Sustainability Series 07: Considering a more sustainable wedding
Seasonal, British, wild flowers wedding, created by Bryonia & team.
Welcome to Bryonia’s guide to a more considered, sustainable and eco conscious wedding.
For this month’s Sustainability Series entry, I plan to not only discuss sustainable wedding florals (where my expertise lies) but also consider some of the other aspects of organising a more environmentally conscious wedding.
A special day that should be full of love and excitement more than often has a negative impact on the world around us. It’s easy to overlook, turn a blind eye and not even question why these unthinkable actions continue. Luckily, you’re here and reading this post, making a conscious step towards making a difference. We all have different malleabilities when it comes to our wedding plans, so some of this guide might remain as simply suggestions, but if you can look to make the changes you feel able to, the earth will thank you.
In this post, I will discuss topics such as how to choose suppliers, managing waste, transport alternatives, recycled printed goods and more, but as always, I plan to use plenty of data and figures to support this piece. And as always, I am open to further discussion, so please reach out if you feel inspired to do so. And if you would be keen to hear a part two, you need only ask.
This Journal entry is here to help with education, and support in choosing what products (or none) might be right for you. To others in the wedding industry, this entry is purely to aid conscious consumption, and I do not wish to place disrespect on your choices to either stock, or not stock any mentioned products.
At this critical point, whether a supplier or customer, we need to question the environmental impact we’re making and it's science we need to go to make these choices.
The Facts
“Reports suggest that 4,910 tonnes of unrecyclable plastic was used up and left behind at British weddings last year. That’s the equivalent to 47 Blue Whales” - WWF, 2018
How can we let this continue, without any second thought? Either as suppliers, couples, or guests. We need to demand changes in the wedding industry. But how can you help?
Scale down
As a supplier, it’s a little crazy that I’m suggesting less is more. But it is true to say that usually the more modest you go with your day, the lesser the impact you’ll have.
Ask yourself and your partner these questions:
Do you need this/that/otherwise?
What is truly necessary for us to enjoy our day?
What could we do without?
With flowers, I will always recommend to use your budget to make a big impact in one area, rather than thinly scattered across a venue. Conscious consumption is something that should be a daily activity, as well as for special occasions.
If you do have some things that you can’t compromise on, then look to find ethical and conscious suppliers, and make changes in other areas. Plus you can always reduce your waste from the day, and ensure it is disposed of responsibly.
Choosing Suppliers
Now you’ve had a think about what you’d like your day to be, and what are your non negotiables, where is best to start with finding your suppliers?
These are some starting suggestions:
Flowers - our specialty. Look for florists offering seasonal & locally grown flowers, with foam free, eco friendly mechanics. Also question what they will do with their waste afterwards, do they reuse whatever they can and compost the rest? Little considerations about florals make a huge difference, such as is your confetti natural and compostable, as to not affect any wildlife? Are your flowers natural and untreated/coloured? Does your florist collect and reuse their floral mechanics?
Dress - Rent, loan, borrow, hire, second hand, responsible, and other ethical terms can be placed in front of ‘wedding dress’ on any search engine and voila, you’ve can find yourself a special piece with such a lesser imprint on our earth.
Venue - choose one venue, or two close together locations so guests can walk. It’s surprising how much can be saved by reducing the distance of your locations. Some venues has sustainability policies in place, and will promptly offer up this for your reference. If they stay quiet or are resistant to show you, then it’s unlikely they take this very seriously. Recycling, solar panels, natural sunlight and other elements of your venue are all up for review.
Catering - your cake, wedding breakfast & drinks… always consider vegan options, locally grown produce and organically grown items whenever you can. Food provenance is key. There might be set policies around food waste, providing these to charities or food banks. Buffets are one of the biggest wasters of food, so I’d look to ask guest to confirm their choices before the day, and they don’t necessarily need to have all 3 courses.
Invitations, Place cards & Calligraphy - consider digital alternatives, and if you like the old school feel of real paper, then use non toxic inks on recycled papers.
Rings - question where your jewellery has been sourced from, if it’s been harvested ethically and responsibly. Research your jeweller and ask them questions, if they aren’t clear on the origins, then it might be worth finding another supplier.
Transport - Do your suppliers use electric vehicles? If your guests need to travel, can they do so by public transport? Or can you organise a group option, to ensure that travel is more sustainable?
And generally - Does your supplier have a sustainability policy? Do they support any independent environmental groups or charities? How do they deal with waste and recycling?
If we can all make changes wherever we can, then we’ll in turn lessen our impact, but please please please, don’t buy any balloons…
Single Use Items
This particularly applies to plastics, gift wrap, confetti, table items, save the dates/invitations & one time decorations.
Those that are toxic to the planet should fundamentally be avoided, and if you need to find an alternative, why not consider buying second hand items (they’re cheaper) or you can hire things for the day, then once you’re finished recycle, return or resell the things you no longer need.
Encourage your guests to read their invitations online, and use natural confetti.
Be flexible, this is important, if you have a varied look and feel then you can adapt to whatever becomes available. Set designs and plans make it had to adjust, and make the most of second hand items.
Swap Gifts to make a difference
Do we need any more things? What really makes us happy?
In relation to gifts, I’d always consider what do you truly need.
If you do have items in mind, provide your guests with a list and promote shopping small. Also adding a charity donation option can ensure that your wedding gives back.
If guests do want to give a tangible item, then ensure it’s wrapped sustainably, either in recycled paper, an old shoe box, or using an item of clothing from a charity shop (double gift).
Further information, Guides and blogs to consider:
“64.8% of couples are interested to know the carbon footprint of their wedding” - Hitched, 2022
Lucky for you, I’ve tracked down a calculator here. Whilst it’s Australian, it should help no matter where you are in the world.
Google is also a web of knowledge, and there are many Facebook groups for reselling wedding items, sustainable wedding planning and more.
Otherwise, if you’re overwhelmed and unsure exactly what steps to take next, then there are experts ready to help. Look for wedding planners who specialise in sustainability, and can offer links to suppliers, venues & general suggestions to improve your wedding’s impact.
Mostly, I’d recommend to be flexible, ask plenty of questions and don’t be afraid to walk away from something that doesn’t feel right.
And you could also look to…
Enquire with Bryonia for seasonal & considered wedding flowers.
Every single arrangement we create is fully bespoke, tailor made, conscious and lead by nature.
References
https://www.countryliving.com/uk/create/country-wedding-ideas/a23730274/british-weddings-create-the-same-weight-as-47-blue-whales-in-plastic-waste-every-year/
https://www.wwf.org.uk/ocean-heroes/sky-partnership
https://graziadaily.co.uk/life/real-life/wedding-food-waste/
https://lessstuffmoremeaning.org/
https://www.money.co.uk/getting-married/wedding-trends
https://greensoulweddings.co.uk/make-my-wedding-eco-friendly/
https://www.77diamonds.com/sustainable-weddings
https://www.weddingsbyannabel.co.uk/blog/planet-friendly-weddings-how-to-guide
