The Sustainable Wedding Awards are officially open and we’ve received an incredible response so far!
For the 2023 awards, we have eight categories that small businesses in the wedding industry can apply for. The awards celebrate the work and impact that wedding businesses are doing across the UK to balance people, profit and planet. Championing those that are making progress in their sustainability journey and encouraging others around them to do the same.
As part of the awards, we will highlighted the innovative ideas, stories and best practice shown by businesses and individuals, hoping to inspire other businesses to take action.
There’s plenty of time to get your applications in before the 24th November deadline. If you need some assistance getting started with your application, we’ve pulled together the steps below along with some tips for how to make your application stand out.
Ready to apply?
Have a look at the eight categories and what the judges are looking for to figure out which categories you want to enter. The application form, includes uploading a video. If you’d like to apply for more than one category, please film a different video for each focusing on the criteria for each category.
Prepare and record your application video(s) for each category you are applying for. Your video will need to be a .mov, .mp4 or .m4v file that cannot exceed 2 minutes in length. To upload the video, the file size will need to be 52 MB or less, so it’s recommended that you film your video in 1080p. If it’s more than 52MB please email your video to us via hello@sustainableweddingalliance.com via wetransfer.com. Complete the application form, including uploading your video.
We’ve together some tips on recorded a good video here.
That’s it! Now give yourself a pat on the back and get back down to business.
sustainableweddingalliance.com/sustainable-wedding-awards – This is where you’ll head to when you are ready to apply! It’s also where you can find out more information about the Awards, including our FAQs and judging panel.
What is the Sustainable Wedding Award eligibility criteria and judging process?
The awards are open to anyone in the UK, working in the wedding industry that has been in business for a minimum of 12 months and have a publicly available Sustainability/Environmental Policy or declaration. All products, services and/or activities eligible should have taken place between April-22 and October-23.
Each entry will be assessed against the general award criteria (above) in the category specific criteria (listed under each of the categories listed below).
All applications will be first reviewed by the Sustainable Wedding Alliance team, who will check them against the eligibility criteria, and shortlist up to ten applications. The judging panel will then review the shortlisted applications, scoring each of the questions. The scores from each judge will then be added up to give each entry a final score The highest scoring applications will be the winners. The judges may also choose to highlight businesses or individuals that they feel deserved to be high commended, or receive a Judges’ Choice Award.
Our full terms and conditions are available here.
What are the categories for the Sustainable Wedding Awards?
The awards celebrate the work and impact that wedding businesses are doing across the UK to balance people, profit and planet. Championing those that are making progress in their sustainability journey and encouraging others around them to do the same. There are eight categories for the 2023 awards:
Net Zero Leader
Recognising a business that is leading the way in reducing their carbon emissions, has a net zero target in place and can evidence positive progress towards their target. They should also be inspiring and influencing others to make a positive change, helping to reduce the industry’s overall emissions, both through business and wedding day carbon emissions.
Sustainable Change Maker
Celebrating an individual leading the way, that stands out for their passion for change in the wedding industry. This award will be presented to someone that has gone above and beyond to drive sustainable change, progressing social and/or environmental action, either within their business or in the wider community.
Sustainable by Design
Recognising a business or individual that showcases sustainable, traditional techniques and design in their work. Being an advocate for quality products, designed with sustainability in mind. This is open to all businesses that provide a product, from flower farms, to jewellery makers and everything in between.
Must be able to explain why the product/technique is sustainable, what it replaces and the positive impact.
Building Biodiversity
Recognising a business or individual that has actively promoted biodiversity within the industry either directly on their own land, or indirectly by inspiring and impacting others.
Sustainable Swap
Recognising a product or service that promotes sustainability – for example: reducing the carbon footprint of a wedding, replacing a single use product, or reducing wedding day waste.
Food Waste Prevention Champion
Recognising a business or individual that is reducing food waste, putting in place waste prevention systems, measuring and monitoring waste and is committed to inspiring others in the industry to do the same.
Sustainable Supply Chain
Enhancing sustainability in the supply chain. Recognising a business that is proactively updating their supply chain to ensure that they are working with like-minded, ethical and sustainable businesses.
Sustainable Start Up
Recognising a business formed after October 2021, that has since made considerable progress in growing and developing with sustainability at their heart, balancing people, profit and planet.
In addition to the main categories listed, the Judges will have the option of awarding a Judge’s Choice Award – A wild card award solely chosen by the Judges to a non-category winner whose business impressed the Judges so much that they felt recognition is deserved.
Thanks to all the businesses in the wedding industry who have already submitted an application. We can’t wait to hear more about your future business aspirations and learn about your story.
