News, Events and Courses
We keep you up to date with the latest news from the Sustainable Wedding Alliance, it’s partners and the wider world of sustainability and the wedding industry.
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Latest News
The latest sustainable business news and helpful articles from our partners and member organisations. If you’d like to submit an article, please get in touch.

Sustainable Wedding Alliance Named in UK’s Green Growth 100
The Sustainable Wedding Alliance has been named in the UK’s Green Growth 100, recognising its leadership in sustainability-led growth. This initiative by Small Business Britain and BT spotlights how purpose-driven practices can fuel commercial success and long-term resilience.

Raising the Bar: Professionalism, Sustainability and the UK Wedding Association
Discover how these two organisations work together to raise professionalism in the wedding industry. Learn the difference between UKWA benchmarking and SWA independent verification for a resilient, future-focused business.

The Sustainable Wedding Alliance is the named winner of the CLAD Catalyst Award 2025!
The Sustainable Wedding Alliance wins the 2025 CLAD Catalyst Award from The Carbon Literacy Project for its outstanding impact in delivering climate education and driving carbon reduction within the UK wedding industry.

Sustainable Wedding Alliance Shortlisted for Global Good Trailblazer of the Year at Prestigious Global Good Awards
Sustainable Wedding Alliance shortlisted for Global Good Trailblazer of the Year award, recognising their leadership in driving sustainability across the wedding industry.

Our Power, Our Planet: UK Wedding Businesses, Let’s Act for Earth Day This April!
UK wedding businesses: Join the Earth Day movement this April. Advocate for renewable energy, inspire eco-conscious weddings & protect our planet. #RenewableEnergyNow #EarthActionDay

Sustainable Wedding Alliance Partners with betternotstop to Launch B Corp Bootcamp for Accredited Members
Sustainable Wedding Alliance partners with Better Not Stop to launch B Corp Bootcamp for accredited members. Learn how this collaboration empowers sustainable wedding businesses to pursue B Corp certification and enhance their positive impact.

Sustainable Wedding Alliance Achieves Bronze Carbon Literate Organisation Status
The Sustainable Wedding Alliance (SWA) has today announced that it has been accredited as a Bronze Carbon Literate Organisation, highlighting the organisation's dedication towards tackling climate change.

A Pledge for a Wilder Wedding Industry
Join the wedding industry's collective commitment to protecting nature. Take the Biodiversity Pledge and help create a more sustainable future for weddings. Learn how to incorporate eco-friendly practices into your business and join the Pollinator Pathway.

Sustainable Wedding Awards 2025 Celebrate Industry Changemakers
Held on 5th February, the Sustainable Wedding Awards 2025 celebrated the best in sustainable wedding practices. See the full list of winners.

Michelle Miles, Founder of Sustainable Wedding Alliance, Shortlisted for Pioneer of the Year
Michelle Miles, the visionary founder of the Sustainable Wedding Alliance, has been shortlisted for the prestigious Pioneer of the Year award by the Better Business Network. This recognition highlights her exceptional contribution to the wedding industry and her unwavering commitment to sustainability.

Sustainable Wedding Alliance is taking part in the International Carbon Literacy Action Day!
The Sustainable Wedding Alliance has today confirmed and announced it’s official participation in the annual International Carbon Literacy Action Day – the largest climate education-and-action training day of its kind.

Power Up Your Sustainability Efforts in Just One Hour with “Unlock Sustainable Success”
Our "Unlock Sustainable Success" session is designed to tackle that head-on. In a focused 60-minute discussion, we'll work with you to identify your key sustainability challenges and brainstorm practical solutions that can be implemented quickly and efficiently.

Sustainable Wedding Alliance Finalists for Small Business Award
Sustainable Wedding Alliance has been shortlisted for Britain’s best sustainable business in the Net Zero category, celebrating innovative, trailblazing small businesses that have climate action, commitment to "Net Zero", sustainable development and supply chains, at the heart of their business.

Love, Action, and Mother Nature: A Recap of the Sustainable Wedding Summit
The Sustainable Wedding Summit empowered wedding professionals with actionable steps to weave sustainability into their businesses, fostering a community committed to greener celebrations and a thriving planet.

Sustainable Wedding Summit: Action, Inspiration, and Mother Nature Join Forces
Love and action bloomed at the Sustainable Wedding Summit! Businesses learned practical steps to sustainability & join the movement for ethical, conscious weddings.

Sustainable Wedding Awards Shine Spotlight on Industry Champions!
UK's Sustainable Wedding Awards announce winners championing environmentally conscious practices and positive impact within the industry. Innovative ideas, impactful initiatives, and unwavering dedication to sustainability are celebrated!

Sustainable Wedding Alliance Celebrates B Corp Certification with 100.5 Points!
The Sustainable Wedding Alliance (SWA) is proudly saying "I Do" to a new level of commitment, achieving the prestigious B Corp certification with a remarkable score of 100.5 points.

Sustainable Wedding Alliance Ties the Knot with B Corp – becoming a Certified B Corporation
SWA is now a B Corp certified business. Part of a global community of businesses that meet high standards of social and environmental impact.

Reimagine Love, Rethink Weddings: The Sustainable Wedding Summit
Calling all eco-conscious wedding professionals. Join the first-ever, in person Sustainable Wedding Summit on 1st February 2024, and become a changemaker in the industry.

Sustainable Wedding Awards 2023: Celebrating the UK’s Leading Sustainable Wedding Businesses
The Sustainable Wedding Awards 2023 finalists are announced, celebrating UK's leading eco-friendly wedding businesses who are committed to reducing their environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices. Join us for the awards ceremony on February 1st to celebrate their achievements.

Embrace Sustainability in the Wedding Industry: Join the Sustainable Wedding Summit
Join the Sustainable Wedding Summit, a transformative event for wedding professionals seeking to integrate sustainability into their businesses. Immerse yourself in interactive sessions, learn from experts, and embark on a journey towards creating conscious wedding industry that balances people, profit and planet.

Conscious Couples Newsletter
Sign up to receive the latest news in sustainable weddings, tips, events and special offers! You'll also be the first to hear about the Wedding Carbon Footprint Calculator launch.

Sustainable Wedding Awards to Recognise and Reward Conscious Businesses in the UK Wedding Industry
We're thrilled to announce the Sustainable Wedding Awards are back! The awards recognise and reward businesses in the wedding industry for their dedication to sustainability.

Sustainable Wedding Awards Application Process
The Sustainable Wedding Awards are officially open and we've received an incredible response so far! Have you applied yet?

Recent surge in sustainability practices in business in the United Kingdom
Sustainability is on the rise for businesses in the UK. Discover the benefits and challenges of adopting sustainable practices, and how to get started.

Sustainable supply chains: A guide for sustainable and ethical wedding businesses
Making your wedding business more sustainable is a good way to reduce your environmental and social impact, improve your reputation, and attract new customers

Carbon Literacy Action Day with Sustainable Wedding Alliance
On Monday 4th December, we are taking part in the Carbon Literacy Action Day - the world's largest climate education-and-action training event, coinciding with COP28.

As a business, should we invest in renewable energy?
Renewable energy is becoming increasingly popular among businesses in the UK, as it offers a number of advantages. Learn more about what other businesses are doing, and what steps you can take.

Revolutionising Sustainability in the Wedding Industry
The Sustainable Wedding Alliance introduces a groundbreaking accreditation, revolutionising sustainability in the wedding industry, empowering businesses to create eco-friendly weddings.

Sustainable Wedding Alliance Founder Shortlisted for the 2023 Great British Entrepreneur Awards
Sustainable Wedding Alliance based in West Berkshire is excited to announce that their Founder, Michelle Miles, has been shortlisted for the prestigious 2023 Great British Entrepreneur Awards in the Sustainability Entrepreneur of the Year category.

The first Sustainable Wedding Alliance Impact Report is out!
The Sustainable Wedding Alliance have released their first impact report, covering the first two years of driving sustainable change in the wedding industry.

We’re proud to be signatories of the Prompt Payment Code… are you?
They say money makes the world go round, and it’s a fundamental part of sustainability. For us transparency when it comes to money is key. As part of ensuring we are financially responsible, we adhere to the ethical marketing pledge and prompt payment code.

SWA launches Carbon Literacy Training for Wedding Professionals
The Sustainable Wedding Alliance are excited to be launching the Carbon Literacy Training for Wedding Professionals, with the first online, two half day course taking place on 18th and 19th April 2023.

Win. Don’t Bin with Guardians of Grub for Food Waste Action Week 2023
Hospitality and Food Service professionals can show how they are saving food, money and time in the race to Net Zero by keeping food from being wasted this March. Eleanor Morris at WRAP tells us how.

What is a sustainability policy and does my business need one?
A Sustainability Policy outlines your commitment towards ethical and environmental practices and procedures within your business. But where do you start when creating one?

Ethical Marketing for Wedding Professionals
Download your free ethical marketing guide for wedding professionals now! Sign up to the eco edit for instant access to your comprehensive guide on marketing your business with ethics and values at the core.

What is net zero and how do you achieve it?
We’ve all heard the term net zero, but what exactly does it mean? Put simply, net zero refers to the balance between the amount of greenhouse gas produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere.

Inaugural Sustainable Wedding Award winners announced at virtual ceremony
Created to recognise the sustainable initiatives, advocacy and sheer hard work taking in the wedding industry, the inaugural Sustainable Wedding Awards celebrates the work and impact, that businesses and the people within them are having.

Sustainable Wedding Alliance Founder named one of 2023’s most inspiring female founders
Our Founder Michelle Miles has been named as one of the UK’s most inspirational and dynamic female entrepreneurs by the f:Entrepreneur ‘#ialso100’ campaign.

First UK Sustainable Wedding Awards finalists announced with award ceremony confirmed for 26th January
Applications are in and the shortlists for the Sustainable Wedding Awards are out! Winners will be announced at our virtual awards ceremony on Thursday 26th January.

Sustainable Wedding Awards Launched – recognising the positive impact of wedding businesses
Developed by the Sustainable Wedding Alliance, the Sustainable Wedding Awards recognise and reward wedding businesses in the UK. Apply before 18 November 2022.

Businesses should be rewarded for being sustainable…
Being a sustainable business isn't about financial gain, it's about being responsible and making considered choices. But what if there were also rewards, acknowledging outstanding businesses and individuals, and encouraging sustainable behaviour?

Behaviours, attitudes and awareness around recycling
Although recycling is third on the waste hierarchy, it isn't to be underestimated. If you can't reduce, or reuse an item, your next point of call should be recycling. Over the years attitudes towards recycling have changed hugely, in both good and not so good ways.

British Flower Week: Celebrating growers, florists and wholesalers
A weeklong celebration of the beauty and variety of British cut flowers, foliage and plants, as well as the florists, growers and wholesalers across the country.

How important is sustainability to couples planning their wedding?
We recently ran a survey on couples that are planning their wedding, or recently married to find out how important sustainability was to them. And the results speak for themselves...

2022 Survey Results: How sustainable is the wedding industry right now?
Is a question that we get asked a lot! And unfortunately there hasn't been an easy answer. So in April 2021 we launched our wedding sustainability surveys - one for couples and one for businesses.

It’s time for the 2022 Sustainability Survey – Help us help you
The 2022 Sustainable Surveys are out! Closing date for replies is 22nd April. Our mission to to make the wedding industry more sustainable, but to do that it's important for us to know where we are. For businesses and couples.

Member News: The Wellbeing Farm Certifies as a B Corporation
SWA Member, The Wellbeing Farm has been awarded B Corporation certification. They are one of the first hospitality businesses to achieve this important certification and the first exclusive events and wedding venue in the UK.

Sustainable Wedding Planning: Getting rid of the unnecessaries
When we say unnecessaries, we're talking about all those little things, all the elements that are nice to have, but when you look at the waste and cost (both financially and to the planet) aren't truly necessary.

At last, a genuinely plastic-free solution for hot drinks!
We get through 7 million single-use coffee cups each day in the UK - 2.5 billion every year. Thankfully there are some solutions available, including a genuinely plastic-free solution.

Time to talk food waste and what to do about it
If you’ve not heard of Guardians of Grub yet, you soon will. It’s the latest initiative from the people behind Love Food Hate Waste, that’s helping the Hospitality and Food Service industry tackle the £3.2billion of wasted food we chuck into the bin every year.

Sustainability News | Supply Chain | November 2021
This month we've been talking a lot about supply chain - talking to suppliers about how you can more to a more sustainable supply chain and remove single use plastic. It's also something we've seen a lot in the media about this month.

Is your comms strategy ready for the new Green Claims Code?
Businesses making claims about their sustainability will have to provide more transparency to avoid greenwashing, as new ‘Green Claims’ guidance comes into force in January. Is your business green claims code ready?

Report reveals higher digital carbon cost than round the world flights
Nearly 80% of us failing to consider the environmental impact of our data use online, ‘dirty data’ habits could be silently contributing as much to global emissions as international air travel.

Sustainability News | Water | October 2021
This month we've been talking a lot about water - why we need it, where it comes from, how to storage, save and measure it... But it's also been featured in the media a lot this month too.

We need to stop burning stuff
#StopBurningStuff - A special episode ahead of the UN Climate Change Convention (COP26)

Switching to renewable electricity
One of the simplest ways for you to reduce your impact on the climate is to switch your energy supply to renewable electricity

Are we running out of water?
Despite water covering 71% of the planet’s surface, more than half the world’s population endures extreme water scarcity for at least one month a year. So are we running out of clean water?

Forests are a lifeline for people and planet
Forests are a lifeline for both people and planet, and are the second largest global store of carbon on our planet. Yet they are being cleared, burned or degraded at an alarming rate. But what can you do to help prevent further deforestation?

Sustainability News | Energy | September 2021
This month we've been talking a lot about energy, how it's produced, how to save it and where to buy it, and it's been featured a lot in the media too.

Business Declares a Climate Emergency
You may have heard us mention Business Declares in the past, but who are they, what do they do and how can you get involved?

What is air pollution?
What is air pollution? Learn how greenhouse gasses, smog, and toxic pollutants effect climate change, and human health.

Why does the wedding industry need to be more sustainable?
As part of our #DrivingSustainableChange series we interviewed Gwenda Jeffs about the changes she has seen in the industry since taking over the GREEN UNION, through the pandemic and her predictions for the future.

Sustainability News | Waste | August 2021
Waste has been a real issue across the industry for many years, and although people are more aware of the damage that single use can do, in busy times they fall back into old habits and choose convenience over conscience.

What does the IPCC report mean?
"If we combine forces now, we can avert climate catastrophe. But, as today's report makes clear, there is no time for delay and no room for excuses. I count on government leaders and all stakeholders to ensure COP26 is a success." UN Secretary-General António Guterres

Sustainability News | Carbon | July 2021
As we reach the half way point in the year, I think it's fair to say that no one expected we'd be where we are... this is our monthly round up of sustainability news from across the globe.

How can you make your small business more sustainable?
Understand what you can do to have a positive impact on the environment. It's not just about saving the planet, it's great for your brand reputation and bottom line too!

Why I’ve decided to make my business a more sustainable one
As part of our Driving Sustainable Change series, we're talking to business owners and sustainability champions. Today we hear from Jo about how she made her business more sustainable.

The wedding industry can build back better
It's been a tough year but as an industry we have an opportunity to build back better, making our businesses more sustainable and meeting the demand from conscious couples for sustainable, ethical weddings.

We’ve joined the Better Business Act coalition
The Sustainable Wedding Alliance is joining 1000+ businesses calling for a straightforward legislative solution: the Better Business Act will amend section 172 of The Companies Act to ensure that company directors are responsible for advancing the interests of shareholders alongside those of wider society and the environment.

Speakers for the Sustainable Wedding Summit 2021 announced
Join us for the first Sustainable Wedding Summit on Thursday 6th May and find out what you can do to make your business more sustainable. The event will be taking place virtually with speakers and live Q&A.

What is Earth Day and how can you be part of the change?
On 22nd April we celebrate Earth Day. This year, the theme is "Restore our Earth". Earth Day events will be taking place online, across the world, with up to 1 billion people getting involved across more than 190 nations.

The Sustainable Wedding Alliance Helps Environmentally-Conscious Wedding Businesses Come Together to Create a More Sustainable Industry
The Sustainable Wedding Alliance officially launched on 1 March 2021, aimed at guiding wedding businesses down their sustainable journey, through education, support and accreditation

Proud to partner with Sheepdrove, leading the way in sustainable weddings
Sheepdrove is owned by environmental campaigners Peter and Juliet Kindersley. Sheepdrove has for decades been leading the way with sustainable and environmentally responsible practices.

International Women’s Day: Celebrating female leaders in Sustainability
Promoting a more sustainable future and celebrating those women that have led the way for us. A challenged world is an alert world. And from challenge comes change. So let's all #ChooseToChallenge.

Conscious wedding businesses come together to create a more sustainable industry
Officially launched on 1 March 2021, the Sustainable Wedding Alliance guides wedding businesses along their sustainable journey, through education, support and accreditation.

What is Sustainability?
Sustainability can mean different things to different people, but in the context of your business, what does it mean to you? To develop a sustainable business you need to think about meeting your current business and clients needs, whilst protecting the environment and resources for the future.

What can we do to tackle food waste in the wedding industry?
For the majority of weddings, after travel, food waste is the one of the highest contributors to GHG. But what can we do to reduce food waste in the industry? #GuardiansOfGrub #LoveFoodHateWaste

Now is the time to develop a clear action plan to reach net zero
According a recent study by the British Chambers of Commerce, only 1 in 10 small businesses measure their carbon footprint. That's despite over half of the businesses saying that their customers were concerned about the climate crisis.

2021 can be the year that we turn the tide on climate change
Four out of five people choosing companies that have a positive approach to environmental sustainability, now is the right time to make your business sustainable.

What is a green economy?
Now is the time to build a better future. What gets decided now could impact us for decades to come. But what is a green economy? And how does it help us put people and the planet first? Find out by watching this video.
We've developed the Carbon Literacy Training for Wedding Professionals, a course that's specifically designed for those working in the wedding industry. The course will give you the knowledge and the tools you need to be confident when talking about climate change. The course will take you from the basics of climate science, and what is happening with the climate emergency; through to how this will impact everyone, enabling you to pledge relevant carbon reducing actions in your life, work & industry.
We host both in person and online sessions, designed for those working in the wedding industry. It's the perfect course for businesses and individuals that want to make a positive change and take action on climate change through their role.
On successful completion of your Carbon Literacy training, after submitting your actions, you can become certified as ‘Carbon Literate’, joining more than 150,000+ others, and including business leaders across multiple sectors. By taking part in this course, you will join individuals and team members across other businesses including the NHS, Patagonia and the BBC to become ‘Carbon Literate’, helping to embed a widespread low-carbon culture.
After completing the course, you’ll be required to complete a Participant Evidence form which will then be sent to the Carbon Literacy Project for approval. Once the form has been approved you will receive your certificate.
The course is £80 per person plus a £15 certificate fee. For members, there is no cost to the training, we just ask you to cover the certification fee. On the occasion that we are at a venue that provides lunch there may be additional costs.
We also offer group training, so if you have a team, or want to bring a group together to do the training, please let us know and we can arrange a date for you.
Conscious Connections
Regional Networking for Wedding Pros
Building a sustainable wedding industry shouldn’t be a solo journey. Our Conscious Connections events are designed to bring wedding professionals together across the UK to foster a community rooted in purpose, planet, and progress.
These regional gatherings offer a relaxed, welcoming space for everyone in the industry – from photographers and florists to planners and venues. Whether you are a long-standing member of the Sustainable Wedding Alliance or a non-member just beginning to explore environmentally conscious practices, you are invited to join the conversation.
What to Expect at a Conscious Connections Event:
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Authentic Networking: Meet like-minded professionals in your region who share a passion for positive change
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Knowledge Sharing: Gain practical insights and tips from our SWA Ambassadors and guest hosts to help make your business more sustainable
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Inspiration: Discover innovative ways to encourage couples to embrace eco-friendly choices without compromising on style or luxury
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Community Growth: Be part of a local and national movement dedicated to shaping a greener future for the UK wedding industry
From historic houses to modern eco-spaces, our events take place in unique venues across the country, providing the perfect backdrop to expand your network and refresh your perspective.
Join Us at Our Next Gathering
Ready to connect? Find an event in your region and book your spot via the link below. We can’t wait to see you there!