Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting times in your life, but with all the logistics, decorations, and travel involved, it can also have a significant environmental impact. If you’re a couple looking to say “I do” while keeping your carbon footprint low, you’re in the right place!
The Midlands is home to some stunning eco-friendly wedding venues, ethical suppliers, and sustainable wedding ideas that will help you create a magical day without compromising on your values. Let’s dive into how to plan a sustainable wedding in the Midlands.
1. Choose an Eco-Friendly Wedding Venue
One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is selecting your wedding venue. Fortunately, the Midlands boasts some incredible sustainable venues that prioritise green practices.
- The Greenhouse, Staffordshire – This stunning eco-conscious venue is powered by renewable energy and offers a beautiful countryside setting.
- Mythe Barn, Leicestershire – A rustic yet elegant barn venue that incorporates sustainable practices, including locally sourced catering.
- Hazel Gap Barn, Nottinghamshire – A charming barn venue that focuses on seasonal menus and responsible sourcing.
When choosing your venue, ask about their sustainability policies, such as waste management, energy efficiency, and their approach to sourcing food and flowers.
2. Sustainable Wedding Attire
Fast fashion is a major contributor to environmental damage, so why not opt for a more sustainable approach to wedding attire?
- Pre-loved wedding dresses: Consider buying a second-hand wedding dress from platforms like Still White or Brides Do Good, which also supports charity initiatives.
- Ethical bridal designers: Look for designers who use sustainable fabrics, such as Sophie Rose Bridal, which specialises in eco-friendly wedding dresses.
- Suit hire: Instead of buying a brand-new suit, consider renting from Moss Bros or Hirestreet.
For bridesmaids and groomsmen, encourage them to wear outfits they already own or choose brands that offer sustainable clothing options.
3. Eco-Friendly Wedding Stationery
Traditional wedding invitations can generate a lot of paper waste. Here are some greener alternatives:
- Recycled paper invitations: Opt for invites printed on recycled or plantable seed paper from companies like We Do Print.
- Digital invitations: Platforms like Paperless Post allow you to send stylish digital invites.
- Minimalist designs: Keep your stationery simple and avoid unnecessary embellishments that create waste.
4. Sustainable Wedding Catering
Food waste is a huge issue at weddings, but there are ways to reduce your impact while still serving delicious meals.
- Choose a caterer that uses local and seasonal ingredients: Companies like Fresh Food Events focus on farm-to-table dining.
- Opt for a vegetarian or vegan menu: Plant-based menus have a lower environmental impact and can be just as mouth-watering.
- Donate leftovers: Ask your caterer if they can donate any leftover food to local charities.
5. Ethical Wedding Favours
Wedding favours often get left behind or thrown away, so why not choose something meaningful and sustainable?
- Plantable seed packets: Guests can take home wildflower seeds to grow in their gardens.
- Charity donations: Instead of physical favours, donate to a charity close to your heart.
- Reusable gifts: Consider personalised reusable tote bags, bamboo straws, or mini jars of local honey.
6. Eco-Friendly Wedding Décor
Décor can be one of the most wasteful aspects of a wedding, but there are plenty of ways to keep it sustainable.
- Hire decorations: Companies like The Prop Factory offer a range of stunning rental décor.
- Use potted plants instead of cut flowers: These can double as guest favours or be replanted after the wedding.
- Biodegradable confetti: Choose dried flower petals or biodegradable paper confetti to reduce waste.
7. Sustainable Wedding Transport
Encourage guests to carpool, hire an electric vehicle, or use public transport where possible. Some venues even offer shuttle services to reduce the number of cars on the road.
Final Thoughts
A sustainable wedding doesn’t mean compromising on style or elegance. By making conscious choices, you can create a day that’s not only beautiful but also kind to the planet. The Midlands offers a fantastic selection of eco-friendly venues, suppliers, and creative ways to reduce waste, making it easier than ever to plan a wedding that aligns with your values.