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Let’s face it, beautiful as they are – weddings are pretty awful for the environment. There’s the carbon footprint of all those guests travelling to your venue, the waste involved in wining and dining a large group of people, the single-wear outfits (no matter how much you swear your bridesmaids will love those pistachio green chiffon numbers forever) – and an inexplicable amount of plastic stuff.
Yes, all those seemingly innocuous add-ons you just *have* to have, add up to a massive carbon cost. Obviously, it varies hugely depending on your set-up, but it’s estimated that the average wedding emits up to 21 tonnes of carbon dioxide. That’s one very big day indeed – the equivalent of what the average Brit produces in almost four years.
Thankfully, there’s a growing movement towards greener nuptials that show the planet some love, as well as our partners. According to the 2018 National Wedding Survey, 39% of engaged couples are now making sustainability a priority while planning. And although it would be practically impossible to negate all of the environmental impact of getting hitched (unless, perhaps, you ‘elope’ to the pub down the road), there are lots of little tweaks you can make to ease your eco guilt and still have your dream day.
From choosing sustainable beauty products to ditching the plastic, many are probably already on your radar. But here are a few more ideas to help with your planet-friendly planning.
Added bonus: most of these tips will make your wedding cheaper, too. More room in the budget for prosecco? Cheers to that.
Overhaul your hen do
Let’s play hen do bingo: how many of the following have you encountered? Willy straws, L-plates, giant inflatable penis, shot glass necklaces, shiny pink Team Bride banners – the list of totally disposable (totally hilarious after four wines) hen do tat is endless. And so is the amount of rubbish you’ll be left with at the end of the weekend. Not great for your carbon footprint, or your hangover. Trust us, you’ll be having so much fun with all your best mates, the lack of a 4ft-high plastic SAME PENIS FOREVER banner is not going to ruin your night. We’re not saying you shouldn’t have decorations, just be mindful of what they’re made of, and where they’ll end up when you’re finished with them. And if you really have your heart set on those willy straws (you do you), have a look on resale sites such as Gumtree for a whole array totally classy second-hand hen accessories. Just give them a very, very thorough wash first.
Go digital
Save the dates, invitations, fancy envelopes, info sheets and thank you cards add up to a lot of paper. Going digital saves the trees (and postage money) and means you can still have a gorgeous invite – just one that pings into your guests’ inboxes rather than postboxes. Providers such as Paperless Post and Greenvelope do beautiful digital options. And instead of posting out information sheets on accommodation and directions, set up a wedding website with all the info guests will need. On the day itself, going paper free has the added bonus of providing a pretty photo op if you use a large mirror or blackboard to display the menu and order of ceremony. Rope in a friend with nice handwriting to help out with that one. If you really want a printed souvenir of the day, print one invite and make sure to get it framed so it doesn’t end up under a bill of unopened bills and pizza flyers.
Talk to your venue
#PlasticFreeWeddings is a growing trend (Princess Eugenie is on board), and the more brides and grooms request sustainable practices, the quicker venues will get their eco act together. Before you book, become a sustainable sleuth to find the greenest option possible. Grill each potential venue on their sustainable credentials – request locally sourced, seasonal food where possible, make sure they don’t use disposable plates, glasses or cutlery and make sure their recycling practices are up to scratch.
Say yes to the dress (again and again)
An estimated 16% of brides are now choosing a dress they can rewear – great news, as extending the life span of a garment by nine months can reduce its carbon footprint by up to 30%. And who wouldn’t want to don The Dress again? Go non-traditional by choosing an amazing gown in your favourite colour and you’ve sorted your outfit for upcoming weddings and parties. Heart set on white? Get it dyed after the wedding to totally revamp it, and think about getting it taken up – a full train probably isn’t practical in normal life. There are also loads of second-hand dress sellers, where you can often find your dream dress for a fraction of the price – preloved.co.uk, stillwhite.co.uk and Oxfam are full of gems. And there’s nothing stopping you reselling it again after the big day – hello, honeymoon fund.
Switch up your decorations
While it may look amazing in the pictures, traditional confetti is basically the worst for the environment. Tiny pieces of plastic that are impossible to clear up and will 100% end up in landfill, or being and eaten by small animals if your wedding is outdoors. You do not want that guilt on your conscience. Flower petals, dried leaves or biodegradable confetti are all great options and often even prettier than the plastic version. Rethink your flowers too – you might be obsessed with peonies, but outside of late-spring/early-summer, getting them probably means the florist is shipping them in from overseas. Seasonal flowers and greenery will fit more naturally with your surroundings, especially for a countryside wedding.
Give gifts that grow
You know those cute little cellophane-wrapped wedding favours you lost several hours of sleep (and almost a finger) tying ribbons on the night before the big day? They’re beautiful, they’re meaningful to you, but most of them will end up on the floor by the end of the night, your guests too busy having fun to give them a second thought. Save yourself the time, effort and plastic, by ditching the favours altogether. Or why not make them a gift that gives back? Choose a (recyclable) sachet of seasonal flower seeds for each guest, so they can go home and plant something to remind them of your special day. Blooming lovely.
Choose a charitable cause
No matter how many sustainable swaps you make, there’s no getting around the fact that your wedding will have an impact on the environment. And you have enough to stress about without beating yourself up about that too. But your big day could have a really positive impact too, if you channel your guests’ goodwill. Instead of a gift registry, ask your nearest and dearest to donate to an environmental charity of your choice, whether wildlife conservation, tree planting or protecting the oceans. Your guests will feel good, you’ll feel good, and you’ll be starting your married life on an altruistic note. Smug marrieds, indeed.