Photo Credit: Constellations & Co.
What is Eco & Ivory Event Design, and how is it different from other event planning services in the Pittsburgh area?
My vision for Eco & Ivory is to help those who are hosting a wedding or event make it both stunning and
sustainable, whether they are looking to incorporate a touch of sustainability or go green all the way.
While designing and planning an event, I assist clients with making eco-friendlier choices, from the
venue and the catering to the attire and the décor.
Even though the amount of people who are incorporating eco-friendly elements into their weddings and
events is increasing rapidly, the event industry has been slow to keep up with this. Therefore, while
there are other event planners in the Pittsburgh area that have done eco-friendly weddings, I am the
first Certified Green Wedding Professional around Pittsburgh and the only event planner in the area who
specializes specifically in sustainable events at this time. I have strived to build a network of connections
with sustainable vendors around the area and will continue to do so to provide a wide variety of
sustainable options for my clients.
Why should people consider hosting an eco-friendly wedding or event?
Weddings and events produce a lot of waste. In fact, prior to Covid-19, the average wedding produced
63 tons of CO2 and 400-600 lbs. of garbage. While one-time events might not seem like a big deal, they
really add up in terms of the impact they collectively have on the environment. The good news is that
every sustainable choice can make a difference.
What’s an example of how an event can be more sustainable?
While Covid-19 caused many weddings and events to be delayed or postponed, one positive outcome
was the trend toward intimate weddings. Intimate weddings can be more sustainable because cutting
down the guest list can greatly reduce waste.
As a side note, I personally love the idea of intimate weddings because they allow for the budget and
resources to be put toward giving you and your guests a better experience and more exceptional design.
Furthermore, couples can focus on having those around them whom they absolutely love instead of
creating a more forced atmosphere. As a designer and planner, I love them because I prefer a more laid-
back setting in which I can create something unique and highly personalized for a small group of people,
rather than having to cater to the masses.
What services do you offer?
I provide event design services, in which I help clients with everything related to the aesthetics of the
event, such as creating a color palette and choosing the décor. However, I also offer planning services
for those who need help with coordination tasks like creating a budget or timeline and finding
sustainable vendors.
In addition to serving the Greater Pittsburgh Area, I offer virtual services, including tablescape design
and eco-friendly event consultations.
What if someone wants to work with you but doesn’t necessarily care about being eco-friendly?
I’m not perfect when it comes to living an eco-friendly lifestyle, so I don’t expect the same from my
clients. Planning a green wedding or event is not about being perfect. It’s about making sustainable
choices where you can. A lot of people might already have eco-friendly ideas in mind for their big day
without even realizing it. Therefore, my goal is to build on that and to see where we can make even one
or two simple tweaks to reduce the environmental impact of the event.
How would you describe your design style?
While I tailor the look of each event to the wants, needs, and unique personality of the client, my design
style usually includes:
A natural element, whether it be wood, stone, or a sprig of fresh sage
Wild-looking florals or greenery
Something sensuous, such as a silky, satin fabric or a deep, rich color
Diverse color palettes consisting of more than two colors
Personalized touches (something unique to you that will tug at your heartstrings)
And of course, at least one eco-friendly element
My style incorporates modern accents, but when trying to be more sustainable, it can also be fun to mix
in some vintage or antique elements. Overall, I like to stray from the mainstream and throw tradition
out the window, and being an eco-friendly event designer (which is certainly not traditional) allows me
to do just that.
Are you planning a wedding or event? I am currently offering free consultations for events in the Greater
Pittsburgh area. You can reach me at 412-573-9752 or angela@ecoandivoryevents.com.
Contact Information:
For more information on Eco & Ivory Event Design, visit ecoandivoryevents.com.
Email: angela@ecoandivoryevents.com
Phone: 412-573-9752
Social Media:
Follow along with Eco & Ivory Event Design at:
Instagram: @ecoandivory
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ecoandivory
Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/ecofriendlyeventdesign