We are all trying to be more ethically conscious about our carbon footprint and how we can make our world greener and more sustainable. Weddings do unfortunately contribute to a high level of waste such as purchasing single-wear outfits to guests travelling to and from your venue. There are many simple ways you can achieve planning a more eco-friendly and sustainable wedding. Below are a few ideas to consider…
Flowers
Choose flowers which are in season and local sourced. Flowers farms are all over the country growing an abundance of seasonal flowers. Ask your florist to source from them or pick up yourselves. We are very fortunate to have lots of Yorkshire based flower farms on our doorstep.
Worried about wasting your bouquet, opt for silk or dried flowers that you can keep and reuse in your home and give you the daily reminder of your wedding day.
Photography
Use nature as your backdrop for photos. A tree full of blossom or a walled-garden will create a natural and stunning imagery for your wedding photos
Food
Work with caterers that sourced food locally. They will be able to let you know which produce is currently in season and create dishes using that. Vegan dishes are becoming more popular, with caterers able to provide tasty vegan alternatives for your and your guests.
Venue
Choose a venue that has everything to hand, ceremony, reception space and overnight accommodation. This will reduce transportation and fuel emissions.
If you’re opting for an outdoor wedding then lighting and power in general will be kept to a minimum.
Lots of new buildings including converted barns offer energy-efficient solutions such taps, toilets and solar power.
Confetti
Make your own confetti. If you have bunches of flowers around the home that are past their best, pick off the petals and dry them. You can also ask your family and friends to do the same. In no time, you’ll have lots of natural confetti (bonus, the petals smell amazing even when dried).
Rings
Buy your engagement/wedding ring from a jewellers that ethically source lab grown diamonds. Do you have a lot of unworn jewellery at home? Ask your Jeweller about melting it down and creating your rings or wedding jewellery from it.
Decor
Hire items such as centrepieces, or reception decor or choose potted plants or herbs that can be planted afterwards or given away as gifts .
Reuse items from your ceremony and place them in your reception area such as a ceremony backdrop could become a photo booth backdrop.
See what is readily available at the venue, some venues have props at hand to borrow.
Head to the charity shops for some great finds such as vintage china, glassware and bottles. You be giving something to a good cause when you buy, and then you can donate the items afterwards.
Dress
The easiest way to wear a sustainable dress is to buy pre-loved or re-wear your mum’s gown or veil, if it doesn’t fit right or needs adjusting to suit you and your body shape then chat to a seamstress who can alter it to your tastes.
Re-sell or donate your dress afterwards so that someone else can benefit from wear it.
Bridal Party Outfits
Choose to hire bridesmaid dresses or hats for the Mother’s of the bride/groom. It works out cheaper and means that the outfit isn’t stuck at the back of the wardrobe for the next 15 years (Remember 27 Dresses).
Hair/Make-up
Check the products you will be using are cruelty-free.
Favours
If you are wanting to give our favours to your guests, then give something homemade, jams, Gins or be really eco-friendly with a packet of seeds to plant at home. Another alternative is to donate to your favourite charity the amount you were going to budget on favours.
Provide guests with a single glass will cut back on cleaning and breakages. They can be personalised and be used a favours.
Stationery
Use recycled paper and card to be more green.
Email save the dates and your invitations rather than posting them out.
Create a free wedding website which includes all your wedding details that your guests will need so that you don’t have to include them in the invitation inserts. If plans change (Covid) then it’s a simple way to keep your guests in the loop.
Above are just a few ways you can make your wedding more sustainable. Here at SB Events we help our clients and couples consider ways to make each event have a minimal impact on the environment. To find out more about how we can help source local suppliers or want help in creating an eco-friendly wedding or celebration, please get in touch.
