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 🙂

Vanessa and Cody knew exactly what they wanted for their Oahu Beach Wedding! They planned it slowly but surely, down to every detail and we absolutely loved being part of the process. We’re so glad our amazing sister company, Karma Hill Photography, captured such amazing photos because it all turned out perfectly! This bride and groom decided to start the morning off with a “first look”, this was such a special moment as Cody saw Vanessa in all her bridal glory for the first time. And her wedding styling did not disappoint! She wore one of the most gorgeous lace wedding dresses we have ever seen, it was absolutely perfect and the best part was you could tell she felt like a queen in it! She requested the most amazing flower crown with vibrant greenery and mini pastel roses, and Sweet Blossoms Hawaii delivered! With a Rustic Hawaiian Bouquet to match, this bride was wedding ready. Vanessa wasn’t the only who killed it with her wedding attire, Cody looked awesome! We love how he paired khaki pants, with a short sleeve white button-up shirt, with a navy bowtie, and navy suspenders with the funnest pattern printed on them. Can you tell what they are? We’ll give you a hint, they used this same item to create an aisle on the beach. We told you this Oahu Beach Wedding was well thought out!

Not only did these two have a fabulous ceremony at the beach, but they also had the most amazing time at their Oahu Trash the Dress event the following week. They had a blast getting to let loose and jump in the water! Vanessa was even stunning soaking wet, how does that even happen! All we know is these newlyweds are in for the most wonderful life together as husband and wife. We are confident they will continue taking advantage of the adventures in front of them, with each one being every bit as memorable as the last. What a way to live! We are so glad their friends, Amanda and Casey, referred us after their very own Maui Elopement! That’s right, we also coordinate weddings on other islands via our company Simple Maui Wedding 🙂 . Thank you, Vanessa and Cody, for trusting the Simple Oahu Wedding team to help make this day every bit as special as your relationship. Congratulations and Warm Aloha!

Oahu Wedding Package & Coordination: Simple Oahu Wedding

Oahu Wedding Photographer: Rae of Karma Hill Photography

Oahu Trash the Dress Photographer: Mike of Karma Hill Photography

Officiant: Kahu Pomaikai

Floral: Sweet Blossoms Hawaii

Oahu Wedding Location: Waimanalo Beach

Oahu Trash the Dress Location: Papailoa Beach

Ceremony Time of Day: Morning

Trash the Dress Session: Sunset

 

View our recent wedding: A Day to Remember ~ Jamie & Scott’s Oahu Wedding on the Beach

Trisha and Neil were so wonderful and made it easy for our sister company, Karma Hill Photography to work as their Oahu Wedding Photographer! We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day at Paradise Cove, see for yourself!

Trisha was a picture perfect bride in a beautiful white strapless wedding dress complete with a flower crown, for a festive touch. Witnessing this couple share their love for each other and excitement for the future in front of their closest family and friends, was an inspiring experience! We are confident they will continue building a wonderful life together as they embark on the journey ahead. Thank you, Trisha and Neil, for including the Simple Oahu Wedding team on your very special day! Congratulations and Warm Aloha!

Oahu Wedding Package & Coordination: Simple Oahu Wedding

Oahu Wedding Photographer: Mike of Karma Hill Photography

Officiant: Rev. John Fuchigam

Floral: Sweet Blossoms Hawaii

Musician: Ben Kama

Oahu Wedding Location: Paradise Cove Beach

Time of Day: Sunset

 

View our recent wedding: A Moving Experience ~ Irene & Alex’s Oahu Beach Wedding

This Oahu Beach Wedding was full of emotion! As Irene made her entrance on her father’s arm she was more than ready to become Alex’s wife. It was a moving experience to witness these two include the brides’s mother and the groom’s father who have both passed away, and honor them by releasing flowers into the ocean at the beginning of their ceremony. We know this is an experience neither of them will ever forget!

It was especially touching to watch as the wedding guests, who are some of their closest family and friends, were moved to tears. They couldn’t have been happier for Irene and Alex to start this next chapter in their lives! Not only did they all have a blast celebrating together, they also looked amazing while doing it. The men at the wedding all matched Alex’s groom attire of a white button-up shirt paired with khakis. We love this casual yet classy look, well done guys! We also love how the women chose to wear long dresses in varying shades of blue and then cream for the mother of the groom. This was such a good look on everyone and complimented Irene’s white long wedding dress so well. She was positively stunning with her hair loosely curled creating what looked like natural beachy waves and a festive flower crown to top off her bridal styling! The perfect look for an Oahu Beach Wedding, check out how awesome they all looked in front of the scenic setting at Yokohama Beach. It really doesn’t get any better than this! Thank you, Irene and Alex, for letting the Simple Oahu Wedding team participate in making your wedding day so special. Congratulations and Warm Aloha!

Oahu Wedding Package & Coordination: Simple Oahu Wedding

Oahu Wedding Photographer: Rae of Karma Hill Photography

Officiant: Kelehua Kawai

Floral: Sweet Blossoms Hawaii

Hair & Makeup: Delish

Musician: David Asing

Oahu Wedding Location: Yokohama Beach

Time of Day: Sunset

 

View our recent wedding: Lucky and In Love ~ Sam & Eric’s Oahu Wedding

 

The very definition of a simple Oahu Beach Wedding! Cheryl and Kevin chose to write their own wedding vows, which we are always a big fan of! We think it was so sweet how the couple held hands as they read their vows to each other. These two could not be more ready to be husband and wife! One reason we especially love written vows, is they will now have these precious notes to read over and over throughout their marriage. This is a truly incredible way to keep a relationship strong, plus so romantic!

Cheryl made a stunning bride in a white sequin v-neck tank wedding dress, with a subtle necklace and earrings for accessories. We love this wedding styling so much, particularly because she can wear it again for any special occasion and always remember the day she became Kevin’s wife. The groom looked epically sharp in a beige linen suit, with white button-up, and no tie. He hit the nail on the head for casual yet classy wedding attire! We especially love how they both decided to not wear shoes, perfect for an Oahu Beach Wedding! After the ceremony the newlyweds took a stroll on the smooth sandy beach along the clear ocean water. With the sand between their toes and fingers intertwined, the happy couple was more than ready to face whatever the future might bring. Watch out world, here they come! Thank you, Cheryl and Kevin, for including the Simple Oahu Wedding Team on your very special day! We are sure you will have a lifetime of happiness together. Congratulations and Warm Aloha!

Oahu Wedding Package & Coordination: Simple Oahu Wedding

Oahu Wedding Photographer: Jasmine of Karma Hill Photography

Officiant: Rev. Kimo Taylor

Floral: Sweet Blossoms Hawaii

Hair & Makeup: Face Art Beauty

Musician: Alika

Oahu Wedding Location: Waialae Beach Park

Time of Day: Evening

Check out our last Oahu wedding here: https://simpleoahuwedding.com/pure-perfection-cassidy-taylors-oahu-beach-wedding/

Erin and Jesse’s Oahu Destination Wedding was a dream come true! We are so honored to have been a part of making this special day one they will remember for the rest of their lives! The ceremony began with Erin’s father, Shaun, escorting her down the sandy beach isle and handing her off as a symbol of the trust Shaun has in Jesse to take care of his “little girl”. With the exchange of lei’s and heartfelt vows, the couple was ready to become husband and wife! Check out their adorable 17 month old ring bearer, how cute is he?! Plus he did a fantastic job, you never know what will happen with toddlers, but never fear the rings made it on their fingers safe and sound. We love how excited they were to finally seal the deal! We were cracking up over that back bending kiss, nicely done Jesse! The whole wedding party even joined in on the fun with cider in plastic flutes for a “toast” group photo, we love the shades 😎 perfect for an Oahu Destination Wedding!

We loved hanging out with the happy couple and seeing their playful side come out during some wedding portraits. Their wedding attire was perfect for having fun and looking stylish! Jesse chose a simple linen shirt with khakis, keeping things cool for their beach wedding. We approve! Erin’s stunning wedding gown with a long tulle skirt and detailed bodice complimented her Rustic Hawaiian Bouquet and floral crown perfectly! Thank you, Erin and Jesse, for letting Simple Oahu Wedding share in the magic of this moment! We wish you the very best in the journey ahead and hope you’ll find your way to these Islands again soon. Congratulations and Warm Aloha!

Oahu Wedding Package & Coordination: Simple Oahu Wedding

Oahu Wedding Photographer: Rae of Karma Hill Photography

Floral: Sweet Blossoms Hawaii

Hair & Make-up: Reveal

Musician: David Asing

Oahu Wedding Location: Waimanalo Beach

Time of Day: Evening

 

View our recent wedding: Beauty All Around ~ Arlette & Marty’s Simple Oahu Wedding

With loved ones gathered around, Kasa and Matt enjoyed an Oahu Destination Wedding to remember. Smiles beaming bright, they were the picture of happiness as they stood beside the dancing sea. As the island breeze teased their cheeks, they exchanged the vows that would solidify what they already knew in their hearts. They are each other’s other half. Strolling hand in hand down the shore, they began the next chapter in what will surely be a beautiful love story to last. While the sun awoke in the distance, they reveled in the romance that filled the air and warmed their hearts. Thank you, Kasa and Matt, for choosing Simple Oahu Wedding to be a part of this moment in your journey. We wish you all the best in your adventures together and look forward to future anniversary down the road. Congratulations & Warm Aloha!!!

Check out Christine & Jon’s Oahu Beach Wedding!

With the pretty Pacific crashing against the shore nearby, Christine and Jon were so excited for their intimate Oahu beach elopement. Together for exactly one decade, to the day, this was a moment of years in the making. As a handful of loved ones watched on, they exchanged the vows that would start their new journey together; one where they would have new titles – husband and wife. It was an incredible moment in a stunning spot that will surely hold a special place in their hearts in the years to come. With sweet smiles and obvious adoration for one another, the adorable Arizona couple was an absolute pleasure to work with. Thank you, Christine and Jon, for allowing Simple Oahu Wedding to be your Oahu Elopement Coordinator. It was an honor sharing in this moment of joy with you and we wish you all the best in your adventures ahead. Congratulations & Warm Aloha!!!

Check out Rhiannon & Nigel’s Oahu Beach Wedding!