PhotoIn recent years, we’ve become increasingly aware of our impact on the planet. More and more people are looking for ways they can live a more sustainable lifestyle – one which doesn’t unnecessarily create excess waste or drain vital resources.
But what about big events in your life? Is it possible to celebrate a wedding, for example, sustainably? The good news is that it is possible – it just takes some planning.
Here are some of our top tips for planning your eco-friendly big day.
Book a venue that cares about what you care about
Some wedding venues prioritise sustainability more than others. If it’s an important factor in your special day, make sure you’re asking venues about their commitment to the environment. Do they source their food locally? Do they use eco-friendly products? Are they committed to recycling? Finding a venue with strong eco credentials will go a long way to helping you create the sustainable wedding of your dreams.
Concentrate on plastic use
Did you know one wedding can produce as much as 20kg of plastic waste? As one guide to sustainable weddings explains, balloons, decorations and confetti are all big offenders.
Try using biodegradable, dried out petals as confetti, and eliminate the use of single-use plastic in any decorations. You should also ensure guests can recycle throughout the day if needed. Balloons should be avoided because of the choking hazard they pose to wildlife like birds and sea creatures.
Think about food
Weddings also waste a lot of food – in fact, 10% of wedding food gets thrown away, with 15% of newlyweds throwing the remains of their cake away.
To avoid food going to waste, think carefully about how much you’re ordering. Canapés, three courses, edible wedding favours and a midnight snack – it could all be too much. Not only is it wasteful, but it’s also expensive.
Consider your outfits
A wedding dress typically gets worn once. While suits may get a few more wears, the gown tends to stay in the wardrobe. It can be a wasteful use of resources.
To combat this, you could consider a vintage or second-hand wedding dress. Most people wouldn’t think twice about buying other pre-owned items, but there are some mixed opinions when it comes to second-hand dresses. However when ELLE magazine’s research found coveted Vera Wang wedding dresses selling on eBay for as little as £650, it’s hard to ignore the appeal. It’s good for the environment, and with the right searching you could find something amazing.
Be conscious of your wedding gifts
People might not know of your commitment to a sustainable wedding and lifestyle. But if they’re going to be getting you gifts, it needs to be clear what eco-friendly options you’d prefer. You can provide registries with specific products, encourage guests to shop from stores that support environmental initiatives, or consider a charity registry. Instead of buying you a gift, guests can donate to causes close to your heart.
These are just some of the ideas you can explore when planning an eco-friendly wedding. The demand is growing and it’s likely you’ll start attending more events – including weddings – where it’s clear that some effort has gone into ensuring the celebration has minimal impact on the environment.
Furthermore, you can add a personalized touch to your eco-friendly wedding by offering customized ladies’ handkerchiefs as wedding favors. Not only do they make for elegant and sustainable keepsakes, but they also symbolize your dedication to reducing waste and creating cherished memories. By incorporating such thoughtful choices into your wedding, you inspire others to embrace sustainability while making your celebration truly unique and meaningful.
Go paperless
Sending paper invites out to all your guests can actually be a bit of a pain. Instead, go paperless with electronic invites. In this day and age, you might be more likely to have everyone’s email addresses than their postal address, saving on unnecessary hassle as well as waste.
