Keep Sustainability At The Forefront Of Your Wedding Planning Process

As we continue to prioritise sustainability in all aspects of our lives, it becomes crucial to minimise our environmental impact, including within the wedding industry. Historically, the events industry has garnered a poor reputation regarding sustainability. However, there are numerous steps you can take to reduce your carbon footprint and ensure that your special day leaves no trace behind.

If you're looking to incorporate an eco-friendly angle into your wedding, here are some ideas to guide you towards a green wedding:

1. Support Local Food Sources

Food waste is a significant issue in weddings, especially with buffet-style meals. Opting for a plated service can greatly reduce the amount of food thrown away. Regardless of the serving style, the key to sustainability lies in knowing where your food comes from. Choose a caterer who sources local, sustainable, and seasonal ingredients. Making this extra effort can make a substantial difference in your carbon footprint.

2. Edible Favours

Instead of traditional favours that often go unused or discarded, consider consumable favours. Homemade options like small bottles of strawberry vodka, glass jars of bath salts, potted plants, or delicious homemade biscuits can delight your guests and provide them with a treat. Giving favours that can be repurposed is far better than contributing to waste levels.

3. Hire Props or Buy Second Hand

Hire Props or Buy Second Hand: When styling your wedding venue, it's easy to get carried away with various decorative items. However, consider what will be discarded at the end of the night versus what can be repurposed or reused. Prioritise items that have a potential for post-wedding use. You can find second-hand items from other couples who are eager to see their items given new life. Another option is to hire your decor from a wedding hire company, eliminating waste and hassle. Take a look at our sister company Onkoi Event Decor for inspiration.

4. Reusable Floral Displays or Dried Flowers

Botanical centrepieces add beauty to any wedding, but it's important to prioritise sustainability by selecting a florist who shares your values. Look for a florist who uses locally grown, seasonal blooms and opts for environmentally friendly materials, such as chicken wire instead of harmful oasis foam. It's also worth inquiring whether the florist collects flowers after the wedding for composting or drying, as these can be repurposed into cherished keepsakes or thoughtful thank-you gifts. An alternative option to using fresh flowers is dried flower arrangements. Dried flowers (also known as forever flowers) are a great way to reduce waste while still giving the wow factor.

5. Reduce Stationery

Weddings often involve a significant amount of paper, from invitations and order of service to thank-you cards, place names, and menus. This not only incurs expenses but also harms the environment. Consider alternative approaches, such as sending out invitations a little sooner instead of using "save the dates." Some online wedding stationery companies or wedding planners can handle RSVPs, menu choices, and dietary requirements digitally. If you still prefer paper, encourage guests to RSVP via text or email, opt for biodegradable seed paper so your guests can plant your stationery and grow wildflowers in their garden, use a large board for menus as the guests enter the wedding reception, and write place names on reusable materials like wood or stone.

6. Provide a Gift List

To avoid receiving unwanted gifts, create an extensive wedding gift list filled with eco-friendly items like glass storage containers, reusable cake liners, or recycled cotton sheets. Alternatively, set up a list of charities that guests can donate to, minimising waste while raising funds for a good cause.

7. Accessories and Formal Wear

Wedding party attire is an essential part of the day, but it doesn't have to be wasteful. Consider second-hand wedding dresses that can be customised to your style, or opt to rent suits instead of purchasing. For bridesmaids' dresses, provide a colour palette and allow them to find dresses they like, increasing the likelihood of future use.

8. Choose a Sustainable Venue

If you're opting for a wedding venue, thoroughly research your options. You don't have to sacrifice luxury for sustainability. Many eco-friendly venues offer beautiful spaces, some even being off-grid, greatly reducing your carbon footprint. Prioritise venues that deal with waste management and recycling responsibly and share the same sustainability values as yourself.

9. Group Travel

To reduce the number of vehicles driving to your chosen wedding venue, consider organising transportation for your guests. Opting for group travel not only ensures that everyone arrives at the right place and time but also minimises the overall vehicle count. A fantastic option is to use vintage buses, which add a touch of charm while efficiently transporting your guests. By arranging group transportation, you can actively contribute to reducing the environmental impact of individual vehicles and promote a more sustainable wedding experience.

10. Finishing Touches

Pay attention to often-overlooked details that can make your wedding more eco-friendly. Choose biodegradable confetti options like rice, lavender, or dried petals instead of off-the-shelf packets. When using candles, ensure they are non-toxic and environmentally friendly, even if it requires a little more research.

Good luck in creating a beautiful and sustainable wedding! If you have any questions about sustainability for your special day, Brookman Greene is here to help you create a magical celebration without impacting the environment.