Nowadays, we all want to do our bit when it comes to saving the planet. So, what better way to help the environment than with a fabulous eco-friendly wedding? And no, this doesn’t mean it’ll be any less amazing than a traditional wedding whatsoever! In fact, more and more brides are opting for the environmentally friendly route.
So, to help you get started, here are some top tips for planning an eco-friendly wedding:
Eco-Friendly Wedding Invites
Typically, wedding invites are sent out to family and friends on paper. Though this can add a personal touch, it’s also not great for the environment – especially as they’re likely to be thrown away anyway. Instead, why not try e-invites? Team up with a talented graphic designer to create a beautiful email to send to your guests. You could even go as far as to link them to a wedding website with extra information.
Alternatively, if you’ve got older guests who’ve not quite grasped technology yet, then you can always print them an invite on recycled paper. Plantable seed wildflower paper is perfect for this. Not only will guests receive their personalised invite, but they can then plant it in the garden to enjoy beautiful wild growing flowers.
Find a Sustainable Venue
Instead of transporting and constructing a venue like a marquee, stick with a permanent building like a hall or barn. They’ll already have appropriate recycling facilities and good contacts with local suppliers. You could even ask that they limit their energy use wherever possible, such as using candles or eco-lightbulbs. On the other hand, you could put all your faith in the weather and hold an outdoor wedding!
Bridesmaids Dresses
Your bridesmaids are such a huge part of your big day. Why not let them choose their own dresses? Not only will they be more comfortable, but it also avoids having to buy brand new dresses that they’ll only wear once. You could match with ladies designer belts or colour scheme to try and stay coordinated. If you’re really not keen, then donate the dresses to a charity shop afterwards to send them away to a better home.
Eco Wedding Favours
Give a special gift to guests that they’ll actually enjoy. Wrapped sweets and cellophane gift bags are all well and good, but they lack a personal touch – and they’re not so great for the planet. Why not create DIY wedding favours? Some popular ideas include homemade jam, flower seeds, handmade soap or a photo from the day.
Your Perfect Wedding Dress
One of the best ways to find an eco-friendly wedding dress is to recycle it! Perhaps you’ve got a dress that’s been in your family for years or maybe you and your mum want to start your own new tradition. You can always make alterations to make it feel more “you” such as teaming it with silver chain belt or stunning jewellery.
If that’s not an option, then you could search for a dress made by an ethical designer. There are plenty of beautiful wedding gowns created by eco-conscious designers. By using organic, sustainable materials, they’re able to produce wonderful gowns that haven’t harmed the environment in the process.
Eco-Friendly Catering
Food is always a key source of waste, something you’ll want to avoid on your environmentally friendly wedding day. Over-catering can be an issue, so it’s best to cater to each guest individually rather than make too much buffet food. Additionally, you should select a local company to limit the number of food miles your ingredients have travelled. This also helps to support the local businesses, so it’s a win-win!
