Your path to “I do” is far from simple; there are of course a thousand and one things to tick off that wedding planning to-do list before you take that fateful walk down the aisle. As well as considering the usual wedding planning to-dos, modern-day couples have a new set of tasks to tackle if they want to tie the knot without putting pressure on the planet.
According to the Sustainable Wedding Alliance, the average wedding emits 14.5 tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e). Yet, as the same research reveals, these emissions can be halved with a few eco-conscious choices.
Reducing the carbon footprint of your wedding is easy with the right know-how. We reveal just five ways to up the sustainability of your wedding and have your dream big day with a little less environmental impact.
1. Tie the knot at home, not overseas
Your choice of wedding venue can make more of a difference than you think. By marrying at home, rather than opting for a destination wedding, you’ll be reducing the environmental damage caused by air travel in an instant.
When organising the logistics of your wedding day, be mindful of car travel. You can host your wedding in a single venue to reduce on-the-day travel. Here at Bourton Hall, we offer the perfect setting for both your ceremony and reception. We also provide night before and overnight wedding accommodation to make logistics simpler and more sustainable.
Encourage guests to be eco-friendlier in the way they travel too by carpooling, using public transport, or hiring a minibus.
2. Consider renting your wedding attire
Whether you’re the bride or groom, renting your wedding attire is an extremely effective way to increase your big day’s eco brownie points.
Wedding dress rentals have been big news in recent years, with several high profile brides choosing to hire rather than buy. Renting your wedding gown isn’t just great for the planet either as the Independent describes:
“Weddings are a very expensive business. Whether you’re on a strict budget or would rather put the cost of a gown towards a once in a lifetime honeymoon, hiring bridalwear is far cheaper than buying. Symonds’ appliquéd embroidered tulle gown, for example, retails at £2,870, but rental starts from just £45 per day.”
If you’re not keen on renting your wedding dress, take a sustainable approach to buying by reselling your bridal gown. Reselling will give you a great financial boost post-wedding, reduce your big day’s carbon footprint, and make another bride’s dreams come true.
3. Go sustainable with your wedding menu
An increasing number of couples are choosing to include more vegan and vegetarian options on their wedding menus, and for good reason. Even going plant-based just once a week can help save precious resources.
Work with your baker to make your wedding cake more sustainable too. By using organic, locally sourced, Fairtrade and seasonal ingredients, and decorating with reusable elements, you can reduce your cake’s environmental impact dramatically.
4. Get creative with your wedding stationery
In the run-up to your wedding and on the day itself, you’re certain to use a lot of paper. Wedding invitations, table plans, place cards and menus are all traditionally printed and displayed before being thrown on the recycling heap.
Go digital with your save the dates and official wedding invitations by creating your own wedding website or sending e-invites. Think creatively about how you can display menus and table plans without using paper. For wedding stationery that has to be printed as hard copies, use recycled paper.
5. Go local and seasonal with your flowers
We love seasonal blooms; wedding flowers are at their prettiest when they’re harvested at just the right time.
Shopping local reduces the environmental impact of those beautiful floral displays too, and as you’ll discover, there are tons of stunning locally grown varieties accessible throughout the UK. For zero impact, use live plants (such as potted herbs and greenery) instead of cut flowers.
Donating your floral arrangements to local charities, hospitals and hospices will also extend their use after your wedding day.
