TIPS – How to be more eco-conscious in your wedding planning
Hey there lovebirds! Are you looking for some eco-friendly wedding ideas? Huge high five from me if so!
There are so many (affordable) ways to have an amazing celebration and make it sustainable. From outfits to confetti, from florals to favours and everything in between.
Here are my 8 top tips…
1. Confetti
Flower petals, leaves, seed paper and rice all make for amazing and photogenic eco-friendly confetti. You could even avoid throwing things completely and opt for bubbles. Always goes down a treat with guests!
One of my couples (pictured below) used the wood shavings from the wooden wedding arch they built together. What an amazing idea!
2. Transport
Encourage guests to carpool or, if everyone is staying at the same accommodation, put on a minibus.
If there’s lots of travel between venues then you could put on buses or shared taxis to help guests (and the environment) out. If you’re having a city wedding then guests can easily hop on public transport too.
3. Food and drink
Choose caterers who use organic, locally sourced ingredients and, when it comes to serving, avoid single-use plastics and packaging.
Offer drinks in glassware or reusable containers and stay away from plastic straws!
Have a filtered water station at your venue and let guests know, so they don’t arrive with plastic bottles of water.
4. Outfits
Go vintage! I’m a big fan of a vintage bridal dress or tux. You can find some incredible clothes in charity shops or on Vinted.
Go wild with your wedding party outfits too. Instead of asking everyone to match you can get everyone in similar colours instead. It’s far easier to find vintage or second-hand clothes that way or to wear something they already own.
Another option is to seek out eco-friendly designers who are committed to ethical production.
5. Decor
When it comes to decor the world really is your oyster! If you’re feeling creative you could make your own using sustainable materials. Or borrow decor from recently married friends. Items like bunting can be used again and again.
Think green! Use plants and other greenery to decorate the space. That always looks amazing.
6. Favours
I think I could write an entire blog on sustainable favours! But here are a few of the best ones I’ve seen:
- Plants – use them for table decor and then ask guests to take them home at the end of the night
- Shot glasses (why not fill them with a favourite tipple for guests to enjoy during the speeches)
- Local honey
- Cookies / chocolate / anything sweet and edible!
- Homemade jam or chutney
- Reusable tote bags
- Seed bombs
- Books – especially if they’re second hand
Basically, always go for edible or long-term use. We gifted our guests some homemade maple syrup which went down VERY well!
7. Flowers
Think seasonal and local. This is by far the easiest way to make sure your wedding flowers are making the least impact on the environment.
If you’re getting married in the UK check out Florismart, a fab website to find independent florists who specialise in British flowers. Their seasonal calendar is a great way to find out what will be flowering around the time of your wedding.
8. Venue
Don’t be afraid to ask potential venues how sustainable they aim to be. “How do you get rid of food waste?”, “Do you have a plastic policy?” are good basics to start with. More and more venues are working towards being more environmentally friendly and should always be open to having a chat with you about your ideas.
And finally, 6 things to steer clear of…
- Balloons
- Paper lanterns
- Fireworks
- Floral foam (also known as oasis)
- Glitter
- Bleached, painted or dyed flower petals
By following any, or all, of these eco-friendly wedding ideas, you’re on your way to creating an amazing wedding celebration and reducing your environmental impact. Even the smallest detail can make a difference. Get creative and most of all have fun with it! Who knows, you might even inspire your guests to start thinking about their own sustainable wedding.
And if you’re looking for a wedding photographer while you’re here – Hello! I’d love to chat with you about your plans. Read more about my weddings HERE and reach out to say Hey!
Happy planning!
