Top Tips for Organising a Sustainable Wedding
We’ve all become much more environmentally aware and are starting to ask what we can do as individuals to help our planet and reduce our environmental footprint. Weddings can have a very big impact on our environment and many couples are now taking this into consideration when planning their big day. To give you some food for thought, we’re sharing our top tips for organising a sustainable wedding.
FOOD AND DRINK
When choosing your caterers, take into consideration who:
Use locally sourced produce for their menus
Has plant based options available
Has seasonal menus available
Uses reusable, recyclable and biodegradable crockery and cutlery
To minimise food waste, you can consider:
Take care when estimating quantities - try not to over estimate
Have a plan for any leftover food. For example, you could ask your caterers if they can provide recyclable boxes so guests can take some goodies away with them
Freeze your wedding cake to enjoy on your first anniversary. Click here for tips on how to preserve your cake.
VENUE AND TRANSPORT
When deciding on your venue, have a think about its location and how accessible it is for your guests. To reduce the number of cars and multiple journeys, you can consider:
Having your ceremony and reception at the same venue
Choosing a city centre venue that is within walking distance of public transport
If you have multiple venues within walking distance of each other, ask one of your more confident wedding party or guests to take the lead on a ‘walking party’ to get from A to B.
Organising group transport from a local supplier (e.g. coach or bus hire)
Encourage guests to car share
WEDDING ATTIRE
Image: The Lemon House Wedding Photography
When searching for your dream wedding dress, your suit and attire for your ushers and bridesmaids, there are sustainable options for you to think about.
Many wedding dresses are designed abroad and shipped into the UK, so considering buying your dress from a UK supplier
There are a number of suppliers located in the UK who specialise in sustainable, organic and ethical bridalwear. Visit The Natural Wedding Company website for recommended designers
Did you know you can hire wedding dresses, as well as suits? This could be an option to consider
Consider pre-loved dresses and suits
Why not help a cause at the same time? Oxfam have a selection of bridalwear, bridesmaid dresses and suits.
RINGS
Image: The Natural Wedding Company
Image: The Natural Wedding Company
Image: The Natural Wedding Company
Did you know there are jewellers who make ethical wedding rings? These jewellers source fairtrade gold and silver, recycled precious metals, and sustainably sourced gems to make your ring. Not only that, you can also find eco- wood rings and eco-diamonds. The Natural Wedding Company provide a selection of recommended UK jewellers.
You can also consider buying your rings from local jeweller.
FLOWERS
When it comes to organising your bouquets and floral arrangements, you can consider a handful of options.
Work with a local florist who avoids using plastic packaging for delivery
Choose seasonal flowers that can be sourced locally
Use vases or glass jars for floral displays rather than foam blocks
Consider having a silk flower bouquet that you can keep after your wedding
Preserve your bouquet and floral arrangements to keep a memory of your special day. Visit our Top 5 Ideas for Preserving Your Bouquet blog for more inspiration on how you can keep hold of your wedding flowers.
STATIONERY AND DECÓR
Let’s start with invitations. You could avoid paper all together and send e-invites – this will also save money on printing and postage plus easier for guests to RSVP - but if you have your heart set up paper stationery, print them on recycled paper or card, or find a business who has high environmental and ethical standards. Don’t forget to make sure the invitations are recyclable too by avoiding additions such as glue, glitter and other plastic decoration, and pop a line on your invitation to remind guests to recycle it after your wedding.
We like to give our guest favours but how many times have you kept your token gift from a wedding? Here are some ideas for you.
Gift table decorations. If you have jars with flowers at each setting, pop a name on them for your guests to take home with them.
Avoid plastic favours
Encourage your guests to help the wildlife with a flower seed packet for their garden
We all love bubbles, so why not make your own more eco-friendly alternative to the usual plastic bottle. Check out this idea: A more eco-friendly way to have bubbles at your wedding!
Perhaps a donation to an environmental charity in lieu of favours would be appropriate for your wedding. Pick a charity and let your guests know on a pretty recycled piece of card.
We all love confetti at a wedding, especially for a photo opportunity, so have a think about biodegradable options. Our personal favourite at Blackfriars is dried petals but Rock My Wedding have shared 12 Biodegradable Wedding Confetti Ideas. Remember to check with your venue if they have any restrictions on certain confetti.
One last decoration tip… balloons can look great but we recommend you avoid them. They aren’t biodegradable and if released can pose a serious risk to wildlife and marine environments.
And remember… recycle, donate or sell your decorations! Don’t bin them, someone else may love them too!
GIFT LIST
If you have a gift list, have a think about the eco-friendly presents your guests could buy. From an animal adoption pack to a handmade recycled organic cotton throw, Hitched have plenty of ideas for you on The 24 Best Sustainable Wedding Gifts & Gift Lists for Eco-Conscious Couples.
HONEYMOON
To reduce your carbon footprint, your best option is to stay in the UK. We have a beautiful country and plenty of wonderful places to visit! Here is a list of Best Eco Staycations in the UK.
If you are planning to investigate somewhere else in the world, have a look at 2021’s Eco-Travel Trends