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5 Swaps To Help Have A Sustainable Wedding

Planning a wedding is one of life’s most exciting journeys, full of joy, love, and dreams for the future. However, with the celebrations often comes a substantial environmental footprint. From decorations to catering, it can be easy for weddings to create more waste and carbon emissions than we might expect. 

In fact, according to Green Bride Guide, the average wedding makes around 181 kg of waste. That’s a lot of rubbish from one day, no matter how important. With that said, it doesn’t mean you have to make a wedding day any less special. Instead, consider making a few little swaps to lift the ecological footprint without lowering the quality, and the memories, of such a special occasion. 

From local venues and sustainable catering to ethical attire and zero-waste décor, these thoughtful steps can not only reduce the environmental impact of your celebration but can also add a unique touch of mindfulness, creativity, and care to your big day.

 

1. Think local for venues

We can often be tempted to go all out with a destination wedding, or to opt for a big location for the day. While there’s no doubt these make for beautiful memories, they can leave a less picturesque impact on the environment. After all, the average commercial flight generates 90 kg CO2 per hour, and driving long distances isn’t the most ecological option, either.

Taking that money that would go on flights alone and putting it to a stellar, sustainable wedding venue closer to home opens a lot of doors for stunning options closer to home. Not only that, but it means you could return in future years – whether for a family reunion, a vow renewal, or just to reminisce. 

Here’s a few local spots to consider near our locations:

  • Sefton Park Palm House, Liverpool – Filled with beautiful vegetation, this greenhouse location is perfect for larger and smaller weddings alike, needs little extra decoration to look absolutely stunning, and is accessible for many people around the Liverpool area
  • Kings Acre, Chester – Easily reached by public transport, and yet hosting a one of a kind location that will make you feel immersed in the location, this smaller venue provides everything you need in one spot
  • Hilltop Country House, Warrington – A 17th century Gothic house, overgrown with ivy and surrounded by lambs and cows, this is a great place to embrace a stunning location service while keeping your footprint low

 

2. Use recycled invitations, or go fully digital

Wedding invitations can be a wonderful keepsake, but they’re also a major source of waste. Each year, millions of single-use wedding invitations are printed, only to be thrown away soon after the big day. The good news is there are some great sustainable options that can make your invitations both stylish and eco-friendly. 

Recycled paper invitations are a brilliant way to reduce waste without giving up that tangible, traditional invite. Many companies offer elegant designs using recycled, seeded, or eco-conscious papers that can be composted or even planted after use, creating a lasting memory for guests.

For those looking to cut down paper usage even further, going fully digital is a wonderful option. Digital invitations aren’t only eco-friendly, but they also allow for more flexibility and creativity in design, as you’re not limited by print constraints. You can even set up RSVP tracking and reminders with many of the platforms out there, making planning easier for both you and your guests while reducing environmental impact.

 

3. Think about what you’ll wear during the big day

There’s a lot of weight that goes into the dress, and the suit, of the bride and groom during weddings. Bridal parties often go shopping at boutiques, and grooms may spend a long time debating where to go to get their suit for the day. It’s understandable, but for a garment that’s only going to be worn for one day, is there a better, greener option?

For the Brides and Bridesmaids

We all know how important it is to look exactly how you’ve dreamt on the big day. But it doesn’t mean you can’t make a good swap for sustainability. You can make a strike against the fashion waste of the clothing industry, and likely save yourself a few pennies, too – After all, the average brand new wedding dress bought in the UK sits at £1300, according to Bridebook.

So what can we do if we want to buck the trend, save some money and do some good for the environment at the same time? There’s a few options to consider:

  • Something borrowed – If a friend or family member has been married before, and can lend you their dress to fit, then this is a beautiful way to adhere to the old traditions while doing your part for the environment. 
  • Something old – Whether you go for a vintage wedding dress bought from a secondhand shop, or opt for a pre-worn delight from a specialist shop, there’s a lot of options out there to have a throwback moment without casting the past over the day that marks your future. Plus, with charities like Brides Do Good, you can add a bit of extra impact to the big day for others in need.
  • Hire your dress for the day – While we all love the idea of pulling the bridal gown out and reminiscing about the wedding, hiring a dress has its benefits. From custom fittings to no need to worry about the moths getting to it in years gone by, to allowing a more affordable option compared to the traditional dress buying process.
  • Opt for sustainable fabrics – If you still want the classic experience, wedding shopping et all, then go for it. But consider swapping out the more ecologically damaging fabrics for options like organic cotton, hemp, or even a new dress made of recycled fabrics.

For the Grooms and Best Men

While a lot of the focus on wedding planning goes into the dress, it doesn’t make the suit any less important. You want to look sharp and snappy as you see your partner walk down the aisle, and let’s face it – you deserve to, too. When it comes to changes for you to make, rather than buying a brand-new suit off the rack, instead:

  • Fabrics are key – Just like with wedding dresses, choosing sustainable, natural fabrics is a better option than man-made materials for an eco-conscious wedding day. Here in the UK, tweed suits make a great option for those looking for a traditional – or modern – look. 
  • Start a tradition of hand-me-downs – It’s often the brides that get to enjoy the most of the traditions when it comes to what they wear on the big day, but that doesn’t mean the groom should be left out. If a friend or family member has a suit that would be perfect, getting it tailored to suit you for the day could be the beginning of a new heirloom for you to give to your little ones if the day ever comes.
  • Shirk trends and go for timeless – It’s easy to look at the big trends and want that style at the reception. But a timeless style of suit means you can reuse it for other occasions, and even mix and match it in the future.

Consider hiring your wedding suit – Last, but not least, is hiring. Like hiring a dress, it means that you’ll be set up to look perfect for the occasion, especially with styling, measuring, and tailoring taken care of as part of the process. It takes the stress out of maintaining it afterwards, too!

 

4. Keep local with your catering

Local catering is a fabulous way to make your wedding more sustainable, as it reduces the carbon footprint from transporting food over long distances. Supporting local food suppliers also helps strengthen your community and gives you access to fresh, in-season ingredients that can make your menu all the more special. Alternatively, if you’re set on offering a variety of dishes, you could consider portioning carefully or skipping a buffet-style spread to help reduce food waste. 

Not only that, but local caterers often have a deep knowledge of the region’s produce, which can make a significant difference in taste and quality. By choosing local catering, you’re also investing in small businesses, which is a meaningful way to give back on your special day.

 

5. Rent the décor, or make it yourself

Decorations are a huge part of creating a unique wedding atmosphere, but they can also lead to a surprising amount of waste. Centrepieces, table settings, and other décor items often end up as single-use, contributing to landfill. 

Renting décor items is a fantastic option to reduce this waste, as rental companies often stock high-quality items that can be used time and time again. You’ll also find that rental companies offer a wide range of styles, allowing you to tailor your event to your taste without purchasing items that won’t be needed later.

If you’re feeling creative, consider making some of the décor yourself. Upcycled items, like glass jars for candle holders or recycled wood for signs, can add a charming, personal touch. @taylorlovestotalk on Tiktok has some great inspiration for ways to bring this into the wedding day:

@taylorlovestotalk

cost efficient AND sustainable 🫡 #fyp #underconsumption #diy #diywedding #weddingdiy #wedding #weddingtiktok #weddingtok #weddingdecor #consumption #slowliving #sustainability #sustainable

♬ Don’t Know Why – Norah Jones

For a truly memorable twist, consider homemade or handmade favours, like jars of local honey or sweets, that reflect the couple’s personality. 

At the heart of it, a sustainable wedding isn’t just about reducing waste; it’s about choosing options that make your day memorable for all the right reasons. You’ll find that these choices add unique character and personal significance, as well as create opportunities to support your local community and reduce your carbon footprint.

By weaving eco-conscious touches into your wedding, you’re creating memories to cherish while protecting the world for generations to come – a truly wonderful way to start your journey together.

Picture of Hugo Duckworth
Hugo Duckworth
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