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Are you newly engaged in the Akron/Canton area and looking at the hot trends for 2025? If so, you've probably come across one of our favorites: sustainable weddings. Let’s be real—behind the sparkle, flowers, and champagne toasts, weddings can also generate a surprising amount of waste. While we absolutely love this industry and all the joy it brings, we’ve struggled with this aspect of it. It’s one of the only parts of wedding planning that hasn’t fully aligned with our values—until now.
At Yellowbrick on 39, sustainability isn’t just a trend for us—it’s a lifestyle we’ve embraced for years. As the owners of this elegant barn and garden wedding venue, we’ve built our personal and professional lives around the idea of giving things a second life. It’s well-known among friends and family that we’ve spent countless hours thrifting, scavenging, and scouring garage sales and antique malls for treasures that can be restored and repurposed. From upcycled furniture in our personal spaces to beautifully reimagined pieces in our venue and bridal cottage, we’ve always believed that the old can be made new. We’re thrilled about the growing movement toward sustainability and see it as a chance to create weddings that are stunning, personal, and meaningful, all while being mindful of the planet. So, let’s dive into how you can plan a beautiful, eco-friendly wedding and how we’re weaving sustainability into every part of our venue. Keep reading to learn more, and let’s create something unforgettable together!
Why Sustainability Matters in Weddings
Weddings can be breathtakingly beautiful, but they can also be incredibly wasteful. From the décor to the packaging to the single-use items, it all adds up. But here’s the thing: sustainability isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. For today’s couples, especially in the Akron and Canton areas, sustainability is more than a buzzword. It’s a way to align their values with their big day, ensuring that their celebration reflects not just their love for each other but also their care for the world around them. And do not think that sustainability means sacrificing style or luxury—on the contrary, it enhances your wedding with timeless, elegant choices that are both meaningful and beautiful.
Embracing Sustainability in Your Wedding
Sustainability in weddings isn’t just a trend—it’s an opportunity to tell your love story in a way that reflects your values. It’s about making thoughtful choices, finding creative solutions, and creating beauty with purpose. Here’s how you can bring sustainability into your big day:
Love That Lasts: Heirlooms With Heart
Incorporate family heirlooms into your wedding day. Whether it’s your grandmother’s lace tablecloth, your parents’ candlesticks, or vintage china, these items carry stories and sentiment that make your celebration even more meaningful.
Treasure Hunting: Thrift Your Style
Head to thrift stores, antique malls, or Facebook Marketplace to find unique treasures. Mismatched vases, vintage lanterns, or timeless furniture pieces can all be repurposed to add charm and character to your décor.
Give Décor a Second Dance
After your big day, the décor that made your wedding so special can continue to bring joy to others. By repurposing gently used items or donating them to your venue, you’re giving those cherished pieces a second life and creating a ripple effect of love and beauty for future couples. Imagine the lanterns, vases, or signage that added such a personal touch to your celebration becoming part of someone else’s unforgettable day. It’s a beautiful way to pass on a legacy of love.
Your kindness and generosity have the power to inspire other couples and create a cycle of giving that’s both practical and heartfelt. Together, we can create a tradition of celebrating love in a way that’s meaningful, beautiful, and responsible. Thank you to the families who have donated their beautiful items—helping us to make the weddings at Yellowbrick on 39 a celebration to remember—for today’s couples and those yet to come.
Upcycle Your Love Story
Upcycling is a creative and meaningful way to make your wedding décor truly one-of-a-kind. Transform old windows into seating charts, wooden pallets into beautiful backdrops, or vintage books into table centerpieces with a romantic flair. Mason jars can become glowing lanterns, and wine bottles can be painted or etched to hold flowers or candles. Even scraps of fabric or lace can be repurposed into bunting, napkin rings, or chair accents. Not only do these projects add charm and personality, but they also reduce waste and make your celebration uniquely yours. Think outside the box—you’ll be surprised at what a little creativity can do to bring forgotten items to life!
Gifts That Grow: Décor With a Purpose
One of the most thoughtful and sustainable trends in wedding favors is giving gifts that grow. These living keepsakes not only delight your guests on the day of your wedding but also continue to bring joy long after the celebration is over. Consider small potted plants like succulents, herbs, or even mini trees as part of your décor that doubles as guest favors. These can be arranged as centerpieces, escort card holders, or accent pieces during the wedding and then gifted to your loved ones to take home.
Imagine your guests thinking of your special day every time they see the plant thriving on their windowsill or in their garden! Seed packets are another wonderful option, allowing your guests to plant wildflowers or herbs that will bloom and grow over time. To make it even more personal, include a note with planting instructions and a message like, "Let love grow," as a sweet reminder of your day.
Borrow Beauty: Rent Rather Than Buy
If your venue hasn’t yet invested in eco-friendly options, don’t worry—you have other ways to make your wedding sustainable and stunning. Renting linens, tableware, and décor is a smart choice that not only reduces waste but can also save you money. Local decorators (we recommend Elegance by Heather) and rental companies in the Akron and Canton areas often have an extensive inventory of high-quality items that can transform your space into something truly dramatic and beautiful. Most venues have established relationships with these businesses, making it easy to find the perfect pieces for your big day. By working with professionals who already have the resources to create your dream look, you’ll avoid the hassle of purchasing items you’ll only use once, all while supporting local businesses that are committed to delivering exceptional style.
Paper with Purpose
Paper products like invitations, programs, and menus are staples of most weddings, but they can also be a source of waste. Luckily, there are eco-friendly options that are just as beautiful and meaningful. Opt for recycled or plantable paper, which allows your guests to enjoy the design and then plant the paper to grow wildflowers or herbs.
Digital invitations and QR code-based programs are another great option, reducing waste entirely while adding a modern touch. Many local stationery designers in the Akron and Canton area specialize in sustainable printing practices, so you can create stunning, customized paper goods while staying environmentally conscious. Check out this local gem, Paper Twigs. These thoughtful choices not only reflect your values but also add a unique and personal touch to your celebration.
Feasting with Purpose: Sustainable Wedding Food Choices
When it comes to sustainability, what’s on your plate matters as much as what’s on the table. Choosing local and seasonal ingredients not only supports nearby farmers and businesses but also reduces the carbon footprint of your wedding menu. Work with a caterer who shares your values and offers eco-conscious options, such as minimizing single-use packaging, sourcing organic produce, or using compostable serving materials. Consider a plated meal or family-style service to cut down on food waste, and coordinate with your caterer to donate leftovers to local charities. By making thoughtful food choices, you’ll create a feast that’s as kind to the planet as it is delicious and memorable for your guests.
Choose Based on Your Values: Support a Sustainable Venue
Selecting a venue that aligns with your values is one of the most impactful decisions you can make. At Yellowbrick on 39, we’ve invested in reusable décor, timeless tableware, and sustainable practices to create a beautiful, eco-conscious celebration for you. By supporting venues like ours, you’re investing in a wedding that’s as kind to the planet as it is stunning—we’re here to help bring that vision to life. Let’s celebrate responsibly, together.
Love and Sustainability at Yellowbrick on 39
Visit our venue in Dover, Ohio, and discover why couples from near and far are choosing Yellowbrick on 39 for their dream wedding. Drawn to our breathtaking Ohio destination, unmatched service, and commitment to excellence, we are more than a venue—we are a team dedicated to making your special day unforgettable. Nestled in the heart of Northeast Ohio’s Amish Country, we take pride in sustainable practices, unwavering cleanliness, and exceptional professionalism.
At Yellowbrick on 39, we believe every love story is a gift from God, and it is our joy to honor Him by preserving His creation for you, your children, and generations to come. If you’re searching for a venue that celebrates love, faith, and the beauty of nature, we are your perfect choice. Let us help you create a wedding as remarkable as your love story—one that reflects God’s grace and leaves a legacy of joy for you and your guests to cherish forever.
We’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop a comment below with your ideas, questions, or experiences about sustainability in weddings—we’re always excited to chat and share inspiration. And don’t forget to follow our blog! Our care for couples doesn’t stop after the “I dos.” We’re here to bring you helpful tips and ideas not just for your wedding day, but for a lifetime of love and celebration. Think of us as a friend who’s cheering you on every step of the way. Let’s create something beautiful together!
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We are dedicated to using our platform to support other locally owned wedding venues. In every blog we write, we will include links to locally owned wedding venues who use their articles to support their colleagues and the wedding industry in ways that are not always recognized but are essential. Be prepared to be inspired by the beauty of their venues and talent of their clients and vendors. If you are searching for a wedding venue, please consider a locally owned venue, you can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map
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