Planning a wedding requires brides and grooms to strike a complex balance between their own preferences, preferences of family and friends, and their budgets. But modern, eco-conscious would-be husbands and wives have another factor to consider in their planning: how to ensure that their weddings are green. With large-scale catering and extravagant bridalwear, not to mention the long-haul honeymoon trip, it's easy to leave a hefty carbon footprint in your wake when you walk down the aisle.
There are, however, many ways to reduce the environmental impact of your nuptials, though it can take some creative thinking and, in some cases, a little bit of extra hard work – but that's where we come in. In the past, we've used our extensive knowledge and networks to help members do everything from choosing green venues, sourcing recycled invitations and organising vegetarian meals, to booking carbon-neutral honeymoons. Here are a few basic suggestions; get in touch with a lifestyle manager to discuss how we can help you put together a perfect wedding day.
The rings
Whether they're nine carat gold or zero carat plastic, new rings require both resources and energy to produce. Consider, instead, investing in antique or vintage rings, which can be modified if necessary: eBay, vintage stores and markets are all great sources. As for the diamonds, the eco-conscious boyfriend will want to make sure that he's proposing with a sparkler that is certified ‘conflict-free' by the UN Kimberley Process, and fair trade – Canadian diamonds are a good bet – we can advise you on the best suppliers.
The invitations
Have you considered electronic invites? They save paper, trees and money, and although they're slightly less elegant they do the same job. If you do require printing – whether for invitations, place-cards or programmes – use recycled and FSC-certified paper, with a printer that uses vegetable-based inks. And for confetti: go biodegrable. Dried flowers and petals are far more elegant than paper. But don't use rice unless you're indoors – it's bad for birds.
The venue
Before you book, ask venues if they have an environmental policy. For example, find out if they use a green energy supplier, are big on recycling, or provide organic or local produce. Don't forget to consider how far your guests need to travel: an eco-friendly wedding becomes a lot less so if everyone needs to fly or drive to get there.
The dress
If you're buying a new dress, think about the supply chain: where was the dress made, and how? Consider sustainable fabrics: with everything from organic cottons to luxurious hemp silks, opting for greener textiles no longer means saying ‘I do' in a hair shirt and sandals. Or go for the most eco-friendly option of all: vintage. Check online and at vintage shops for original dresses from every decade, and don't rule out second-hand dresses: they're usually only worn once, after all. Oxfam has bridal departments in some of its stores offering second-hand bridal gowns as well as ex-catwalk dresses. The same goes for bridesmaids' and men's attire, too.
The wedding list
If you're setting up a wedding list, encourage guests to buy green, or make it simple by creating a wedding list with an ethical, overtly eco supplier. Alternatively, rather than regular gifts, ask for donations to charity, or set up a wedding list with sites such as Oxfam Unwrapped or Good Gifts, which enable guests to fund a variety of charitable projects on behalf of the happy couple.
The food
Choose a caterer who uses seasonal, organic food that is locally produced. Be realistic about amounts, too, to cut down on waste. The same should go for alcohol: source it as locally as possible. Don't write off UK wine and think about buying beers from local breweries. You can get organic wine, vodka, beer and bubbly these days; fair-trade-certified wines and beers are also widely available.
Getting there and away
Choosing a venue that's local to as many guests as possible will slash the amount of carbon emissions produced by cutting travel time, as will having the ceremony, reception and accommodation in one venue, or venues that are close to one another. Help guests to organise car shares and prioritise public transport, providing details in invitations with relevant contact numbers. And don't forget your own arrival: choose a low-carbon mode of transport, such as an electric or hybrid car, bicycle or horse and carriage, instead of a gas-guzzling stretch limousine.
The flowers
As with food, go fair trade and local as much as possible. Find a florist that stocks seasonal flowers grown in the UK and that is listed by the Fairtrade Foundation as a stocker of certified blooms.
The photos
Needless to say, digital pictures are far more environmentally friendly: you only need to print the shots you like, so it saves paper, and they're much easier to share with family and friends.
The honeymoon
The easiest way to cut your honeymoon carbon emissions? Stay in the UK, or consider destinations that can be reached by train or boat. Thanks to the Eurostar, lots of destinations are at your fingertips – and there's a lot to be said for the romance of a sleeper berth. Research your destination to find eco-friendly hotels and restaurants and to inform yourself about ethical tourism.
