Why we need eco-friendly weddings
Your wedding should be the most memorable day of your life, but you don’t want yours to be remembered for its carbon footprint! To avoid emitting the average 21 tonnes of carbon dioxide that most weddings generate, lots of couples are trying to think of ways to make their special day more eco-friendly. The wedding planning process may be shrouded in uncertainty at the moment due to the ongoing lockdown, and it can sometimes feel overwhelming to plan everything exactly the way you would like in these circumstances. So if you’re struggling, let us take some of the burden off by talking you through why we need eco-friendly weddings – and how to make them a reality.
Borrow don’t buy
A good rule of thumb is not to buy anything you can borrow or hire (this is not just good for the planet but also your wallet). Ask your friends and family what they have in the attic, as you might find beautiful fabric bunting or sets of wine glasses on offer if you just take the time to enquire. Even if you have to buy things, consider looking at vintage and secondhand items. There are lots of great wedding rings and dresses out there that are pre-loved but still fabulous.
Ditch disposables
The average UK wedding produces 18kg of plastic waste. To reduce this, try to avoid single-use items. For example, wedding stationery is beautiful but it is headed for the recycling bin, so why not skip it and send out virtual invitations instead? Similarly, dodge plastic decorations and use natural décor like local foliage where you can or things made from paper or fabric. When it comes to centrepieces, use pot plants instead of cut flowers - you can even take them home afterwards as a living memento, or gift them to your guests as favours. Other great ideas for eco-friendly wedding favours include edible items or packs of bee-friendly wildflower seeds.
Keep it local
You might have dreamt about an exotic destination wedding, but keeping it local will definitely help your green agenda. It’s also worth considering whether you can use one venue for the ceremony and reception so guests do not have to shuttle between them. If you do have to have two venues, hire a coach so you can transport your guests in masses.
Eco-friendly venues
And when it comes to picking the venue itself, don’t be afraid to ask about its green credentials. Don’t let them undo all your hard work by engaging in unsustainable practices themselves! There are many green venues and caterers out there to choose from, with responsible policies around such areas as recycling, food waste, energy-efficient appliances, biodegradable products and more.
Be mindful with your menu
Champagne and camembert sound romantic, but there’s no need to rely on shipping in food and drink from the continent to ensure it's high quality. There are lots of award-winning cheesemongers, winemakers and spirit distilleries here in the UK - and just think of the fun you can have sampling their wares to find the perfect ones. Design your menu with an eye to what food is in season and maybe have one course, if not all of the meal, vegetarian or vegan for extra eco points.
Ask for donations not gifts
It’s practically impossible to plan a wedding that is completely environmentally friendly, and you need to indulge your whims sometimes during the planning. So, if you’re left with a little green guilt, why not ask guests for donations to an environmental charity rather than providing them with a gift register to pick a present from? You can live without the bread maker!
Planning an eco-friendly wedding can seem like a scary task, especially in the current circumstances. But don’t be afraid: even small steps can make a big difference!
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