How to Plan a Sustainable Wedding
Luxury weddings are all about extravagance, elegance, and beauty. However, in today's world, there's an increasing awareness of the impact our choices have on the environment. For couples who want to marry in style whilst being mindful of their carbon footprint, planning a sustainable wedding is the way to go. In this blog post, I will guide you through the steps to plan a luxurious yet eco-friendly wedding that leaves a lasting impression on your guests and the planet.
Select a Green Venue
Choosing the right venue can make a significant difference in the sustainability of your wedding. Consider hosting your wedding at a venue that's already environmentally friendly or one that is willing to adopt sustainable practices for your event. Look for venues that have energy-efficient lighting, solar panels, and a commitment to waste reduction.
Choose Sustainable Vendors
The next step in planning a sustainable wedding is to select eco-conscious vendors. Seek out vendors who are committed to environmentally friendly practices. This includes caterers who use locally sourced, organic ingredients and florists who offer in-season, pesticide-free and British-grown blooms.
Source Local Suppliers
Whilst most suppliers are more than happy to travel across the UK, or even overseas, choosing to work with local suppliers has a big impact on the carbon footprint of your wedding. Tailor your searches on Google and social media by area, or filter by a region when using a supplier directory.
Invitations and RSVPs
When it comes to wedding invitations, there are numerous eco-friendly options. Opt for digital invitations with online RSVPS to reduce paper waste further and streamline the planning process. Or use recycled paper with eco-friendly inks for your traditional paper invites. You can also incorporate your theme into the invites by using plantable paper, which guests can later plant to grow wildflowers. Either way, stationary can be carefully chosen to minimise the environmental impact.
Sustainable Decor
Your wedding decor plays a crucial role in setting the mood for your special day. Consider using reusable or rented decor items that can be repurposed for other events. If you prefer fresh flowers, choose seasonal, locally sourced blooms to minimise transportation emissions. For centrepieces, potted plants or succulents can be a sustainable and elegant choice. Hand-dyed linen napkins, tablecloths or runners are a great way to add style to your wedding whilst acting sustainably
Eco-Friendly Attire
When selecting your wedding attire, look for eco-friendly options and support British designers. Choose a dress or suit made from sustainable materials, consider buying a second-hand wedding outfit, or support British bridalwear brands, like Suzanne Neville, Halfpenny, Anna Kara. Supporting sustainable fashion not only reduces waste but also encourages responsible production practices. For bridesmaid dresses, opt for individual outfits that they want to wear again, rather than matching dresses they’ll never get any other use out of. Hiring suits is an easy way of not only saving costs but cutting back on waste. Or, if you want to buy your own, opt for ones that your groom and groomsmen can wear again.
Transportation
Transportation is a key aspect of a sustainable wedding. Encourage carpooling or use a shuttle service to transport guests to and from the venue. If possible, host both the ceremony and reception at the same location to reduce the need for additional travel. You can even consider organising a carbon offset program to mitigate the environmental impact of your guests' travel.
Food and Beverage
The catering choices for your wedding can have a significant impact on the sustainability. Work with caterers who prioritise local and organic ingredients as this minimises carbon footprint and allows you to make the most of the delicious seasonal produce available at the time. Don't forget to discuss sustainable beverage options too, such as local wines and craft beers. Nyetimber is a well-known and popular champagne alternative which is produced on British soil.
Sustainable Favours
Favours can often get left behind at the end of the night but if you are keen to thank your guests, then thoughtful, sustainable wedding favours are the preferred option. Consider items like potted plants, seeds, or organic chocolates. These eco-friendly tokens of appreciation are not only a way to show gratitude but also a reminder of your commitment to the environment.
Waste Reduction and Recycling
If you are having a home wedding, you will need to plan for waste disposal and reduction so consider providing clearly labelled recycling and compost bins to encourage guests to dispose of items properly. Also, minimise single-use items like plastic cutlery and straws, and consider renting or using reusable tableware and decor. One thing that is often not thought about, is floral foam. Many florists are now switching to more environmentally friendly alternatives so it’s worth checking with your florist what they use for their floral arrangements.
Conclusion
A luxury wedding doesn't have to come at the expense of the environment. By following these steps and making thoughtful choices, you can plan a sustainable wedding that showcases your commitment to both elegance and environmental responsibility. Your wedding can be a beautiful celebration that leaves a positive impact on the planet, setting an example for others to follow.
The Value of a Dedicated Wedding Planner
We lead busy lives and planning a wedding is a very large task to undertake. Not only is it incredibly time consuming, but it can also be daunting and slightly overwhelming - especially, if you really want to plan a sustainable wedding that encompasses all the above, and more!
If you need a wedding planner that works solely on your behalf and will go the extra mile to create a personalised service, please get in touch.
