As more and more couples are looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact, sustainable weddings are becoming increasingly popular. But what does it mean to have a sustainable wedding? And how can you do it without sacrificing style?
In this article, I’ll share some tips on how to plan a sustainable wedding that is both beautiful and environmentally friendly.
Start by choosing the right venue
The venue is one of the biggest contributors to the environmental impact of a wedding and it’s usually the first thing you book. When choosing a venue, look for one that is committed to sustainability – people and planet. This could include a venue that uses renewable energy, recycles all waste, has a sustainability policy and pays the living wage.
Consider your transportation options
The transportation of your guests and vendors is another major contributor to the environmental impact of a wedding. If possible, encourage your guests to car share or take public transportation to your wedding (where possible). You can also offset the carbon emissions of your guests’ journey.
Choose sustainable wedding supplies
There are many sustainable wedding supplies available today, from eco-friendly invitations to reusable table decor. When choosing wedding supplies, look for products that are made from recycled materials, can be reuse or repurposed. It’s also important to ask suppliers for their sustainability policy.
Go for a plant-based menu
The food served at your wedding is another major contributor to its environmental impact. A plant-based menu is a great way to reduce your wedding’s carbon footprint. Not only is plant-based food better for the environment, but it can also be just as delicious as meat-based food.
Decorate with flowers grown, not flown
Fresh flowers are a beautiful addition to any wedding, but they can also be a major environmental impact. If you want to have fresh flowers at your wedding, consider using flowers from a local flower farm, and a florist that works with British Grown flowers, using sustainable techniques.
Say no to single-use plastics
Single-use plastics are a major source of pollution. When planning your wedding, try to avoid using single-use plastics as much as possible. This includes things like plastic straws, plastic cups, and plastic tableware.
Be mindful of your waste
One of the best ways to reduce the environmental impact of your wedding is to be mindful of your waste. This means thinking about what the end life of the products will be, what will you do them after the wedding day? It’s important to recycle as much as you can and talk to you caterer to ensure they compost food waste. Depending on what you’re serving, you could also consider donating any unused wedding supplies to a local charity.
Planning a sustainable wedding doesn’t have to be difficult. By following these tips, you can have a beautiful and environmentally friendly wedding that you’ll cherish for years to come.
Here are some additional tips for choosing the right suppliers for your sustainable wedding:
- Ask your venue for recommendations for sustainable suppliers. By choosing the right suppliers, you can help to ensure that your sustainable wedding is as environmentally friendly as possible.
- Ask businesses about their sustainability practices.
- Do your research online to find sustainable businesses in your area.
- Look for suppliers that are accredited by a sustainable wedding organisation, such as the Sustainable Wedding Alliance.
