6 ways to achieve a sustainable wedding
Some experts predict that in just one day, a wedding can produce the equivalent CO2 emissions that up to five people would produce in an entire year – and those numbers are likely to increase.
But planning a more sustainable celebration is about more than just encouraging your guests to throw biodegradable confetti as you make your debut as husband and wife. Our expert bridal writer Claire Bloomfield has revealed six simple ideas to help you plan an eco-friendly wedding.
1. CHOOSE THOUGHTFUL ECO FRIENDLY FAVOURS
Edible wedding favours will generally prove popular with all of your guests - and you’ll earn extra points if they are made using locally sourced ingredients. But if you’re looking for a more original idea, help is on hand. A group of inspirational ladies in Makapanstad, South Africa make gifts using traditional handcraft skills, felt and beads. Each unique design ‘carries a message of hope’ and contributes a small donation to a charity. By ‘purchasing their products you are not only helping to feed and clothe the ladies who made them, plus their families - but through the sale of each item you'll be helping the project support an entire community’, too. They will even create the favours in a colour scheme of your choice.
2. HIRE AN ACOUSTIC BAND
If you’re planning an eco-friendly wedding then it’s also important to be aware of your energy consumption, too. Wedding entertainment, and the heavy use of technology, can have considerable consequences, so why not consider hiring an acoustic band as an alternative. Blue Topaz can provide a string trio or string quartet according to your preference and can play anything from a classical anthem to a song you’ve heard in the charts, often crafting bespoke arrangements for your ceremony and reception. But there’s something about live string music that heightens everyone’s emotions – so be sure to have those personalised handkerchiefs at the ready.
3. SAY YES TO AN ETHICAL DRESS
Hiring a dress for your big day, or even wearing one previously belonging to a family member is out of the question for many brides, despite it typically being a significant drain on their wedding budget. If that sounds familiar then opt for a wedding dress designer well versed in sustainable practices. Even those eco-conscious brides-to-be who prefer modern styles over vintage boho gowns can find the dress they have always dreamed of. One UK designer that caught our eye is Sanyukta Shrestha. She is largely considered as a ‘pioneer in eco-friendly and sustainable high-end fashion’ and sources ethical fabrics made from organic cotton, khadi, bamboo and hemp.
4. GO GREEN FOR BRIDAL TRANSPORTATION
Arriving in a horse-drawn carriage might not be every bride’s idea of a grand entrance. Prince Harry drove Meghan Markle to their reception in a one-of-a kind electric Jaguar modelled on a 1968 classic and wedding transport suppliers are slowly catching on. E Vision can provide luxury electric car hire and the chauffer, too. Sponsoring a tree-planting programme is also a great way of off setting the CO2 emissions generated by those guests flying in from around the world.
5. DONATE YOUR FLOWERS AND FOOD WASTE
Aside from choosing in-season and locally produced foods for your wedding menu, plus favouring local breweries, you should also give some consideration to what happens to your food waste after the big day. Suppliers can either donate or compost the leftovers from your wedding so be sure to add this to your list of questions to ask when you’re appointing a caterer. There is no need for your floral arrangements and bouquets to end up in a landfill either. Consider using a florist - or a charity like Floral Angels - that will collect and restyle your wedding flowers and then donate them to local hospitals, nursing homes and shelters.
6. UNWRAP YOUR WEDDING GIFT LIST
Eco-friendly couples can ensure their gift list is green, too - though only consciously made items that you genuinely have a long-term use for should make the cut. Spending time carefully crafting your wedding gift list may also mean you are less likely to start married life trying to fill a dozen photo frames. Wearth – a popular online market place featuring British brands with sustainable values – is a great website to get you started. You will find everything from homewares, soft furnishing and beauty gifts. Take this opportunity to politely remind your guests to skip the elaborate wrapping paper in order to help you reach your zero-waste wedding goals.
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