SUSTAINABLE WEDDING TIPS & IDEAS

Love is in the air, and so is the need to protect our planet. In an era of growing environmental consciousness, it's no wonder that couples are increasingly opting for sustainable weddings that harmonise their love for each other with their commitment to preserving the Earth. From eco-friendly invitations to zero-waste receptions, there are countless ways to infuse sustainability into your special day without compromising on style or sentimentality. In this blog post, we invite you to embark on a journey of love and sustainability as we explore a plethora of tips and ideas that will help you plan a wedding that not only celebrates your love but also leaves a positive impact on our beautiful planet. Get ready to say "I do" to a greener, more meaningful wedding experience!

READ MORE

GET YOUR FREE COPY OF THE ULTIMATE PARTY PLANNER

2024/2025 INSPIRING SUMMER WEDDING COLOUR PALETTES

2024 WEDDING TRENDS

PAPERLESS INVITATIONS: EMBRACING THE FUTURE

Securing your event suppliers is one of the most exciting moments in planning your upcoming celebrations, but the choice can be overwhelming. If you need help, please look at our recommended list of the UK's best event suppliers HERE.  

Choose a venue that practices sustainable policies.

When selecting a wedding venue, consider choosing one that has implemented sustainable policies. Look for venues that have taken steps to reduce their environmental impact, such as using renewable energy, conserving water, and reducing waste. Some venues may partner with local farmers to provide locally sourced food and support the local community. By choosing a sustainable wedding venue, you can reduce the environmental impact of your event while supporting businesses that prioritise sustainability. Don't be afraid to ask potential venues about their sustainability policies and practices to ensure they align with your values.

Tipi Tent Hire Specialist Blue Sky Tipis

Use digital invitations to reduce paper waste.

Digital invitations are a great way to reduce paper waste and minimise the environmental impact of your wedding. Many online platforms offer beautiful, customisable digital invitations that can be sent to your guests via email or social media. You can also save money on printing and postage costs using digital invitations. If you prefer to use paper invitations, consider using recycled or plantable paper, which is made from post-consumer waste and can be planted to grow into flowers or herbs. You can also include a note in your invitations encouraging guests to recycle or compost the paper after the event.

Stationery Made By Wood, Planner Tebbey & Co, Photographer Jo Greenfield Photographer, Venue Town Head Estate, Sourced Flowers The Fellside Flower Company, Table & Chairs Eden Event Hire, Napkins Silk and Willow. 

Serve locally sourced and organic food and drinks.

Serving locally sourced and organic food and drinks is a great way to reduce the environmental impact of your wedding and support local farmers and producers. By choosing food in season and sourced locally, you can reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting and storing food. You can also reduce pesticides and chemicals by choosing organic food. Talk to your caterer or venue about sourcing locally and ask for information about where the food comes from. You can also consider serving vegetarian or vegan options with a lower carbon footprint than meat-based dishes. Serving drinks from local breweries or wineries can also reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation and support local businesses.

Wedding & Event Catering Humdingers 

Use eco-friendly decorations and lighting

Using eco-friendly decorations and lighting is a great way to reduce the environmental impact of your wedding while still creating a beautiful and memorable event. Consider using sustainable materials, such as bamboo or recycled paper, and avoid decorations made from plastic or non-biodegradable materials. You can also use natural elements, such as flowers, leaves, and branches, for a rustic and sustainable look. Consider using LED bulbs, which use less energy and last longer than traditional bulbs. You can also use candles made from natural wax, such as soy or beeswax, which are biodegradable and produce less soot than conventional candles. Using eco-friendly decorations and lighting can reduce your carbon footprint and create a beautiful, sustainable wedding.

Wedding Planner Tracy Lavin Events

Give away plantable favours or charity donations instead of traditional favours

Instead of traditional favours that may end up in the landfill, consider giving away plantable favours or making a charity donation in your guests' names. Plantable favours, such as seeds or saplings, can be planted to grow into flowers or herbs, providing a lasting reminder of your special day. You can also consider giving away favours that support a cause or organisation that is meaningful to you and your partner, such as donating to a local charity or environmental organisation. This is a great way to reduce waste and positively impact the environment and your community. Your guests will appreciate the thoughtful gesture and the opportunity to make a difference.

Examples of wedding charity organisations:

Dog Trust Keepsakes

Cancer Research Wedding Favours 

Macmillan Wedding Fundraiser

British Heart Foundation Wedding Favours 

Dementia UK Wedding Favours & Donations

Reduce transportation emissions by choosing a venue that's accessible by public transportation or by carpooling

Reducing transportation emissions is an essential aspect of a sustainable wedding. One way to achieve this is by choosing a venue accessible by public transportation or carpooling. Encouraging guests to carpool or use public transport can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of your wedding, as it reduces the number of cars on the road. You can also consider hiring a shuttle or bus to transport guests from a central location to the venue. This reduces transportation emissions and ensures everyone arrives at the venue on time and safely. By taking steps to reduce transportation emissions, you can positively impact the environment and create a more sustainable wedding.

Electric Coach Hire Westway

Opt for vintage or second-hand wedding attire

Opting for vintage or second-hand wedding attire is a sustainable and eco-friendly choice for your wedding. By choosing pre-owned clothing, you're reducing the demand for new clothes and preventing perfectly good clothing from ending up in landfills. There are many options for finding vintage or second-hand wedding attire, including online marketplaces, consignment shops, and rental companies. You can also consider borrowing a dress or suit from a family member or friend, which can add sentimental value to your attire. Choosing vintage or second-hand wedding attire is not only a sustainable option but can also add a unique and personal touch to your wedding day.

Eco-Luxe British Bridal Brand Sabina Motasem, Photographer Emma Epic Love Story.

Donate leftover food to a local shelter or food bank

Donating leftover food to a local shelter or food bank is a great way to reduce waste and support the community. After the wedding, work with your caterer or venue to collect any uneaten food and arrange for it to be donated to a local organisation that accepts food donations. Many shelters and food banks are happy to accept prepared food donations as long as it meets their safety and quality standards. By donating your leftover food, you're reducing waste and helping to feed people in need. This is a meaningful and impactful way to end your wedding celebration and create a positive impact on the community. OLIO, for example, is a free app that connects local neighbours with each other so surplus food can be shared, not thrown away. All you need to do is list on the site what you have left over, and they'll come to you to collect it.

Local Sharing App OLIO

Set up recycling and compost stations throughout the event