A green guide to a white wedding
There are so many things to consider when planning your wedding and saving the planet may not be at the top of your list. Yet we can all make a difference with a little effort.
Local | Seasonal | Fairtrade | Organic | Recycled | Sustainable
Our guide is packed with fantastic ideas to ensure your wedding won’t end up costing the earth, in more ways than one. And by making a few sensible choices, you just might end up making your day even more unique and individual to you.
Think eco-friendly from the outset
Think about having a smaller, more intimate wedding, inviting just close friends and family and therefore consuming less overall. If you feel that this isn’t really possible, how about planning a cocktail party with canapés rather than a formal sit down dinner? This will reduce food waste, saves table linen, washing up and the need for multiple table decorations…
When it’s a warm time of year, why not have your wedding outside, during daylight hours to cut down on electricity.
For the evening, minimise your use of electricity and use lots of beeswax candles.
Consider the distance and mode of transport between your venues. Could guests walk from one to the other? Could they share cars? Or could you hire a bus? Maybe the bride could arrive by rickshaw, rowing boat or even public transport!
Stationery
Look for suppliers who use handmade or recycled paper and products made from straw, hemp or cotton.
Choose materials from a traceable source, fairly traded where applicable, who reduce and recycle their waste and use vegetable based inks.
Some luxury finishes can’t be recycled, so speak to your stationer about your options.
Ask your guests to recycle their invitations and thank you notes.
Food and drink
Choose local, seasonal, organic produce to reduce your food miles. Your food will not only be fresh and tasty, it will be cheaper too.
Make your food and drink memorable and unique by serving locally produced wines, ales and soft drinks.
Serve jugs of tap water, perhaps with a slice of lemon, rather than bottled water.
Ask your suppliers and venue about recycling as well as cutting back on waste.
Wedding attire and bridal jewellery
Consider suppliers whose dresses are made from natural, organic or Fairtrade materials and made in the UK rather than overseas.
Wear a vintage or second-hand gown or suit, or have a dressmaker create a dress out of vintage fabrics.
Think about hiring outfits rather than buying new, for some or all of the party.
Choose antique, vintage pieces of jewellery or ones using recycled gems and precious metals. You could then transform your tiara or headdress into a brooch or necklace that can be worn again in the future.
Flowers and favours
Choose organic, seasonal and locally grown flowers.
If you’re green fingered, grow your own flowers for your bouquets and button-holes. Or if you are feeling creative, make your own bouquets and decorations from buttons and ribbons.
Re-use your ceremony flowers at your reception venue.
Some eco-friendly ideas for favours could be personalised packets of seed, or pots of herbs; homemade iced biscuits, jams or honey; or beeswax candles.
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