You've heard the old wedding saying 'something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue', but how about adding something sustainable? The pandemic has changed the way we wield our purchasing power, and many people want what they buy to be kinder to both the planet and the people and animals inhabiting it.
Something Green, a free virtual wedding resource to help all those in the UK and beyond, brings together sustainable experts on everything from cakes and cocktails to fashion and flowers. The organisation, founded by the North London Waste Authority (NLWA), who shared their top tips for brides with us, along with experts from the wedding industry.
Read on for ideas on ideas to spark your creativity.
Keep it local
Jacinta O`Riordan, director of Forage and Feast catering, suggests celebrating what your area has to offer. By choosing local produce and working with local suppliers, you’ll support the community and reduce food miles at the same time. Is there a bakery who does TDF donuts? What about an amazing farmers' market or brewery? Supporting those businesses where you can will bring something unique to your big day, as well as put money back into your community.
Do your research on flowers
According to the NLWA, 90% of cut flowers in the UK come from overseas, and that’s not great news for the environment. British seasonal flowers are gorgeous, and they likely won't have had to take an airplane ride to get to you.
Have a plan for what to do with them afterwards, too. What about giving them to your guests, or to local hospitals or nursing homes where they can continue to spread joy? You can also dry your bouquet or floral crown and keep it as a reminder of your special day.
Be mindful of single-use plastic
When you think about it, weddings have the potential to generate a pretty big pile of plastic (and paper) waste by the time the last woman standing leaves the dance floor. Plastic cutlery, cups, plates, balloons, disposable tablecloths, and confetti all add up - and will unfortunately probably end up in a landfill.
Consider renting table linens, cutlery, and crockery, or, depending how big your event is, you could round up pretty pre-loved tablecloths and napkins for an eclectic feel.
Consider vintage
Ahhh, your wedding outfit - one of the most special, sentimental, and exciting fashion purchases of your lifetime. But with the average UK wedding dress costing over £1,000, you might be thinking of ways to save, while still wanting to look and feel incredible. Enter vintage.
If you're new to pre-loved clothing, fear not - not everything second-hand is all mothballs and armpit stains - far from it! Check out our guide to shopping for a gorgeous pre-loved wedding dress here. Or, is there an old wedding dress in your family that could be refreshed, altered, or reworked at a tailor? If you're planning to purchase a new dress, try to think about who made your outfit, what the fabric is made of, and where your shoes come from.
There are lots of ethical brands available these days who are thinking about how they source their supplies, produce their products and support the community they operate in. For example, you may find a designer that uses reclaimed fabric and a socially responsible manufacturing process. These tips extend to your bridesmaids and groomsmen as well.
Watch out for food waste
According to a February 2021 poll conducted for NLWA, 1 in 4 married people said they felt guilty about the amount of food wasted at their wedding. You could speak with your caterer about portion sizes to reduce risk of waste at the end of the night – or your guests being too full to dance the night away. Your caterer or venue might also be able to donate leftovers to a food bank or shelter so that it goes to good use.
Shop smaller, organic drink providers
Emma Chandler from Unwined Bars says, “With wine choice: think smaller, organic producers - you'll find something funkier that's made with real passion which is better value plus better for the planet.” Try UK and EU-based brands like amie or Elizabeth Rose - or check out your local independent bottle shop for inspiration.
Consider the venue
Some venues lend themselves to needing less decoration - simply because the space itself is already gorgeous. Many outdoor venues are already landscaped with beautiful greenery and foliage, so you can lean into what's already there naturally. And don't be afraid to speak to your venue about their sustainability practices, like what disposable items they use (or don't), whether they can help donate food at the end of the evening, etc.
Confetti, favours, and all the little extras
If you really want to deep dive into the details, you could think about smaller things like wedding favours, confetti thrown at the sendoff, and even bridal party gifts. Plastic confetti and glitter won't biodegrade sadly - so why not try equally beautiful dried flower petals, rice, or bird seed? What about an edible wedding favour, rather than something disposable?
Even deciding to make one sustainable choice in the grand scheme of things is great - every little act helps. There's a lot to consider, so go easy on yourself if constraints like time, budget, or local availability mean that not every green idea you want to incorporate is possible in the end. One small change can still start a ripple effect of positive influence in your community, and the more we consider the planet, the more this attitude of care will naturally spread to other areas of our lives. No matter what you choose, it's your big day and there are a million creative ways to celebrate your love. That's what it's all about, right?
Happy wedding planning!
Maddy Alford is the Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan UK and Women's Health UK, covering fashion content online and in print. Maddy specialises in shopping galleries and first-person reviews of the best fashion buys, from jeans and jewellery to wedding dresses, gymwear, and winter coats. She also writes op-eds on on pop culture, viral fashion moments, travel journalism, fitness, and the LGBTQ+ community's relationship with style. Maddy is also a fashion stylist who has worked on over 100 photoshoots at Hearst, including those starring Raye, Niall Horan, and Lena Dunham. Previously, she has worked in fashion PR and e-commerce, including stints at ELLE US and UK, Net-a-Porter, InStyle, and Time Out New York. Maddy has ten years of experience in the fashion industry in both London and New York City, after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. She is passionate about second-hand shopping, inclusive fashion, running on Regent's Canal, and finding London's cosiest pubs.
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