There’s so much to think about when planning a wedding as it is. To then add the thought of making it as sustainable as possible is extra overwhelming. Weddings can be extremely wasteful if the thought isn’t put in, so here are a few easy steps and ideas to ensure you’re doing your bit on your day. Please also see blog about money saving tips as the two go hand in hand in many ways.

THE HEN

• Have an absolutely no plastic willys / straws / balloons / anything disposable rule.
• Normalise one day local hen do activities rather than abroad hens.  What are your interests, what about a cake decorating class / ceramics class / make home made pizzas then have a big night out at karaoke.
• Buy a cute second hand outfit off vinted for the occasion. 

THE OUTFITS

• Customise a vintage/family wedding dress
• Buy a second hand dress
• If buying new then look at sustainable designers
• Sell your wedding outfit afterwards on depop/ebay/vinted
• Wedding Party outfits - ask people to wear what they already own / rent something / buy second hand or buy something they will at least wear again. Promote all these ideas to your guests too for extra David Attenborough points.
• Something borrowed - borrow accessories and shoes.

WEDDING FAVOURS

Theres soooo many cute eco ideas you could do instead of plastic wrapped disposable items:

• Plantable place cards or flower seed packet to grow at home
• Bake some delicious cookies so people can have an instant snack during the speeches.
• Support local business and get some honey local to your venue.
• Book a second shooter through yours truly and have a ‘live photobooth’ experience for your guests so they can have cool pro photos taken instead of the tacky ones. 
• Or just don’t do wedding favours :)))

THE VENUE

• The obvious one would be not to have an abroad wedding. Save on air miles and costs by having a local wedding and put on transport for guests, or promote trains and car pooling.
• Choose a venue that hosts the ceremony and the reception to avoid additional travel for guests.
• Ask your venue if it offers farm to fork, locally grown, and seasonal menu options. Or if you’re mega green, ask for a seasonal vegan menu.
• As for the drinks, get the beers in from a local brewery. 

THE DECOR & DETAILS 

• Starting with invites - go paperless send an email invite / or make a wedding website.
• Get locally grown seasonal flowers.
• Biodegradable confetti ALWAYS.
• Rent or buy second hand/vintage table wear such as linens and candlesticks 
• Wedding guestbook - Why not get your wedding song on vinyl and get everyone to sign that and then frame it!
• Gifts - Ask for honeymoon money / meal vouchers / specific shop vouchers to places you know you need things from so to cut down on unwanted gifts. If you don’t need anything then provide a QR code for people to send money to a charity of your choice.