How to plan a more sustainable wedding

A more sustainable wedding aims to minimise the celebration's environmental impact through responsible choices. These include reducing waste, using recycled materials and choosing ethical suppliers.

Choosing a more sustainable wedding has several benefits. As well as helping protect the environment, you can inspire your guests to make sustainable choices themselves. It can often cost less, too, because it encourages reusing things and cutting back on excess.

Choosing the venue

Choose a local venue: a local setting reduces the need for travel, which lowers CO2 emissions. Look for somewhere close to home or easy for most guests to reach, to reduce the overall carbon footprint.

Look for environmental certification: many wedding venues now hold environmental certifications. They follow sustainable practices such as efficient water management, renewable energy use and waste recycling. Choosing a certified venue supports businesses that share your environmental values.

More sustainable invitations

Digital invitations: these are an excellent way to reduce paper use. They save resources, can lower costs and make it easier to manage RSVPs.

Recycled paper and environmentally friendly inks: if you prefer printed invitations, choose recycled paper and environmentally friendly inks. These materials have a lower environmental impact and can be beautifully made. Plant-based inks are also less harmful to the environment.

Sustainable wedding outfits

Ethically made wedding dresses and suits: choosing ethical wedding outfits means looking for responsibly produced clothing. Seek out designers who use sustainable or recycled materials and follow fair working practices.

Recycled or vintage accessories: these add a distinctive, personal touch to your outfit. As well as their individual charm, they reduce the demand for new products and the waste involved in making them.

Responsible catering

An organic, locally sourced menu: locally sourced food reduces the carbon footprint associated with transport. Organic produce is grown without synthetic chemical pesticides, which benefits health and the environment. Working with a caterer who shares these values can make a real difference.

Reducing food waste: plan portions carefully to avoid waste. Consider donating leftovers to local organisations or encouraging guests to take food home. Compostable packaging for leftovers can also be a useful option.

More sustainable decorations

Local, seasonal flowers: these don't have to travel far, reducing transport emissions. They're often fresher and less expensive than imported flowers, and they support local growers.

Reusable or DIY decorations: reusable or homemade decorations can save money and personalise your wedding while reducing waste. Think about lanterns, fabric garlands or centrepieces that you can reuse or repurpose after the day.

Lower-impact transport

Encourage car sharing: asking guests to share cars can significantly reduce your wedding's carbon footprint. Providing information about the available transport options is a good place to start.

Use electric or hybrid vehicles: for necessary journeys, such as transporting the couple or guests, consider electric or hybrid vehicles. They are much less polluting than conventional petrol or diesel vehicles.

Ethical gifts and favours

Local, handmade gifts: these support craftspeople and reduce the carbon footprint associated with transport. Consider handmade soaps, environmentally friendly candles or local food products.

Useful, lasting favours: choosing gifts your guests can use and keep helps make sure they're enjoyed and appreciated. 

Managing waste

Reduce plastic waste: keep single-use plastics to a minimum. Choose alternatives such as compostable cutlery, glass drinking vessels or bamboo plates. Every small choice helps reduce the environmental impact of your event.

As I often say, your wedding should reflect who you are. I'm here to help you stay true to your values, especially for such a happy occasion! If you'd like to talk about your more sustainable wedding, get in touch.