As a wedding photographer, I have witnessed countless beautiful and memorable weddings. 

However, I have also seen the amount of waste that can be generated from a single wedding day. With the growing concern for the environment, many couples are now opting for a more sustainable approach to their special day.

In this blog post, I will be sharing my top tips to have a more sustainable wedding without compromising on the beauty and joy of your big day. From wedding favours to venue decorations, there are plenty of ways to make your wedding day greener.

Let’s get married without a hitch with these sustainable wedding tips and eco-friendly wedding ideas!

Create Your Sustainable Wedding!

• Tips for Eco-Friendly Wedding Favours
• Biodegradable Wedding Confetti 
• Embrace the Beauty of Second-hand Dresses and Props
• Hen Do Haven – Celebrate in Style in the UK
• Dialling Down the Carbon Footprint
• Choose a Local Wedding Venue
• Choose a Local Wedding Photographer
• Responsible Disposal of Wedding Waste

Tips for Eco-Friendly Wedding Favours

Wedding favours are a fun and traditional way to thank your guests for sharing your special day. But why not make them eco-friendly too?

Instead of opting for generic, plastic trinkets that will end up in the landfill, why not go for sustainable options? Think about giving potted plants or seeds that guests can grow at home, or even homemade preserves or baked goods wrapped in recyclable or biodegradable packaging.

It’s a win-win – your guests get a tasty treat and the environment gets a break from unnecessary waste.

Let’s make sustainability a piece of cake with sustainable wedding favours!

Biodegradable Wedding Confetti 

Who doesn’t love a confetti shower at a wedding?

But let’s face it, traditional confetti made of tiny bits of plastic can wreak havoc on the environment. That’s where tissue paper biodegradable confetti comes to the rescue! It’s like regular confetti but without the guilt.

Made from eco-friendly materials, this confetti will add a pop of colour and celebration to your sustainable wedding without harming the planet. I do not recommend petals as they don’t have a great effect when it comes to your wedding photos – check out my blog post here where I talk about biodegradable confetti options for the best photos!

Embrace the Beauty of Second-hand Dresses and Props

When it comes to wedding dresses and props, who says you have to go for brand new? 

Embrace the beauty of second-hand items and turn them into gold for your sustainable wedding day!

Besides, a pre-loved wedding dress has already proven itself in the field of love, so why not give it another chance to shine? Plus, buying second-hand not only saves you some pounds but also reduces the demand for new items, which is great news for the environment.

Get thrifting and find that perfect vintage gown or those unique props and eco-friendly wedding decorations that will make your wedding day truly one-of-a-kind.

It’s time to show the world that old is the new gold!

Hen Do Haven – Celebrate in Style in the UK

Who needs a rowdy weekend in Ibiza when you can have a Hen Do Haven right here on British soil?

Swap out the cramped aeroplane seats and jet lag for a countryside getaway or a city retreat. Think about the money you’ll save on airfare and the carbon emissions you’ll reduce by staying local.

Besides, who needs tropical palm trees when you can have picturesque castles or cosy country cottages as your backdrop? With so many amazing locations right on our doorstep, you can celebrate in style while also being kind to the environment.

Get ready to raise your glass and party the night away, all without leaving the beautiful UK. 

Dialling Down the Carbon Footprint

When it comes to reducing your carbon footprint on your wedding day, don’t forget about the three biggies: food, flowers, and transport!

Let’s start with the food. Why not opt for locally sourced, seasonal ingredients for your wedding feast? Not only will it support local farmers and reduce food miles, but it will also ensure that your guests are treated to the freshest, most delicious dishes.

Many venues here in Yorkshire source local produce, as well as other suppliers who can help you create a sustainable wedding.

As for flowers, consider using in-season, locally grown, organic blooms or even dried flowers that can be repurposed after the big day.

And when it comes to transport, why not ditch the petrol-guzzling limo and stay nearby instead? You could even encourage your guests to car share to help reduce your carbon footprint. 

Choose a Local Wedding Venue

When it comes to choosing a wedding venue, choose to keep it local and save the planet from unnecessary travel emissions.

Plus, think of the convenience for your guests! No one wants to trek halfway across the country, only to end up in a confusing maze of country lanes. By opting for a local wedding venue, you can ensure that everyone arrives on time and with their sanity intact.

Support local businesses, reduce your carbon footprint, and keep your loved ones from getting lost with a sustainable wedding. It’s a win-win!

Choose a Local Wedding Photographer

When it comes to choosing a wedding photographer, it is a brilliant idea to choose someone local to your chosen venue for a sustainable wedding! 

Plus, think about the convenience. No one wants a photographer who’s late because they got stuck in traffic or lost their way.

As a wedding photographer based in Yorkshire, I love working at venues nearby and we have lots of them in this beautiful county – check out my recommendations here.

You can ensure that I know all the best spots for those picture-perfect moments. I have insider knowledge of the area and even some great photo locations that will make your wedding album truly unique.

Your wedding photos and the planet will thank you!

Responsible Disposal of Wedding Waste

Now let’s talk about what happens after the party’s over.

We all know that weddings generate a tonne of waste, from leftover food to decorations that no longer have a purpose. 

You’ve gone to great lengths to have a sustainable wedding, so don’t let it all go to waste – literally. Be a waste warrior and recycle or compost as much as you can. Give leftover food to local shelters, donate or sell your wedding decorations to other couples, and make sure to dispose of any waste in an environmentally friendly way.

Remember, even though the party’s over, your commitment to the planet lives on!

Ready For Some Eco Wedding Planning Fun?

These are my top tips to have a more sustainable wedding – get ready to create the wedding day you envision knowing you are making a positive impact on the earth. 

And, don’t forget to book your wedding photography. Be reminded of the day you created as well as all of the emotions and moments that took place with my documentary-style wedding photography. I would love to hear from you – get in touch today!