How to Have a Stylish AND Sustainable Wedding?
With so many of us growing more conscious of our environmental impact I meet so many couples seeking a more ethical wedding, looking for hints and tips on how to make their day more sustainable. The wedding industry creates an enormous amount of waste exasperating the strain on our planet. But with pioneers leading the way in the bridal industry it is possible to have an amazing day without leaving a heavy footprint in your wake.
The best place to start is to think about what is important to you as a couple, which parts of your day are non negotiable and start there. What are your options, are there sustainable solutions already out there? You will have to do your research and I would suggest you start by looking locally. So often it is the small start ups in your area that are being innovative in this space, creating niche solutions to growing consumer problems. Shopping local also has the benefit of investing in your community while reducing your carbon footprint.
Sophie, Designer, e&w couture
Take it easy on yourself and be realistic. You might not achieve your mission on every element of your day, don’t beat yourself up. The fact this is an issue central to your day means you are already doing “your bit”. None of us can claim to be perfect and we need to celebrate the small wins and build on them. I recommend you speak to your wedding suppliers. Ask them about their sustainability policy, what are they doing to reduce their impact on the environment?. It’s always important for a wedding couple to be compatible with their suppliers so make sure you work with people who share your passion for making a difference.
When it comes to your wedding decor consider hiring, borrowing and passing on. If you work with a stylist they will have items that they loan to you for the day, that will be collected and repurposed for another wedding or occasion. There are also some great companies that hire decor that reflects current trends, again look who is local to you.
Confetti doesn’t have to be a no no, there are great biodegradable options out there and consider having your invitations, place names and favours made with seeded plantable paper. Not only do they look great, they provide a sustainable and sentimental solution as your guests can enjoy nurturing new life as a lasting memory of your day.
Wedding decor, styled and provided by Pink Peony Weddings. Image by Grad Gommon
When it comes to your wedding outfit it’s possible to wear something that makes you feel as good as you look. Buying a gown or bridal separates from a British designer comes with so many benefits. Don’t be afraid to ask your stylist how each designer is working in a more sustainable way. Being made in Britain is a win as it cuts down on an excessive carbon footprint but there is more they can be doing. Our British designers cut each piece to create minimum waste and any off cuts are donated to local colleges providing students with valuable resources to be creative. They also source many of their fabrics from British suppliers, so long as it meets their high quality expectations. Buying British also means you are supporting local employment, ethical pay and the development of home grown talent.
Hayley, Owner & Designer- Rolling in Roses Sophie, Owner & Designer- E&W Couture
Vegan, cruelty free and sustainable fabrics are growing in availability. We stock designers Rolling in Roses and E&W Couture who are pioneers in this space. Vegan fabrics derived from plant based, natural fibres are often used. These organic and natural materials are kind to the environment; they are renewable and unlike synthetic fibres they are biodegradable and can be washed, reused or recycled without causing harm to our planet.
The Passion blouse & Adrenaline Dress, handmade in York by Rolling in Roses
Bridal designers with sustainability high on their radar are making an effort to slow down fast fashion. Our designers create only one collection a year to reduce the churn of sample dresses. Each piece is expertly designed with style that is enduring and versatile to suit changing trends.
Idris wedding dress by e&w couture with modern and bold lace detail.
When you visit Love & Loved you can feel good knowing our boutique has been modernised to the highest of standards. Set in a conservation area we provide a home to local wildlife, solar energy helps keep us powered and our eco heat pump will keep you feeling cosy.
Love & Loved Bridal Boutique, Swanbourne, Buckinghamshire
Having a sustainable and ethical wedding is possible without making compromises to style, the budget and the things most important to you.