HOT TOPIC Sustainability sussed Our experts offer stellar advice on planning a sustainable wedding ACTS OF KINDNESS Georgia, wedding coordinator at Berwick Lodge (www.berwicklodge.co.uk) says: Our favourite wedding trend is conscious decision making and there are so many ways to be ethically and environmentally friendly. Check out online resale sites for items used at other weddings and repurpose them for your own. You’ll save them from being single-use and help your budget in the process! Check out websites such as Facebook Marketplace and Freecycle. There’s much more you can do in terms of being more conscious of what and how you purchase, and you could even ask guests to be mindful of how they travel. Book a venue that has sustainability as a top priority and keep food miles down by ensuring items are local and seasonal. Why not try giving back to the environment to balance the impact of your wedding? Perhaps plant your own tree, or purchase and scatter a bee-bomb. After the last few years, we’ve all done some reflecting and have a better understanding of what’s truly important. This has certainly given wedding celebrations a deeper meaning, so perhaps you could ask your guests to make a charitable donation or fund a local project on your behalf, rather than receiving gifts. GREENFINGERS Carly Cooke from Wylde Jewellers (www.nicholaswylde.com) says: All of the gold we source to make our bespoke jewellery is recycled. As a precious metal, gold doesn’t degrade when it’s melted down and reformed; this means it can be recycled over and over again without losing its integrity or its value, making it the ultimate sustainable metal. An even more sustainable and incredibly sentimental choice for a wedding band is to have it created from an existing piece of jewellery. Perhaps you have an inherited ring, necklace or brooch that means a lot to you, but is not your style meaning it’s been sitting in a drawer, unworn. Our talented designers will work with you to discuss how the metal, and any accompanying stones, can be reused and redesigned to form your wedding ring, turning that heirloom item into a beautiful piece of jewellery you can enjoy seeing on your hand every day. A RECIPE FOR SUSTAINABILITY Kate from Kate’s Kitchen (www.kateskitchenbristol.co.uk) says: Being sustainably aware is the heart of what we do and is so important to us as a wedding caterer. We’re aiming to achieve net zero by 2030. One of the things we recommend is to have a 100 per cent veggie menu for all guests. If you want meat, choose a less intensive carbon emitter meat such as chicken and pork, avoid beef. Then, ensure any food leftovers that can’t be used are recycled. Food waste produces methane when it breaks down. Source food responsibly. Think organic, free range, seasonal and local. Also, use china, glass and reusable cutlery to reduce singleuse plastic items. Use linen napkins too and tablecloths to reduce paper wastage. Be sure to recycle all glass and drinks tins. Most importantly choose a caterer that’s sustainably aware and environmentally conscious. Ask for their sustainability policy and environmental statement to give you peace of mind. One that’s sustainably aware should have this info all to hand. www.jonnybarratt.com www.evokepictures.com 56
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