Planning a sustainable wedding doesn’t mean compromising on style, celebration, or sentiment. It means making choices that are kinder to the planet and personal to you. In today’s article, we’ve gathered expert insights from the winners of the Sustainable Wedding Awards, who are leading the way in eco-conscious celebrations. From thoughtful sourcing to creative reuse, these award-winning suppliers share their best advice on planning a wedding that reflects your values and leaves a lighter footprint.
Embrace Pre-Loved and Sustainable Wedding Attire
When planning a sustainable wedding, what you wear can make a big difference, not just for your style but for the planet, too. Our award winners share their expert advice on making conscious choices that still feel luxurious and personal.
Eco Bride Studio encourages couples to “go for a dress sourced with sustainability in mind,” explaining:
“Find your dream dress at Eco Bride Studio, where every gown is carefully sourced in the UK. Choosing a pre-loved, sample or new ethically sourced dress means you’ll look amazing while keeping your wedding footprint small. Bonus points if you sell it on or repurpose it after the big day!”
This thoughtful approach to bridal fashion not only helps reduce waste but also gives dresses a second life, something that’s both emotionally and environmentally meaningful.
Hayne House adds another layer of insight by championing pre-loved and vintage fashion for both couples and their wedding party
“From vintage gowns to rented suits, pre-loved fashion is full of charm and character. It’s also a stylish way to reduce waste. Encourage your bridal party to wear something they’ll love and, most importantly, wear again, and explore options for recycled metals or heirloom jewellery.”
Together, their advice highlights that making sustainable choices doesn’t mean compromising on elegance or individuality; it simply means planning with more care.
Dress Eco Bride Studio
Choose Eco-Friendly Decor and Details
When it comes to planning a sustainable wedding, the decor and small details matter just as much as the big choices. By making mindful swaps and embracing reusable, recycled, or natural materials, couples can create a beautiful day that’s kind to the planet too.
Hayne House reminds us that even the smallest touches can make a difference:
“Don’t forget the little things like recycled paper for stationery, petal confetti, and rented decor all help reduce the impact of your day while adding thoughtful, personal touches.”
Shropshire Petals builds on this by offering thoughtful alternatives to disposable decor:
“Sustainability is all about making thoughtful choices, and that includes your wedding décor. Instead of single-use items, consider
- Vintage or Rented Tableware – Hire real plates, glasses, and cutlery or opt for mismatched vintage pieces for a unique touch
- Chalkboard or Wooden Signage – Swap printed signs for reusable chalkboards, mirrors, or wooden boards that can be repurposed for future events.
- Sustainable Wedding Favours – Offer gifts guests will appreciate, such as seed packets, mini potted plants, or dried flower posies instead of disposable trinkets.”
Eco Bride Studio also champions practical yet impactful eco choices, stating:
“Think rented decorations, potted plants instead of cut flowers, and wedding items you can reuse or donate. Wedding favours like seed packets or homemade treats are not only cost-effective but also eco-friendly. Little changes add up to a big impact!”
Together, these experts show that sustainable wedding decor doesn’t mean sacrificing style; it means enhancing your celebration with creativity and care.
Venue Comrie Croft / Photography Notarelly Photography
Choose Seasonal Flowers
When it comes to wedding flowers, choosing seasonal and locally grown blooms is not only a more sustainable choice but can add even more meaning and beauty to your big day.
At Comrie Croft, sustainability is built into everything they do, and their approach to florals is no different:
“When it comes to flowers, it’s something we’re really passionate about here at The Croft. We’re lucky to have Tomnaha Flowers right on-site; they are both flower growers and florists. We’re constantly learning about what flowers are in season, thanks to the amazing team here. So, when choosing your wedding date, think about what flowers will be in season and locally available to ensure the dream wedding you had in mind. After your big day, you can give your guests some flowers to take home, and they can press or dry them as keepsakes, or you can leave them with us to decorate the venue or reuse them in future events. We have two dried flower installations, which also help!”
Shropshire Petals echo the importance of seasonal selections while also highlighting the benefits of dried flowers:
“Selecting locally grown, seasonal flowers helps reduce your wedding’s carbon footprint while supporting British flower farms. Another sustainable choice is dried flowers, which last well beyond the wedding day. Whether repurposed as home décor or kept as a cherished keepsake, dried blooms offer beauty that endures.”
Hayne House adds a gentle reminder that being in tune with the seasons also deepens your connection to the moment:
“We recommend opting for blooms that are grown in the UK and in season. Locally grown flowers are beautiful, more sustainable, and often more meaningful.”
By choosing flowers that reflect the season, you not only embrace sustainability but also ensure your wedding florals are fresh, local, and full of heart.
Photographer Louise Park Photography
Go Seasonal With Food
One of the most delicious ways to be more sustainable on your wedding day is by building your menu around seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. At Hayne House, they recommend:
“Build your wedding menu around seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Not only will your food be fresher and more flavourful, but it will also come with fewer food miles. Choosing a plant-forward or meat-reduced menu is another way to reduce your footprint.”
Comrie Croft champions working with eco-conscious caterers and even encourages guests to get involved:
“We don’t handle the catering ourselves, but we work with incredible local caterers who share our commitment to sustainability. We’ve got organic veggie growers here at Tomnaha on-site, so together with local caterers, you can plan a menu that highlights fresh, in-season produce. Make sure to choose a caterer who’s on board with reducing food waste and using local, seasonal ingredients. And we always suggest guests bring their own containers for leftovers, it’s a simple way to cut down on waste!”
Whether it’s plant-based options, reducing waste, or supporting local growers, choosing seasonal food is a meaningful way to make your wedding day more sustainable.
Emily Brown Photography / Scott Anderson Catering / Hayne House
Choose Biodegradable Confetti
Confetti may seem like a small detail, but it can have a big impact on the environment. Shropshire Petals highlights the hidden harm in traditional options and offers a beautiful alternative:
“Traditional confetti often contains plastic or synthetic dyes that can harm the environment. Many metallic and paper-based confetti types are not biodegradable, making them difficult for venues to manage and potentially harmful to wildlife. Instead, opt for 100% biodegradable petal confetti, like the naturally dried petals from Shropshire Petals. Grown on our British farm, our petals break down naturally, leaving no trace, just stunning photographs.”
By choosing biodegradable confetti, you’re not only protecting the planet and wildlife but also creating a magical moment that looks just as good in your photos as it does in your eco credentials.
Tutti Frutti Confetti by Shropshire Petals
Choose a Sustainable Venue That Minimises Environmental Impact
Where you choose to host your wedding can have one of the biggest impacts on your celebration’s overall carbon footprint. As Hayne House explains:
“Travel is one of the biggest contributors to a wedding’s carbon footprint. Choosing a venue close to where most guests live or arranging group transport can dramatically reduce emissions. Hosting your ceremony and reception at the same location helps cut unnecessary journeys. And if you’re considering a venue that’s not local to you, but perhaps closer to a parent or loved one, such as living in London but marrying in Kent, opting for a venue with strong environmental values can help balance out the extra travel. Choosing a place that actively works to reduce emissions and operate sustainably allows you to honour your family and still keep your celebration aligned with your eco-conscious values. Look for places with sustainability accreditations, strong eco-initiatives, or a clear commitment to cutting carbon. Choosing a sustainable venue shows that the team truly cares not just about the planet but about you and your guests. It’s a sign your celebration will be handled with intention, compassion, and a shared commitment to making a positive impact.”
Comrie Croft echoes the importance of making thoughtful venue choices and offers their own solutions:
“One of the best ways to have a sustainable wedding is to choose a venue that already takes sustainability seriously. Look for a place with good public transport links, renewable energy sources, and reusable decor.”
By choosing a venue committed to sustainability, whether through green energy, transport links, or eco-friendly practices, you ensure your celebration treads lightly while still being meaningful.
Emily Brown Photography / Lilac and Lace Floral Design / Hayne House
When planning your wedding, choosing sustainable suppliers is a powerful way to reduce your environmental impact and support your local community. From seasonal flowers to plant-based menus, working with local businesses is a win-win. As Eco Bride Studio notes, “You’ll cut down on carbon emissions and support the community.” Selecting caterers, florists, and venues that prioritise sustainability helps ensure that your special day is not only beautiful but also eco-conscious. “Look for caterers, florists, and venues that prioritise sustainability, they’re out there and ready to help make your day beautiful and green.” By opting for green alternatives, you can have a memorable event that aligns with your values while making a positive impact on both your community and the planet.
A sustainable wedding is all about choosing what truly matters, making mindful decisions, and embracing creativity. As the Sustainable Wedding Award winners have shown, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Whether it’s upcycling decor, ethical fashion, or supporting local businesses, even small changes can make a big impact. Above all, sustainability adds meaning and purpose to your big day, making it not just a celebration of love but a statement of care for each other and for the world around you.
PLANNING A SUSTAINABLE WEDDING AND LOVE THESE TIPS? PIN THEM FOR LATER!
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