Top tips to help you plan a more sustainable/eco-friendly wedding
Weddings and events generate tonnes of waste year and have a huge impact on the environment and its sustainability. It is more important than ever to make eco-friendly swaps and more sustainable choices, especially when you are planning a wedding.
As an industry, we are now aware a lot more of the environmental issues around weddings and couples are also looking to suppliers to become more sustainable.
Sustainable macrame
At the heart of Tying the Knot Design is sustainability and a core value of mine. All the cord that I use is made from natural sustainable materials that are mainly created from plant fibres which are kinder to the environment. Using only 100% recycled cotton cord that is both from landfill and waste fibres, as well as jute, hemp or raffia.
Branches and driftwood are collected from the ground and cleaned using more natural methods, giving a new lease of life into natures gifts.
It is more important than ever to become a bit more thoughtful in your wedding planning. So, I have put together this guide to help you do just that, but yet still have the stylish wedding you dreamed of. And by using macrame in your décor elements, you know that you are also adopting a greener approach.
Food and drink
Look at using a local caterer who specialises in just that, more local produce, that is also seasonal. Organic, veggie or vegan options helping to reduce that carbon footprint.
Ensure you minimise waste too by not over ordering too much, so you end up with excess leftovers. If you do, could you donate that food to your local food bank?
Carbon-neutral and organic drinks that can be served in glass bottles are another alternative. Organic and local wines and the amazing number of local breweries in the UK could allow you to buy your beer in barrels or kegs. Avoid bottled water. Grab a kilner drink dispenser and add a water point for your guests with proper glasses!
Eliminate single-use plastic
Single-use plastic cutlery and dinner wear can be hired these days and although some companies will take it away, there is nothing better than eating with proper silverware off a plate.
If you are hiring in food vans (in true festival style!) insist on them using biodegradable plates and cutlery. Alternative options would be to have banana leaf, wooden or bamboo plates can give that real boho feel to your day. So much more stylish than a white piece of plastic! Paper straws are now used a lot more as well as bio-cups. And have a think about requesting condiments that are served in bulk, not in single-use sachets.
Second hand upcycling
Are there any local second-hand or vintage dress shops that you could look in, for that sustainable wedding dress? Maybe you could upcycle that second-hand dress as well. Could you borrow one from a family member that is close to you? A truly meaningful way to add in that “something borrowed” or “something old” to your wedding day. Look how Princess Beatrice decided to wear one of the Queen’s vintage dresses for her own wedding day.
Do you have any old furniture that you could bring to your wedding that you could repurpose such as an old cabinet that could serve as a sweet or drinks station?
Sustainable floristry
Look for local florists that use British grown flowers than can still create that amazing floral display for you. Think to the season that you are getting married in and therefore you could avoid buying in flowers that aren’t imported and not in season.
You could also look at dried or artificial flowers which can then be reused after your wedding day. There are an amazing array of luxury faux flower experts out there that can bring a fresh new look to your floristry. More and more florists are using foam free methods which is better for the environment.
Could you gift your florals too after your wedding day, as a thank you.
Power and LED lighting options
If you are having a marquee wedding it is highly likely that you will need additional power in the form of generators. Try and go for a greener fuelled generator over petrol based. Those that are bio led using alternative fuels are far better for your carbon footprint.
LED festoon lighting looks amazing for outdoor weddings as well as up-lights and these are much more energy-efficient. LED lighting is very versatile and can help add to the ambience of your day.
If you are thinking of adding in lampshades with LED bulbs, or tea lights in jars that make stunning night lights, then there are lots of sustainable macrame options to do just this.
Hire your décor
Why not consider hiring in your décor items for your wedding to truly bring your ideas to life rather than buying in cheap looking ready-made items that you are likely to only use once, or discard after your wedding day. Hiring in not only helps to support local businesses but it also helps to alleviate that stress on your wedding day by leaving the styling to the wedding experts.
Look at using eco-conscious suppliers that use natural materials in their work that are still stylish yet sustainable.
I am currently working on a macrame hire range that will include a selection a hireable décor items to help you to create that bohemian/festival style look to your wedding day. So, watch this space!
Group Transport
If your chosen ceremony venue is a distance from your reception venue then your guests are going to need moving from one location to the other. Why not look to set up group transportation by hiring a bus or coach specifically for all of your wedding party. Think of all the petrol you will be saving. Plus its a great way to get your guests chatting before the festivities begin!
This stops a large number of vehicles that are needed to get your guests from one place to the other. Use local transport suppliers where possible to reduce that carbon footprint event more.
Using recyclable stationery paper
Discuss with your stationery about using recycled card or biodegradable paper for your stationery. Look at using plantable seed paper as an alternative way to allow your guests to plant and grow the seeds after their invite arrives!
Could you use vegan stationary that uses sustainable plant-based inks, glues and dyes that are then all recyclable too? Search for eco-conscious wedding invitation designers.
If you want to take it that bit further, why not look for paperless wedding invitation websites. With online, email-only invites, it’s a great way to save on paper. Greenenvelope and Paperless post are just a couple of websites offering this kind of service.
Bio-degradable confetti
