Weddings are big business nowadays. With the average cost of that special day in the region of £16,000, more and more couples are saying “I do” in the most lavish of surroundings.
But, with the rise of the ‘Bridezilla’ (and, in some cases, the ‘Groomzilla’), there is also a growing counter-movement towards a more environmentally and ethically aware wedding day.
Couples embarking on a ‘green wedding’ are more likely to spend time sourcing sustainable jewellery and clothing. They may choose to serve organic food and drink, use recycled paper for the invites and take a carbon-friendly honeymoon.
Going green with your wedding can be a big decision and, for many couples, may be difficult to fully achieve. So we’ve put together our top five tips for making your wedding green, without having to give up too many little luxuries on the day you’ll never forget.
1) Go Local
Try to pick a venue close to home. It may be tempting to get married on top of a Scottish mountain or on a beach in Thailand but, by the time you’ve moved the whole party to your desired destination, your carbon footprint will be bigger than Jordan’s wedding train.
Remember to consider your guests as well; if everyone you want to invite lives in Wales and you’re based in London, you might want to think about moving the ceremony nearer to them.
You’ll be green because: You’re cutting down on transport for yourselves and your guests, meaning less carbon emissions connected to your big day.
You’ll save money because: The fewer people who have to travel, the less the hotel bills and transport costs incurred.
2) You have mail
Wedding invites can be a nightmare. Not only are they expensive to buy and post, but you can also use up hours of important wedding-planning time writing them. Why not send out emails to as many guests as possible? Okay, so this may not work for Granny Maud, but most of your guests will be happy to receive their invite electronically.
If you do want to send out written invitations, try to use recycled paper and ask your guests to recycle the invitations once they’ve finished with them.
You’ll be green because: You’re using less paper as well cutting the carbon cost of delivering your invitations.
You’ll save money because: You’re not buying expensive stationary and tons of stamps.
3) Designer liar
Did you know that women spend an average of £826 on their wedding dress? That could be your first mortgage payment, part of a deposit on a house or money to put into a ‘college fund’ for your children. Looking beautiful on your wedding day is extremely important, but does it really have to cost that much?
And the cost to the environment may be even higher. The silk, lace and crystals adorning your gown have all been newly made; just to be worn once and then kept in the back of your wardrobe for years. Why not look at second-hand dresses? Online auction sites or charity shops are a good place to start. You could also think about hiring an outfit, which is a great option for the groom, best man and bridesmaids.
You’ll be green because: Reusing is always better for the environment than buying something new.
You’ll save money because: You can buy a second-hand wedding dress for around £150, or hire a good quality dress for around £300; both of these options will save you hundreds.
4) Food and drink
Opting for locally grown food is a brilliant option for your wedding day. Talk to local farmers and suppliers to see what they can provide and then ask your caterer to base the menu on what’s available. This may mean that you have to make some sacrifices over exotic dishes, but the quality and freshness of the food is bound to impress your guests.
Organic food is also a great option, but it can be pricey. Again, talk to local suppliers to see what they can offer. They’re may reduce the price of their food in return for good word-of-mouth advertising at your wedding.
Drink is obviously going to be an important factor on your big day, but keep in mind where it’ll be coming from. Try British wines and beers to keep your guests merry, and consider providing apple juice from locally grown fruit for children and non-drinkers.
You’ll be green because: You’re not using food transported from all around the world, and you’re contributing to your local economy.
You’ll save money because: You probably won’t save hundreds of pounds with this option, but talk to local suppliers about offering you a good deal.
5) Honeymoon heaven
Most people use their honeymoon to take the trip of a lifetime; two weeks on a dessert island, a month surfing off the coast of Australia or some time spent trekking round the forests of Borneo. All of these adventures are fantastic ways to spend time with your new husband or wife, but they won’t be doing the planet any good at all.
First of all, think about what you want from your honeymoon. If you want peace and quiet, consider a remote holiday cottage in Britain. If you’re looking for great nightlife and fantastic restaurants, take the train to Paris. If you want sun, sea and sand, consider going on a specific ‘ green holiday ’ for all the fun of the beach without the excess carbon. And, if you’re looking for something active, a couple of weeks in the Scottish highlands should keep you both very happy.
Try to remember that the most important thing is being together and where you are is all just a backdrop.
You’ll be green because: Cutting down on transport means you’re cutting your carbon.
You’ll save money because: Taking your honeymoon in this country will generally be much cheaper than flying out to somewhere exotic.
