WHAT IS A SUSTAINABLE & ECO FRIENDLY WEDDING?
When you are designing a wedding, there are so many things to think about. From flowers to speeches; you may well have a strong vision of what you want your day to look like. In all likelihood, you are primarily keen to have a wedding day that is unique in style and speaks to you personally in a powerful way. But at the same time, you might want to make sure that it is going to be a truly ethical and sustainable wedding.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT SUSTAINABLE WEDDING DRESS...
Your wedding dress is a big decision, and feeling great in it can make the whole day even better. If you're aiming for a more sustainable approach, a pre-loved or eco-friendly dress is a great option.
Choosing a second-hand dress cuts down on waste, but finding the right one can take time. Give yourself plenty of time to explore your options, and you're more likely to find a dress that fits your style and needs perfectly.
Or consider a locally made dress for a unique and ethical choice. It supports local designers, avoids the environmental impact of mass production, and allows you to create something truly personal. Plus, working directly with a designer means you get a dress tailored to your vision. It's a great way to stay stylish while making a sustainable decision.
THINK OUTSIDE THE JEWELLERY BOX
Your wedding ring is for life, so finding an ethical option matters. Look beyond the usual jewellers—smaller or alternative suppliers often offer more sustainable choices. Shops like Infinity Diamond Jewellery have stunning rings that align with your values. A little extra searching can lead to a ring that’s both beautiful and responsible.
Buy an Antique or Vintage Ring
Avoid conflict diamonds and the wastage of precious metals and gemstones, while looking timeless and classic. Many jewellery stores offer a selection of pre-loved jewellery. Make sure your ring comes with a valuation.
CHOOSE SUSTAINABLE FOOD...
Great food is a wedding highlight, so make sure it’s both delicious and ethical. Choose a caterer that prioritises sustainable ingredients, think locally sourced produce, free-range eggs, and fair-trade options. Keeping guests’ dietary needs in mind while making eco-friendly choices ensures everyone enjoys a meal that’s both thoughtful and tasty.
Support Local Producers for Catering
If you’d rather serve a range of dishes at your wedding, why not make sure it’s from local producers? This allows you to support local industries and is a chance to increase your and your guests’ awareness as to where your food comes from.
MORE TIPS...
HOLD THE CEREMONY & RECEPTION IN THE SAME PLACE
Keep costs and your carbon footprint low by hosting the ceremony and reception at the same venue. It’s also more convenient for guests, saving them from arranging multiple trips!
MAKE IT EASY FOR YOUR GUESTS TO TAKE PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Help your guests reduce the wedding’s carbon footprint by encouraging public transport. Choose a location with good transport links, and share details of common routes. For out-of-town guests, provide info on how the local system works, along with handy timetable apps.
And/or Organise Carshare or Busses
Recommend car share options to your guests, especially those travelling from afar. Or, organise shuttle buses that will group guests in particular areas and transport them to and from the venue.
RECYCLED DECOR
Your decor will need to both suit your tastes, and be as ethical as possible. In order to make sure of both of these things, you will need to take a look at what recycled decor items you can find, and then use those as a central part of your decision-making process. By making the simple switch of being led by what is available in recycled areas, you are going to be definitely ethical, while still being able to find something to suit your individual tastes.
If you are thinking of using a wedding planner, seek out someone who is used to using recycled materials and can create a sustainable wedding day. You’ll find that they are surprisingly common, and this is a wonderful way of making sure that your decor is going to be completely ethical while also suiting your unique style. Another important point: be sure to recycle all of those items again after you have used them, so that someone else can use them for their wedding. In this way, you will be helping out the environment in a doubly effective way, and those who come after you will be able to follow your lead.
ASK YOUR GUESTS TO DONATE INSTEAD OF A GIFT
If you’d rather give back or don’t need more homewares, ask guests to donate to your favorite charity instead of bringing gifts. It’s a meaningful way to make a difference on your special day.
USE SOCIAL MEDIA
Avoid your contribution to landfills and resist the trend of providing hundreds of disposable cameras for your guests to capture the day.
Encourage your guest to upload their pictures to Instagram and Facebook using the same hashtag. Build an awesome zero-waste guest album!
Making even a few sustainable choices can make your wedding more ethical and uniquely yours. Whether it’s an eco-friendly dress, ethical jewellery, or greener transport, every decision adds to a mindful celebration. Sustainability doesn’t mean sacrificing style—it’s about creating a day that reflects your values while still feeling magical. Let’s make it special!
Sarah Jane x
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