Hey there, lovely Sussex brides! Planning your dream wedding is an exciting journey, but have you ever thought about making it green and eco-friendly? I'm not talking about a colour scheme – I mean incorporating sustainable practices that Mother Earth will love. As a wedding photographer who has seen his fair share of celebrations, let me guide you through creating a memorable day while being kind to the planet.

Why Go Green?

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's talk about why having a green wedding matters. Sure, you want a day filled with love and laughter, but why not make it an occasion that leaves a positive mark on the environment? With the current focus on sustainability, your wedding can be a shining example of how celebrations can be both beautiful and eco-friendly.

Choosing a Sustainable Venue

Your choice of venue sets the tone for the entire day. Luckily, Sussex is brimming with stunning options that also champion sustainability. Think rustic barns, garden venues, or even the great outdoors. Not only do these venues provide a natural backdrop, but they also often have eco-friendly practices in place. Check out Cissbury Barns, The Oak Barn, and so many more

Questions to ask your self is does the venue source local produce? Do they embrace renewable energy?

Eco-Friendly Invitations

Now, let's talk invites. While traditional paper invitations are beautiful, they can be a tad wasteful. Consider going digital or opt for recycled and plantable paper options. Plantable paper or seed paper is made from recycled paper and embed with seeds. When planted the paper compost away leaving only the seeds behind to grow and bloom wildflowers, herbs or vegetables. Organisations like Botanical Paperworks or Little Green Wedding.

Trust me; your guests will appreciate the thoughtful gesture, and you'll save a few trees in the process.

A Personal Touch: Charlotte & Alex's Green Invites

Charlotte & Alex chose to send out digital invitations with a touch of personalisation. They included a short video clip sharing their love story, making the invites not only eco-friendly but also heartwarming. It set the tone for an intimate and personal celebration.

Sustainable Attire

The wedding attire is a big part of your special day. Choosing sustainable fabrics and supporting local designers can make a significant difference. You'll not only look fabulous but also feel good about your choices.

Local Love: Supporting Local Designers

When Charlotte walked down the aisle in her stunning gown created by a local Bedford designer Oh Sew Vintage, it wasn't just a fashion statement. It was a commitment to supporting local talent and reducing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance shipping.

Green Decorations and Floral Arrangements

Decorations can elevate the ambiance, and going green doesn't mean sacrificing style. Opt for locally sourced and seasonal flowers or get creative with DIY decor using recycled materials. Your wedding will be uniquely yours, with a touch of eco-conscious flair.

And one way to have green decorations is by hiring them rather than buying them. Hire Your Day is an Worthing wedding company who allow you to hire everything from chair sashes, vintage crockery to fairy lights and lanterns. Hiring allows for the reuse of items, reducing waste and the demand for new products.

Blooming Beauty: The Power of Local Flowers

At one wedding, the couple chose locally sourced wildflowers for their bouquets and centerpieces. Not only did it add a touch of Sussex's natural beauty, but it also supported local florists and minimized the environmental impact associated with importing flowers.

Catering with a Conscience

Food is a centerpiece of any celebration, and choosing local, organic options not only supports local farmers but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance food transportation.

Eco-Friendly Photography

As a photographer, I've seen the shift towards digital albums and eco-friendly photography practices. Opting for digital albums reduces the need for excessive printing, and capturing the day in natural light minimizes energy consumption.

Transportation and Logistics

Reducing your wedding's carbon footprint goes beyond the ceremony. Encourage carpooling or provide eco-friendly transportation options. Add details of public transport and taxi services when sending out wedding invites. If your venue is in the country, and a lot of your guests are coming via train, consider the departure railway station as the start of your wedding paper, have a suggested train time and arrange to have all your guests collected from the arrival station by a minibus.

If your friends or family are travelling via plan, why not offset the accumulated air miles by sponsoring a tree planting programme on their behalf or ask them to dedicate tree as your wedding gift.

Set up recycling stations at the venue, and opt for reusable or compostable dinnerware to minimise waste.

Green Wedding Favors

Send your guests home with thoughtful and sustainable wedding favors. Consider locally sourced goodies or DIY creations that reflect your love for each other and the environment.

Why not create personalised succulent planters as wedding favours. Not only would they add a touch of greenery to guests' homes, but it also served as a lasting reminder of your eco-conscious celebration.

Other Green Ideas

Having a band or a DJ why not have friends and family power up the sound system through bike generators. Reaction Bike Power gives you the opportunity to have a simple, fun and unique way to generate electricity, so both green and a way to get fit.

Conclusion

So, there you have it, Sussex brides – a guide to having a green wedding that's as kind to the planet as it is to your love story. Remember, small choices can make a big impact, and your wedding can be a beacon of inspiration for others. Here's to love, laughter, and a beautiful, green celebration!

It would be great to hear what eco choices you have made for your wedding?

If you like this blog, you can check out some of our other blogs

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Top 10 tips for writing your own vows