Thanks to her boyfriend Tim for playing along 🙂

We love that even though Marissa and Ryan actually got married a year ago, they still had an Oahu Venue Wedding to celebrate with their families. And these two definitely know how to do a celebration right considering they met in downtown Oahu during St. Patrick’s Day Festivities! How fun is that?

We feel so lucky they asked us to help plan this Oahu Venue Wedding, especially since they chose one of our most popular locations. And it’s easy to see why! With a grassy lawn setting perfect for their ceremony, a view overlooking the ocean, and the nearby beach for beautiful wedding portraits this setup couldn’t be more perfect. So thank you, Marissa and Ryan, for inviting Simple Oahu Wedding to participate in such a beautiful occasion. Congratulations and Warm Aloha!

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Oahu Wedding Coordinators: Simple Oahu Wedding

Onsite Coordinator: Oli of Simple Oahu Wedding

Oahu Wedding Photographer: Megan of Karma Hill Photography

Oahu Officiant: Rev. Kimo Taylor

Oahu Wedding Floral: Sweet Blossoms Hawaii

Oahu Wedding Venues: Paradise Cove Luau

Time of Day: Afternoon

Check out our last Oahu wedding here: https://simpleoahuwedding.com/yuka-tim-oahu-beach-wedding/

We love that this bride and groom decided to have an Oahu Venue Wedding even though it would just be the two of them at their ceremony. Who say’s an elopement can’t still be epic and special?! And we can’t imagine anything more epic or special than sailing on a private boat to a secret island with an intimate beach setting to say, “I do”! Just check out these wedding photos and we think you’ll agree it doesn’t get more amazing than this destination location.

Diana and Rudy are both locals to Oahu and live in a beautiful area of Kailua, so their choosing to get married at Kualoa Ranch is an indication that it truly is the best of the best. We consider ourselves extremely lucky to have been asked to help plan their Oahu Venue Wedding of their dreams! As this couple gathered under the trees with the ocean behind them, we knew this would be a day they would always remember and hold close to their hearts. So thank you, Diana and Rudy, for sharing such a special evening with Simple Oahu Wedding. Congratulations and Warm Aloha!

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Oahu Wedding Planner: Simple Oahu Wedding

Onsite Coordinator: Oli of Simple Oahu Wedding

Oahu Wedding Photographer: Mike of Karma Hill Photography

Oahu Officiant: Rev. Kimo Taylor

Musician: Jeremy

Oahu Wedding Floral: Sweet Blossoms Hawaii

Hair & Make-up: Reveal

Oahu Wedding Venues: Kualoa Secret Island

Time of Day: Evening

View our recent wedding: Tender Moments ~ Alexis & Logan’s Oahu Beach Wedding

We love that this bride and groom decided to have an Oahu Destination Wedding at Kualoa Secret Island. It’s such a magical setting, plus it’s intimate too! After taking a short boat ride across the ocean you step foot on a private beach and are all ready to say, “I do” at your paradise ceremony. Sounds incredible right?!

And after meeting a year and a half ago while at the gym, this couple was more than ready to get married! Lainie and Eric are both gym buffs and she is actually a bodybuilder! How amazing is that?! We could not be happier for these two and are so glad we got to be part of their Oahu Destination Wedding. So thank you, Lainie and Eric, for letting Simple Oahu Wedding celebrate with you on your special day! Congratulations and Warm Aloha!

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Oahu Wedding Planner: Simple Oahu Wedding

Onsite Coordinator: Vy of Simple Oahu Wedding

Oahu Wedding Photographer: Megan of Karma Hill Photography

Oahu Officiant: Luke Troutan

Musician: Kendall Schmidt

Oahu Wedding Floral: Sweet Blossoms Hawaii

Hair & Make-up: Reveal

Oahu Wedding Venues: Kualoa Secret Island

Time of Day: Evening

Check out our last Oahu wedding here:https://simpleoahuwedding.com/rocio-austin-oahu-beach-wedding/

Cheryl and Yishi’s Oahu Venue Wedding took place on a peaceful morning at Paradise Cove’s grassy lawn setting overlooking the ocean. Surrounded by blue sky, palm trees, and loved ones this couple was more than ready to get married! And we are so happy we could be part of their very special day.

We especially love that this bride and groom decided to include flower petals at their Oahu Venue Wedding for an extra added touch. Not only did they make for beautiful aisle decor, but they also looked incredible in their wedding photos. This shot of Cheryl and Yishi kissing with the petals being tossed over them is one of our very favorites. And how perfect is it that they were able to include their wedding colors of white and light pink in this way as well?!

After taking beautiful portraits with our sister company, our newlyweds headed for a celebratory dinner at Signature Steakhouse. What a fun and delicious way to end such a special occasion! Thank you, Cheryl and Yishi, for asking Simple Oahu Wedding to help plan the wedding day of your dreams! Congratulations and Warm Aloha!

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Oahu Wedding Coordinator: Simple Oahu Wedding

Onsite Coordinator: Mai of Simple Oahu Wedding

Oahu Wedding Photographer: Sarah of Karma Hill Photography

Oahu Officiant: Pastor John Fuchigami

Musician: Jeremy

Hair & Make-up: Faith and Beauty

Oahu Wedding Floral: Sweet Blossoms Hawaii

Oahu Wedding Venue: Paradise Cove

Time of Day: Morning

View our recent wedding: Tangible Love ~ Alicia & David’s Oahu Destination Wedding

With loved ones surrounding them, Jessica and Justin were so excited to get married at an Oahu Venue Wedding and start their forever journey together! We are so glad this couple was able to share their wedding day with family and friends. And especially love that the bride’s niece and nephew were able to participate in the ceremony as ring bearer and flower girl! So sweet!

Justin wasn’t the only one who couldn’t keep her eyes off Jessica, as she rounded the corner to make her entrance for their Oahu Venue Wedding! As heads turned to take in her beauty, tangible excitement filled the air. We still can’t get over how incredible she looked in her full wedding dress, I mean just check out that train! It flowed perfectly behind her and was out of this world amazing when the wind blew. We’re obsessed!

The only thing that could make her wedding styling better was having her groom by her side. These two truly are a perfect match and we’re so glad they found each other! Thank you, Jessica and Justin, for inviting Simple Oahu Wedding to celebrate with you on your special day! We wish you both a lifetime of happiness together. Congratulations and Warm Aloha!

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Oahu Wedding Planners: Simple Oahu Wedding

Onsite Coordinator: Vy of Simple Oahu Wedding

Oahu Wedding Photographer: Pinky of Karma Hill Photography

Oahu Officiant: Pastor John Fuchigami

Musician: Alika

Hair & Make-up: Reveal

Oahu Wedding Floral: Sweet Blossoms Hawaii

Oahu Wedding Venues: Paradise Cove Luau

Time of Day: Afternoon

View our recent wedding: A Theme of Love ~ Nancy & Curtis’ Oahu Beach Wedding

We love that this couple had a heart made out of flower petals at their Oahu Venue Wedding. It made for the perfect place to stand and say, “I do!” Plus check out this fun photo of them kissing after the ceremony with flower petals being thrown. Not only did it look great on camera but it also created a romantic and festive celebratory vibe, which we love!

It’s obvious by the way Emiko and Brandon look at each other that they are both the love of each other’s lives! I mean just see for yourself! Those smiles say it all 🙂 . After taking portraits on the beach our newlyweds were ready to celebrate by going to the luau put on by this Oahu Venue Wedding location. What a perfect way to end a wedding in Hawaii! Thank you, Emiko and Brandon, for sharing such a beautiful day with Simple Oahu Wedding. We loved being part of it and wish you both the best of luck! Congratulations and Warm Aloha!

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Oahu Wedding Planners: Simple Oahu Wedding

Onsite Coordinator: Oli of Simple Oahu Wedding

Oahu Wedding Photographer: Mike of Karma Hill Photography

Oahu Wedding Floral: Sweet Blossoms Hawaii

Oahu Officiant: Pastor John Fuchigami

Oahu Wedding Venues: Paradise Cove Luau

Time of Day: Afternoon

View our recent wedding: Heart Full of Joy ~ Catherine & Brook’s Oahu Wedding

Hahna and Paul said, “I do” on the most beautiful Hawaii day. I mean just check out that gorgeous setting for an Oahu Venue Wedding! We can’t get over it! Paradise Cove Luau, you’re a dream. And as you can see our bride and groom thought so too!

Helping make this couple’s dream Oahu Venue Wedding come true was an absolute pleasure. From the moment Hahna made her entrance we knew this would be a day to remember! Plus take a look at how adorable their ring bearer was! Too cute. And if that wasn’t enough to win you over, we know their wedding portraits will melt your heart!

The love between these two is so strong that we are confident they will have the most amazing life together as husband and wife! We are so inspired by the way they treat each other. It’s easy to see they both consider themselves lucky to have one another in their life. Thank you, Hahna and Paul, for inviting Simple Oahu Wedding to celebrate with you on your very special day. Congratulations and Warm Aloha!

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Oahu Wedding Planners: Simple Oahu Wedding

Onsite Coordinator: Oli of Simple Oahu Wedding

Oahu Wedding Photographer: Megan of Karma Hill Photography

Oahu Wedding Floral: Sweet Blossoms Hawaii

Oahu Officiant: Rev. Kimo Taylor

Videographer: Tone Hawaii

Musician: Jeremy

Oahu Wedding Venues: Paradise Cove Luau

Time of Day: Afternoon

View our recent wedding: Commitment & Love ~ Erica & Chris’ Oahu Elopement