A wedding is a beautiful celebration of love, commitment, and the beginning of a new journey together. For many, it's a once-in-a-lifetime event, and as such, it's natural to want it to be a memorable and luxurious experience. However, in an era where sustainability is a growing concern, couples are increasingly seeking ways to minimize their wedding's environmental impact.
Authors Bio: Vivienne May Weddings was founded and created by Kerrie May. With over 8 years of experience in the luxury wedding & event industry, Kerrie has worked at some of the UK’s most iconic venues alongside a selection of renowned industry professionals and worked with a selection of high-net worth couples.
Kerrie is a UK Wedding Planner and has a distinctive reputation amongst her fellow luxury wedding professionals. Her wealth of experience, industry knowledge and unrivalled passion for bringing her clients vision to life is what drives her to plan impeccably designed, style-led and perfectly co-ordinated weddings, with romance at it’s heart.
The good news is that you can have a luxurious wedding while also being environmentally responsible. In this blog, I'll guide you through the steps to host a luxury sustainable wedding that's as eco-friendly as it is elegant.
Choose an Eco-Friendly Venue
The choice of your wedding venue sets the tone for the entire event. Opt for a venue that aligns with your sustainability goals. Look for locations that offer natural beauty and are committed to green practices, such as using renewable energy, reducing waste, and promoting local and organic food.
Eco-Conscious Invitations
When sending out your wedding invitations, consider plantable invitations made from recycled materials embedded with wildflower seeds. These can be a beautiful and symbolic representation of your commitment to growth and sustainability.
Photo Credit: Sarah Vivienne Photography
Sustainable Decor
Elevate your wedding decor with sustainable choices. Choose locally sourced flowers and greenery that are in season. Consider renting or borrowing decor items to minimize waste. Candlelight can add a touch of romance, but choose soy or beeswax candles, as they are more eco-friendly than traditional paraffin candles. Plus many florists work with sustainable materials, so instead of traditional flower oasis, some use wire and/or even take the flowers back for composting after the wedding.
Ethical and Local Cuisine
Luxury weddings often revolve around delicious food and drink. Collaborate with a caterer who prioritises sustainable and locally sourced ingredients. Farm-to-table menus not only reduce carbon footprints but also showcase the flavours of the region.
Eco-Friendly Attire
When selecting your wedding attire, you could choose sustainable options. Consider renting or buying second-hand wedding dresses or suits. Alternatively, choose designers who prioritize eco-friendly materials and ethical production practices.
Photo Credit: Sarah Vivienne Photography
Sustainable Transportation
Encourage guests to travel together, use public transportation, or even offer shuttle services to reduce the carbon footprint of travel to your wedding. Consider arranging for electric or hybrid vehicles for the bridal party's transportation, or go all out with a luxurious horse-drawn carriage!
Zero-Waste Favours
Thank your guests with sustainable wedding favours. Options like reusable tote bags, personalised seed packets, or eco-friendly bath and body products make thoughtful gifts that won't contribute to landfill waste.
Hosting a luxury sustainable wedding is not only possible but can also be a deeply meaningful and memorable experience. By making conscious choices at every stage of the planning process, you can reduce your wedding's environmental impact without compromising on luxury or style. Your celebration of love can also be a celebration of our beautiful planet. So, go ahead and plan the eco-luxury wedding of your dreams while leaving a positive mark on the environment for generations to come.