When planning a wedding there are many factors to consider. Who will you invite? Where will you tie the knot? Have you found your dream dress? But have you considered the environmental impact of your day?
It is becoming increasingly common for prospective brides and grooms to not only consider what the day will look and feel like, but what hosting a typically large group of family and friends will have on the environment.
© GettyThough a destination wedding is a style that you would traditionally associate with a carbon footprint, there are always ways to reduce the environmental impact of your UK-based wedding. We might not all know where to start in terms of creating a more eco-conscious day but luckily we have an expert on hand to give us the 411.
Speaking with ethical jewellery brand Sacet, Zoe Burke, a leading wedding expert and editor of Hitched.co.uk, tells us if you are factoring sustainability into your big day, you're not alone.
© Getty"Our latest National Wedding Survey has shown that couples are increasingly prioritising sustainability and eco-friendly elements for their weddings," the expert says. "A quarter of weddings last year included sustainable decor or eco-friendly elements, up from 19% the previous year." This demonstrates a growing awareness among couples regarding the long-term impact of their wedding choices."
Venue
She says to start by choosing a venue that isn't going to be a long car drive or even a flight away from where you are based. "An important thing to consider is the location of the venue. A venue that’s far for you and your guests to travel to will ultimately result in your wedding having a higher carbon footprint, as more fuel will be required to transport you," Zoe tells us.
© Getty"You'll want to find a venue with a track record of prioritising sustainability or which is sustainably accredited, as they will have access to sustainably focused suppliers who can make suggestions and support across everything from catering to decor."
© GettyKatie Poole, Weddings and Event Co-coordinator at Carden Park, also suggested finding a venue that accommodates both the ceremony and your evening reception to reduce travel, or getting married outside.
Summer months lend themselves to eco-conscious outdoor celebrations, but Katie reminded brides and grooms that it's important to remember to account for challenges such as the weather.
Invites
Wedding planner Georgie Mitchel from Georgina Rose Events, who teamed up with sustainability experts from BusinessWaste.co.uk highlighted the importance of digital invitations to reduce paper waste and save you a few hundred pounds. Digital invitations are also highly customisable, so you can make them to perfectly suit your theme.
Decor
On the subject of decor, it can be tempting to ship in all your table settings from cheap online sites. Though, of course, you work to your means in terms of budget when planning such an expensive occasion, Zoe says that hiring products can be a way to a more eco-conscious day without breaking the bank or leaving yourself with a load of place settings to store or throw away at the end of the day.
© Getty"While renting certain things like venues and decor and entertainment is entirely normal, the number of additional elements newlyweds can hire or borrow these days, such as fashion and accessories, is growing by the day, the weddings editor explains.
© GettyThere are so many great wedding businesses out there that hire out everything you can think of, from the tableware for your wedding breakfast to the decorations for your party. By hiring these items, you’re giving more life to something that might just be discarded if it was bought new for a single purpose, and you’re supporting small businesses, too. It’s a win-win!”
Location, location, location
When you are searching for a venue which has sustainable credentials, be careful not to go too far afield if you are committed to a green wedding. "Guest experience is the biggest factor for couples when wedding planning," Zoe notes.
© Getty"The majority of couples last year (68%) made sure that their big day was easy for guests to get to by choosing a destination no more than 30 miles away from their own base. With less distance to travel, you reduce the carbon footprint of guests travelling to and from the event.
Rent your look
© GettyWhen it comes to the dress that most brides will only wear once, why not reduce the environmental impact of your dress? "Search volume for the term 'wedding dress hire' has grown by 50% since last year, and 'hire wedding dress' has grown by nearly a third (30%)," the expert tells us.
© GettyDISCOVER: 8 wedding dress rental websites to know about in 2024 - plus expert tips on the best rental websites
"And it's not just the happy couple who are now able to rent their outfits, as you can rent just about anything you could need for the wedding party, too. From bridesmaids' dresses and accessories to bouquets, buttonholes and more. Renting really is the easiest way to make your wedding as sustainable as possible."
If you're keen to buy your gown, then Katie suggested looking out for fabrics that are gentle to the earth and sourced by ethical means such as organic silk, English lace, and vegan bamboo.
Food
Georgia said local food is just as important as local venues. Look out for caterers who prioritise farm-to-table freshness that tastes better but also reduces the carbon footprint of your wedding breakfast. Plus, it means that you're supporting local farmers.
