Sustainable Events Collective

Home
United States
Chicago, IL
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!

06/18/2026

7 sustainable florists in Chicago you should know 🌱

The Sustainable Events Collective florists focus on eco-friendly practices that make an event not only beautiful, but good for the planet too.From weddings to events of all kinds, they’re showing that sustainability and beautiful florals can go hand in hand. Check out this list of amazing sustainable florists in Chicago 🔽

Send this to someone planning an eco-friendly event in Chicago!

📸 Photo Credits
Slide 1: | 📷 , ,
Slide 2:
Slide 3: | 📷 ,
Slide 4: | 📷 , .b_howe, ,
Slide 5: | 📷
Slide 6: | 📷 , ,
Slide 7: | 📷 ,

06/15/2026

Want to know more about how effective beach-clean ups are? Here are some of our stats from last year!

We had a total of 43 volunteers come out to help preserve our beaches and party! From neighbors and friends to family and colleagues, we are thankful for everyone who came along on the journey!

We collected over 58.7 pounds of waste, and we were able to compost and / or recycle 1/3 of our finds!

Cigarette butts were the most collected item followed by plastic and paper pieces separately.

With your help, we can collect and clean even more this year to protect our beaches and lake! Register today via the link in our bio!

📍 Colvin House & Kathy Osterman Beach
📅 Tuesday, July 14th from 9:30am-12:30pm!

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

06/12/2026

Member Feature: ✨

Built in 1909 and perched along the shores of Lake Michigan, Colvin House is more than a wedding venue. It's a living, breathing piece of history reimagined with intention.

This stunning landmark has been lovingly restored with sustainability at its core: LED and motion-activated lighting, energy-efficient systems, vintage-furnished interiors sourced from local thrift shops, gardens bursting with native plants that support the local ecosystem, among many other sustainable features.

From the sunlit grand rooms to the lush outdoor ceremony spaces and beach access, every detail has been preserved - and every decision made with the planet in mind.

Looking for an amazing, sustainable wedding or event venue in Chicago? Check out and our other sustainable venues on our website. Link in bio!

Photography provided by , photography by .photo

06/11/2026

Elopements have been trending, and from a sustainability standpoint, we’re absolutely here for it. Here's why ↓

When you add in a tiny guest list (or none at all), you’re lowering transportation needs, food waste, and the overall footprint of the day. Plus, it gives you the flexibility to work with local, sustainability-minded vendors who prioritize responsible practices.

Sustainable elopements aren’t about sacrificing anything; they’re about keeping what matters most: the moment, the meaning, and the two of you. The beauty is already there; you don’t need tons of “stuff” to make it special.

If you’ve eloped before, what advice would you give couples considering it? ⤵️

📸 Photography by

06/09/2026

Happy Pride Month! 🌈 We believe in celebrating love in all its beautiful forms. Here are some tips to make your wedding inclusive and welcoming for everyone:

1️⃣ Language Matters: Use inclusive language in your invitations and vows. Terms like “partner” and “spouse” can make a big difference.

2️⃣ Diverse Vendors: Support LGBTQ+ owned businesses and inclusive vendors who respect and celebrate all couples.

3️⃣ Safe Spaces: Ensure your venue is a safe and welcoming space for everyone. Consider accessibility and comfort for all guests.

4️⃣Dress Code Flexibility: Allow your guests and wedding party to dress in a way that makes them feel comfortable and authentic.

5️⃣ Inclusive Officiants: Choose an officiant who respects and supports your values and is open to diverse ceremonies.

What else is missing from this list? Comment below!

Photography by

06/05/2026

⛱️ On July 14th, we are thrilled to be teaming up once again with for our clean-up party of Kathy Osterman Beach!

According to 2025 data collected by volunteers like you:
🌳 The Adopt-a-Beach program removed 541,750 pieces of litter - more than 23,000 pounds - from Great Lakes beaches, trails, parks, and marinas
🧹 The most common litter types included - 39% tiny trash, 24% food-related, 18% smoking-related, and 19% other

🔗 With your help, we can do more for the city, lakes, and beaches we love! Register today via the link in our bio!

📍 Colvin House & Kathy Osterman Beach
🗓️ Tuesday, July 14th from 9:30am-12:30pm!

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

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.

Address

Chicago, IL

Website

http://sustainableeventscollective.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Sustainable Events Collective posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Sustainable Events Collective:

Shortcuts

Want your organization to be the top-listed Non Profit Organization in Chicago?