If you're always trying to find ways to reduce your carbon footprint in daily life, then you might dread planning your wedding if you think it will have a negative impact on the environment. The good news is that there are many ways to organize a big event like a wedding that will keep your carbon footprint low. Here are five ways to celebrate an eco-friendly wedding day.

1. Register with Local Shops and Boutiques

While it's easy to make a wishlist on Amazon, signing up with local shops for your wedding registry will dramatically reduce your carbon footprint when it comes to shipping. At the same time, you'll be supporting small businesses in your own town.

As long as your favorite boutiques have websites, your guests can enjoy browsing locally-sourced wedding gift ideas for your special day. You may even be able to pick up your items in person, which would reduce the number of boxes used for packaging.

2. Avoid Single-Use Plastics

The amount of oil that goes into producing single-use plastics is frightening, so you want to try to avoid them at all costs. When you're planning your wedding, you may find that plastic is an option for everything. From cutlery to decorations, it's easy to fall into the trap of throw-away items that have a huge carbon footprint. Here are some ideas to avoid single-use plastics:

• Use paper, wood, and other organic decorations

• Nix the plastic cutlery and plates at your reception

• Provide paper or fabric bags for guests to take home wedding swag

• Work with suppliers who use little to no plastic packaging

3. Rent or Buy Pre-Owned Wedding Outfits

Clothing is another source of carbon emissions, and you can reduce your environmental impact by sourcing wedding clothes that are pre-owned or made with sustainability in mind. You can also plan for rental clothes for you and your wedding party.

Your bridesmaids and groomsmen don't necessarily need another dress or tux, so it's an easy way to prioritize the environment. Even if you decide to buy something new, you can explore sustainable options and work with a retailer or designer who uses recycled fabric and materials.

4. Set a Vegetarian and Seasonal Menu

One big impact you can have on your big day is by setting your wedding menu with vegetarian and seasonal items. It's no surprise that the meat you consume has a huge carbon footprint. Some types of meat are better than others, but if you can avoid meat altogether, vegetables are far more sustainable. Even better, if you can work with local farmers and suppliers to plan a seasonal wedding menu, you can avoid shipping out-of-season fruits and vegetables to your venue.

5. Host Your Ceremony and Reception in the Same Venue

For a quick and easy eco-friendly planning strategy, make it a goal to host your ceremony and reception at the same venue. That way, your guests don't have to travel during your event, which helps them and you save on gas, ultimately reducing emissions.

If this isn't a possibility, you might consider having your events within walking distance or setting up a ride-sharing and shuttle service so that your guests can carpool to your different venues.

6. Pick a Date with Mild Weather

If you've longed for a winter wedding, you might want to rethink your strategy. When you have to rely on heating or cooling to keep your guests comfortable, it increases your carbon footprint. To keep your event energy-efficient, pick a date in the calendar year that will have mild weather.

Your wedding should be a day full of joy, laughter, and happy tears. You can make it even more fulfilling and satisfying by using some of these eco-friendly wedding hacks on your big day.