If you’re reading this and recently engaged – congratulations!* Now comes both the fun and the frustrating part – planning the wedding day. There is so much to consider: who do you invite, which venue, how much to spend on flowers. Unless you are a wedding planner, it is hard to know where to start, especially if you are wanting to choose sustainable options, after all, it is only a one-day event!
*If you’re reading this and not planning a wedding, I hope you still find this blog interesting as some parts could be applied to organising work events, parties or attending as a wedding guest.
1. The dress
I opted for a second-hand wedding dress from Oxfam. Oxfam has a dedicated bridal section where you can find beautiful, pre-loved wedding dresses. This choice not only reduces waste but also supports a charitable cause.
I went to Southampton’s Oxfam Bridal Boutique, I booked an appointment and it was just us and Glenda, the knowledgeable volunteer, who after I described what I wanted, searched the hundreds of dresses and after trying on three, I knew I had found my favourite. It was a ‘last season’ wedding dress and never been worn down the aisle (After I wore it at my wedding, I returned it, so that it could be resold as I was never going to wear it again and I have the photos as a memory!)
2. The other dresses
Check out bridesmaid dresses made from recycled polyester. Many sustainable fashion brands offer elegant and stylish bridesmaid dresses crafted from recycled materials. This helps reduce the demand for new polyester production, which is petroleum-based and environmentally taxing.
I loved Maya Deluxe, Consciously Designed Dresses. My bridesmaids had the choice of several different styles but all in the same colour. Consciously Designed (mayadeluxe.com)
Alternatively, you could let your bridesmaids choose their own dress in a particularly colour.
3. Recycled Metal
More jewellers are opting for making wedding rings from recycled metal. This practice reduces the need for mining, which can be environmentally destructive.
We were lucky enough to know local jeweller Joanne Tinley, and we made our own rings using recycled metal. I have made a few rings in her studio, whereas my fiancé hadn’t. Joanne talked us through the whole process, and both us were successful in making a ring.
And as you know a blog on Coffee Pod Creations website wouldn’t be complete without mentioning my upcycled creations. It was lovely how many guests wore the jewellery (alongside the bridesmaids, groomsmen, bride and groom). Even my lovely registrar, Sue, is a customer and she wore a custom made piece for the day.
4. Let them eat cake
We hired a local cake maker to reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting goods over long distances. Plus it’s good to support local businesses. Check with your baker if they use free-range eggs.
5. Location, Location, Location
We decided to hold our ceremony and reception at the same venue. It reduces the stress for guests and reduces transportation emissions for everyone. If you can, look for venues that have a strong commitment to sustainability, such as those that use renewable energy or have eco-friendly practices in place.
6. Plant-Based Choices
We served an all-vegetarian evening buffet with veggie sausage rolls, vegan pasties, mushroom pate, lots of cheese, biscuits and cake. Plant-based meals have a significantly lower environmental impact compared to meat-based dishes. Plus they’re incredibly tasty and everyone can enjoy.
We brought containers to store any leftover food from the evening buffet – it served as lunch the next day.
7. Flower Power
Stick with seasonal. We got married in summer and the months before rose petals were collected and dried. They were perfect for confetti and they smelt lovely when thrown at us!
Our bridal bouquets doubled as table decorations, serving a dual purpose. It also helped cut costs.
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