Planning weddings nowadays can have a significant impact on our planet. In this blog, we have gathered our favorite eco-friendly and sustainable suppliers, and we also provide top tips on how to have an environmentally conscious wedding.

Ditch the destination wedding for one that is local.

Okay this may seem really obvious, but we all know that flying has a huge impact on the environment. The miles covered by everyone getting to and from the airport and then flying is one hell of a lot of CO2 emissions. Look for local venues where people can stay over and where possible walk from ceremony to reception

Did you Know 15 people flying from Birmingham Airport to a wedding in Santorini creates 14.6 Tons of CO2

Check what your venue’s green policy is.

Does it use sustainable energy, does it create it’s own energy. Do they have recycling bins on site. We all know that single use plastics are a big no, no. A good place to get a feel is when viewing the venue is to check out the bar area, are they still using plastic straws or single use plastic glasses for outdoor drinks. Ask if they have an environmental policy and do they ask their preferred suppliers to sign up to their green policy.

Plan you menu carefully with your caterer.

Opt for food that is seasonal, organic, uses fair trade and higher welfare ingredients. If you can do all four then that is even better. Another sustainable movement that looks like it is here to stay is Vegetarian and Vegan diets, many people have gone meat free not just because of animal welfare but because of the aggressive farming tactics that are used in the production of meat.

Also think about how your food is being served, feel confident in saying no to plastic cutlery, paper and polystyrene plates. These single use items are bad for the earth and can’t be recycled. If it has to be disposable, ask your caterer to use Bamboo or compostable plates and cutlery.

"Naturally Balanced is our fundamental philosophy. Whether it's catering for a special event or a Cookery School Masterclass, our passion for using good ingredients in the right balance is paramount." Peter Vaughan

Foam free and Seasonal Flowers

Look for florists that actively promote that they are foam free. After your wedding and the flowers have died the plastic foam cannot be recycled as florist foam is a single use plastic.

Choosing seasonal flowers means that many are grown within the UK, cuts down on air miles. I think we all know how beautiful peonies are but they have a really short season of about 6-8 weeks from May to July, they are available out of season but at a huge cost not only in price as you can be paying upwards of £12 a stem, but the impact on the environment as they will be forced in a green house and then flown to the UK.  

Think about Transport 

Can guests get to your venue by public transport? If so encourage guests to use it, by including details with your invites. Alternatively if you have a lot of guests coming from one location consider providing a coach or mini bus that can pick everyone up from a central location. It’s a great way to get the party going and you can also get some lovely snaps of the two of you together inside and out.

Hire or Use Second Hand Décor

Don’t buy props and décor new. Buying new often comes at a considerable expense, there is always a risk of buying to much or not enough, then having to mix and match or even changing your mind on theme and colour scheme. You also need to factor in the time and energy sourcing products, setting up and taking down after your special day, which is a lot more than you think.

If you can’t hire, then look at buying second hand rather than new. Wedding groups on Facebook are usually a good way to find things; a good one in particular is Buy My Wedding. Once you have had your day re-list them and keep the joy going.

I have had the greatest pleasure of working alongside all of the people featured in this blog, not only are they brilliant at what they do they also share the same values and beliefs that we at Willoughby & Wolf do. Please check them out, visit their websites, or follow on Instagram

Featured Suppliers

Wedding Dress - Jess Turner Designs - @jessturnerdesigns - jessicaturnerdesigns.com

Wedding Venue - Casterley Barn - @casterleybarn - casterleybarn.co.uk

Catering - Vaughan’s Kitchen - @vaughans_kitchen - vaughanskitchen.co.uk

Flowers - Corky & Prince Flowers - @corkyandprince - corkyandprince.com

Event Hire - Fabulous Functions UK - @ukfabfunctions - fabulousfunctionsuk.com