Sustainable Events Collective

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Sustainable Events Collective

Welcome to Sustainable Events Collective! Formerly the Green Wedding Alliance 💚

We’re a one-stop shop for premium vetted vendors, all committed to sustainable events without compromise, so you can leave a lasting impression, not a lasting footprint. Chicago's Green Wedding Alliance is a collaborative network of environmentally responsible event vendors who strive to grow & inform others of responsible business practices. We connect with conscious consumers for mindful wedding

s, commitment ceremonies & social events. Let us help make your event less impactful on the planet, without sacrificing quality or aesthetics!

06/04/2026

🌿 Member Spotlight: Sustainable Soirées 🌿

Your wedding should be as intentional as your love story, and that's exactly the philosophy behind our member, 🤍

This Chicago-based planning firm is redefining what it means to celebrate beautifully and responsibly. Whether you're dreaming of a local Chicago wedding or a destination celebration, their team brings a structured, design-forward approach that guides couples through every stage, so you can stay fully present while they handle every last detail.

And sustainability isn't an afterthought here. It's woven into every decision 🌎 When you work with them, they’ll offer tips and support with green initiatives like…

🌸 Floral donation after your big day
🍽️ Food rescue & composting
📄 Minimized paper use throughout the planning process
🌳 A tree planted with every wedding & travel booking
🤝 A carefully curated network of like-minded vendor partners

The result? A celebration that feels effortless, elegant, and genuinely good for the planet, without ever feeling like a compromise.
Planning your sustainable wedding in Chicago? Check out !

📸 Photography provided by , Photography by , , ,

06/02/2026

📢 A reminder to all sustainable event planners: work with a green caterer!

Your caterer has more impact on your event's footprint than you might think. Here's how the right catering partner can make a real difference 🌿

🥬 Local & Seasonal Sourcing Green caterers source produce from nearby farms, cutting down on food miles and supporting local agriculture.
♻️ Composting & Waste Reduction From composting food scraps to cross-utilizing ingredients across menus, sustainable caterers think critically about what ends up in the trash.
🌊 Responsible Protein Sourcing Look for caterers who prioritize antibiotic-free, naturally raised meats and certified sustainable seafood.
🥡 Compostable Serviceware Ditch the plastic. Eco-conscious caterers use compostable disposables and have eliminated single-use plastics like straws entirely.
🍷 Sustainable Beverage Programs From biodynamic wines to organic spirits, some green caterers extend their values all the way to the bar.
❤️ Community Impact The best sustainable caterers give back - whether that's donating meals or supporting local food systems.

The food at your event tells a story. Make sure it's one you're proud of. 🌎 Looking for a sustainable caterer? Check out SEC vendors first:

05/29/2026

Member Spotlight: Lula Cafe Catering 🌿

Great events start with great food — and even better values. We're proud to feature as one of our incredible member caterers, bringing sustainable, soulful cuisine to your celebrations.

Since 1999, Chef Jason Hammel and the Lula Cafe team have been crafting unforgettable feasts rooted in local, seasonal ingredients sourced directly from their network of nearby farms. Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a 250-person wedding feast, they tailor every detail - from family-style dinners to custom cocktail menus - to make your event extraordinary.

And their commitment to the planet doesn't stop at the plate 🌎 Lula composts all food scraps with fellow SEC member , sources antibiotic-free meats and sustainable seafood, uses fully compostable disposables, and even donates 150 meals a week to . That's the kind of catering we love to celebrate.

Delicious food. Thoughtful sourcing. Zero compromise.✨

Ready to bring Lula to your next event? Link in bio to connect with our member network.

📸 Photography provided by , photography by

05/28/2026

Planning a sustainable event or wedding?

When it comes to decor & rentals, being intentional with your choices can make a huge difference! Here’s a few of our tips:

💚 Rent vintage decor
💚 Use decor your venue already has
💚 Ditch plastic straws and rent glassware
💚Reuse packing materials for shipping and storage
💚Rent linens, silverware, and glassware instead of buying new

Sustainability doesn’t have to be complicated! Work with our member vendors and they will guide you along the planning process.

05/26/2026

Never waste your time on an event venue that doesn’t align with your sustainability goals. 🌿

There’s a lot at play when you’re trying to plan an eco-friendly event. If you’re not a sustainability expert, chances are you haven’t thought to ask all of this. And that’s okay- most people haven’t!

Let’s break it down with these key questions to help you make eco-conscious venue decisions..

💭 Can the venue host all aspects of the event to reduce travel?
💭 Do they offer recycling and composting options?
💭 Are they certified or committed to any sustainability standards?

Make sure to check out these amazing sustainable venues in Chicago: , , , .

05/22/2026

It’s time for another member introduction! Meet Sustainable Events Collective member !

Fairlie is a sophisticated and versatile space for weddings, private events, meetings, and production in Chicago’s Kinzie Industrial Corridor!

But they’re not just about creating a stunning space- they’re also always looking for ways to make events more sustainable, rethinking the details to reduce waste and lessen their impact.

A few ways they incorporate sustainability into their practices:

💚 Onsite recycling & waste pickup

💚 Mini fridges in suites to replace styrofoam coolers

💚 Repurposed wood & windows for shelving & mirrors

💚 Encouraging couples to work with fellow SEC vendors

Check them out at !

📸 Photos provided by

05/21/2026

⛱️ Summer is on the way, and it’s time to save the date once more!

🌊 On July 14th, Sustainable Events Collective will be back to host another beach clean-up party at Kathy Osterman Beach, and you’re invited!

☀️ We’ll meet at Colvin House (SEC member and a generous sponsor for the event!) for some light morning refreshments and an educational discussion on beach clean-ups, and then we’ll hop into action! Invite your family and friends, and let’s do some good together for our beaches and lake!

📍 Colvin House & Kathy Osterman Beach

🗓️ Tuesday, July 14th

📢 Stay tuned for partnerships, sponsors, and more information!

05/19/2026

Newly engaged and staring at your ring thinking, “Where do we even start?” - this one’s for you!

Swipe to see our simple first-step checklist, and don’t forget to save + share with a friend ✨

Planning in Chicago? Tap the link in our bio to explore our directory of sustainable wedding vendors ready to bring your vision to life.

📸 Photography provided by

05/15/2026

This week’s member feature: ✨

Alaura is a Chicago-based photographer who loves gardens, architecture, and storytelling with just the right amount of drama (in the best way). She’s a total sap when it comes to people and knows how important your wedding day really is.

With 13+ years of experience and a background in journalism and history, her goal is to capture moments that feel real & artful.

We also love that Alaura brings sustainability into everything she does, paperless processes, rechargeable gear, composting, vintage finds, and having her own chickens. 🐔💚

Give her a follow at and check out more of her work on our site under “member vendors” ✨

📸 Photography by

05/14/2026

Planning a sustainable wedding? Start here!

From the flowers you choose to the food you serve (and even the decor!), small decisions can make a big difference for the planet 🌎

Swipe + save as your green wedding planning checklist ✔️

📸 Photo creds:
Cover photo by
2nd slide provided by
3rd slide provided by , photography by
4th slide provided by

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Website

http://sustainableeventscollective.com/

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