Green has become a huge issue over the last few years. As part of cleaning up our act and helping to create a greener cleaner future here is your guide to a greener wedding.
Every engaged couple wants their wedding day to be a special celebration to reflect their love and devotion. Going green does not have to mean dull and mundane. It is a great way to make your festivities unique, meaningful and demonstrate how much fun a sustainable lifestyle can be.
The Engagement Ring
Bridal details
This can all start from the engagement ring. You may not wish to have a second hand ring but could consider lab-created diamonds set in recycled gold.
Ethical rings are also possible with diamonds that have been mined in Canada or Australia. Diamonds minded in Africa can be certified as “conflict-free” under the Kimberly Process. Ask you jeweller for the questions in Amnesty International’s buyer’s guide.
Wedding venue
The wedding venue will be one of the biggest decisions you make in you wedding planning. Choosing a venue that is reasonably local to most guests will minimise travel impacts. Having your ceremony and reception at the same location will also make a big saving especially if a local venue was not suitable.
Choosing a horse drawn carriage is a great way to be environmentally friendly in style!
You could hire a double Decker bus to take all your guests. As well as being Eco friendly, this would be a real fun way to travel that you guests will remember!
Wedding invitations
Wedding invitations is another area you can do your bit to save the planet. The obvious choice is recycled paper. However there are other alternatives are available now that are paper free, Eco friendly and stylish. Did you know that papers could be made from hemp, banana stalks, organic cotton or even bamboo?
When writing your invitations don’t forget good invitation etiquette.
Watch the numbers
One of the greatest savings you can make both ecologically and financially will be to reduce the number of guests you invite. It does not matter what other choices you make, the number of guests will have the greatest impact on the environment and your purse.
It is a hard decision to make but in these hard economical times more and more couples are cutting back on guests. Cutting back on guests also means you can spend more on those you do invite. And do it with more style. Invite close family and your closest friends.
You can always invite more guests to the evening celebrations.
Stag & Hen Parties
Parties can be fun and green!
You could stay local and spend more time with your friends. Alternatively if you travel go by train – you can start early in the bar carriage. If you’re athletic and outdoor activity like wind-surfing, sailing or golf will be a great way to start your celebrations.
Here comes the bride…
There are many options when it comes to the bridal gown, such as a gorgeous hemp-silk gown. Other alternatives include bamboo and organic cotton. Every bride wants their own brand new wedding dress. However, consider borrowing an elegant dress from a stylish friend or hiring a dress. If you can afford to buy your wedding dress consider donating it to charity after the event so it is recycled. Accessorise with recycled and/or ethical products.
Lasting memories
We all love to have photographs of our wedding day capturing all those magical moments that evoke our memories.
Look for a photographer who will provide digital proofs. Many will provide an on-line area Free of charge for your friends & family to view and order prints. This is much better than sending prints to friends & family as they can order only the prints they absolutely want.
Living in the 21st Century many couples are turning away from the traditional albums towards multimedia slideshows and images that can be easily viewed and shared. These could also be provided on-line being even more eco friendly. Ask your wedding photographer if they can provide this option.
Food for thought
Did you know that the average UK wedding creates a staggering 14.5 tonnes of CO2?
80% of gold minded each year goes into jewellery, out of 2500 tons?
If you have not done so already, sign up for your definitive FREE eWedding Course
You will receive a series of my articles compiled to help brides-to-be. With articles on planning, saving money, etiquette and much more besides – genuinely helping you have a successful day.
A fantastic wedding day you will remember for all the right reasons.
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Wishing you the very best for your special day.
Pat Bloomfield
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
This is good stuff indeed. We have green burial funerals, so why not green weddings? I’ve already been thinking about how to make my wedding photography more ecofriendly. I only send digital proofs, use email and a website rather than sending out paper brouchures and pamphlets and off set the carbon from every mile I drive (which I know is kinda cheating!)
For my own wedding next year it’s save the date emails rather than cards, the church and venue are very closeby and local to most guests. I’ve not invited anyone from abroad. We’re not using lots of paper and card for favours, place markers etc and are having plants in planters on the tables and in the church rather than cut flowers which will find their way into guests gardens rather than onto landfill sites. It’ll be petals instead of confetti which we’re collecting and drying as we speak.
If anyone has any suggestions on how to make either my own wedding, or my wedding photography greener – I’d be very open to them.
Steve
Hi Steve,
Thank you for your ideas.
When you sit down and think about it there are almost limitless ways to make your wedding greener that can actually add to its uniqueness and create sparkle and fun.
Best wishes for you wedding next year!