5 tips for a Sustainable, Eco-friendly Wedding
1. Choose a venue that has a sustainable ethos.
Ask about their policies on protecting nature and wildlife – do they use herbicides and pesticides to keep the grass looking perfect; do they recycle and reduce waste as much as possible; do they use single-use plastics on their site. Some may use green energy or have water recycling systems for use in the gardens to avoid water wastage. Here at Hubbard’s Farm we encourage wildlife in the woods by leaving wood piles for insects and birds and we encourage bees and butterflies by limiting cutting of the meadow grass and sowing wildflowers.
2. Choose caterers who use local suppliers and have seasonal menus.
Nowadays many caterers have links with local suppliers such as butchers, cheese makers, greengrocers and bakeries. Visit your local Farmers Markets – you never know your dream caterer may well be there selling their wares or a stall might be selling the macarons of your dreams!
3. Hire rather than buy or consider recycling by buying pre-loved!
This can work right through the wedding from your wedding outfit, accessories, and décor, to your wedding crockery and cutlery and napkins rather than using single use items. Good sources for recycled items are Rock My Wedding, Oxfam (who have a bridal dress section) and Sellmywedding. Look on Instagram for local suppliers of event items and decorating specialists and ask your venue for recommendations or visit some local wedding fairs.
4. Use sustainable decorations
Either make your own, repurpose your own items such as bottles for floral decor or hire from a reputable company. Avoiding single use plastic here is the key! You can spend an eternity learning how to make things on You Tube so nail your ideas firmly before falling down that rabbit hole! Make yourself a mood board of what you really want to guide your learning. It’s easy to make your own bunting, signage or dried flower arrangements in jam jars and if Boho is your thing learn how to make Macramé decorations! And, of course, you can make your own green confetti by collecting petals and drying them in a cool dark room (very easy if you or your family or neighbours have a garden with flowers such as roses etc in).
5. Use seasonal locally grown UK flowers
Use seasonal locally grown UK flowers rather than imported out of season flowers that may have travelled thousands of miles. The UK has a growing number of flower farms (small and large) so ask your florist to source these if possible. Whilst on the subject of florals don’t forget to ask for your wedding florals to be foam free or to use the newer biodegradable foam in your floral arrangements.
Here at Hubbard’s Farm Weddings we take our environmental responsibilities seriously, not using weed killer or insect sprays and nurturing the site to be as wildlife friendly as possible. If this is important to you do come and visit to see how we can make your nature-friendly outdoor wedding dreams come true!