Published: 09 October 2023
Your wedding day is one of the most memorable days of your life. But often we don’t keep in mind just how the big day can have a significant impact on our environment. From extravagant decorations to excessive waste, the environmental toll of weddings can be drastic. However, the awareness of these issues has led many couples to seek ways in which they can make their weddings more sustainable and eco-friendly. There are many simple adjustments you can make when it comes to your wedding that will help minimise your ecological footprint.
Choose a Green Venue
The first step you can take when planning an eco-friendly wedding is selecting a venue that supports your sustainability goals. Look for venues that are certified as environmentally friendly, or look at outdoor locations that minimise the need for additional lighting or heating. Holker Hall is a perfect example of this, with scenic gardens spread across vast open land, populated by wildlife and natural vegetation.
Eco-Friendly Invitations
This one is super easy! Save paper and reduce waste by opting for digital invitations and wedding websites, much like a digital concert ticket. Should you still prefer a physical invitation, then choose recycled or plantable paper options. Plantable invitations contain seeds that guests can plant after the event, creating a beautiful reminder of your special day.
Sustainable Decor
When it comes to approaching decorations, think natural and reusable. Consider incorporating things such as potted plants, fresh flowers, and organic materials as centrepieces and decor. You should also avoid single-use items like balloons and opt for reusable banners or signage made from sustainable materials. You can also rent or borrow decor items, which will minimise waste while also potentially saving you money.
Ethical Food & Drink
Choosing locally sourced and organic food and drink not only supports local farmers and businesses, but it also reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting goods over long distances. Work with your caterer to create a menu that minimises food waste, and consider donating leftovers to local charities or food banks. Drinks wise, you could serve your guests refreshments in glassware instead of disposable cups. Holker Hall has many different, appropriate, and ethical food and drink options if you choose this as your venue and dining option.
Transportation Options
One of the biggest impacts on our environment is fossil fuels; therefore, a good idea may be to encourage your guests to carpool, use public transportation (if possible), or even arrange for shuttle services to and from the venue. It may even be possible, depending on your venue, for walking or biking to be accessible. In addition, the bride could also arrive by other means, such as a horse and carriage.
Waste Management
Waste management is something we should actively consider every day, whatever we are doing. Therefore, implementing a comprehensive waste management plan for your wedding is vital. Think about setting up recycling and composting stations alongside traditional waste bins, scattered across your venue. Another option is to hire a waste management company that specialises in events to ensure that your waste is properly sorted into recyclable and non-recyclable categories and therefore disposed of appropriately.