With sustainability at the forefront of many people’s minds recently, especially with climate protests happening around the world, many couples are thinking about how they can make a difference in their own lives. If being eco-friendly is already a top priority for you, it’s likely that you’ll want to do your bit when it comes to your wedding day.
Luckily, there are plenty of changes that you can make, depending on the type of wedding that you want. With a bit of thought, it’s possible to have the big white wedding of your dreams and save the planet.
The biggest culprit when it comes to single-use plastic and non-recyclable items are decorations. Items like bunting, balloons, confetti and napkins all add a special touch to your big day, but they are bad for the planet. You also often see paper copies of the order of service and place names on the table.
It’s easy to swap these out for eco-friendly alternatives. Try fabric bunting, dried flower petals in the place of confetti and fabric napkins. If you’re using paper, then opt for sustainable options, either made from recycled or FSC certified paper. This means that the manufacturer has sourced the wood from well-managed forests.
If caring for the planet is at the top of your list, the likelihood is that you also care about buying other items ethically. Whether you’ve opted for several stones in a halo setting for your engagement ring, or a single solitaire stone, it’s important that you know your rock has come from a sustainable source, where the workers are paid well, and work in good conditions.
When choosing your wedding rings, make sure to check with the jewellers where their resources have come from. Some jewellers offer Fairtrade certified gold, which ensures that the metal was obtained in fair conditions, without child labour.
If you’re keen on having a brand new dress, make sure to look at the company that is making it. What commitments have they made towards sustainability? There is an ever-growing collection of brands out there that are carbon neutral, and are open and transparent about their sustainability goals. Try and choose a dress that you can wear again after the big day, either by dyeing it or getting it altered to a different style.
If you’re open to the idea of second hand, there are a range of stunning vintage dresses out there. After all, most brides will only wear their wedding dress once, so it’s likely that you can get hold of one nearly new. There is also the option of renting a dress, which is a great way of being friendly to both the planet and your purse.
If you’re moving between two venues, or you have a group of guests coming from one area, why not consider arranging group transportation for them, or encouraging car sharing? Not only will it reduce the overall carbon footprint of your event, it might also mean that some people who might not have been able to can enjoy the champagne with you!