A HIRE LOVE Holly Allman-Lopez from Ambience Venue Styling Bath (www.ambiencevenuestyling.com) says: Choosing eco-friendly and sustainable options without compromising on style is becoming increasingly easy. Instead of buying new items, shipped halfway around the world search for a locally-based décor hire company. We carefully maintain our props and linens (using eco-friendly cleaning products) so they can be re-used time and time again. As for signage and stationery, instead of non-degradable materials, such as acrylic sheets consider cardboard signage, which looks surprisingly sleek and elegant, or reusable wooden boards. We love using wooden laser-cut place names painted to suit your theme, recycled paper or seed paper for place names and menus. When it comes to flowers, ensure you select an eco-conscious florist. Working with local flower growers where possible, choosing designs that don’t use chemical-based floral foams and re-purposing designs from ceremony to reception are all great ways to keep your day as sustainable as possible. Your eco-conscious styling team will also be able to collect items the next day and ensure everything is recycled, composted or re-used. We dry left over petals for confetti and even have our candle wax recycled into new candles. GREEN CREDENTIALS Fiona Parsons from Leigh Court (www.leighcourt.co.uk) says: At Leigh Court, a certified B Corp, we’re committed to making your special day as sustainable as possible. To minimise the environmental impact, we encourage our couples to embrace sustainable practices. Our partnership with Ecologi allows us to offset emissions for every wedding, planting trees as a lasting gift to each couple. We also advocate for the use of pre-loved decorations and second-hand wedding dresses, supporting a circular economy. Meanwhile, our wedding planners are at your disposal to source eco-friendly suppliers, from florists who grow flowers without pesticides, to charitable wedding favours. In our catering operations, we’ve eliminated single-use plastics in favour of glass, bamboo, and compostable materials, significantly reducing waste. Our commitment to local and seasonal produce not only supports nearby farms but also cuts down on transportation emissions. Additionally, our food waste management through anaerobic digestion turns leftovers into renewable energy, further reducing our carbon footprint. Finally, we allow only biodegradable confetti, such as untreated rose petals, ensuring that your celebration leaves a positive mark on the planet. By choosing Leigh Court, you’re not just planning a wedding; you’re investing in a sustainable future. CAREFUL THOUGHT AND PLANNING Caroline Green at The Planning Lounge (www.theplanninglounge.co.uk) says: Keeping your wedding day sustainable requires thoughtful planning and conscious choices. Start by selecting a venue that aligns with eco-friendly practices, such as one with renewable energy sources, or at least one that offers an all-inclusive option to host your whole day on site, thus minimising transport needs. Ideally, try to choose a catering service that promotes locallysourced, seasonal food for the menu, to minimise emissions from transportation, and support local farmers. Likewise, if your floral inspiration permits, try to select a florist that can obtain locally-grown, seasonal florals, rather than needing to source imported blooms. Where possible, try to hire wedding décor items, rather than buying new (this can also extend to wedding attire). You might also opt for digital invitations to reduce paper waste and utilise one of the many online wedding website options available to convey information about your day digitally, rather than using paper inserts. Don’t feel you need to do it all, but small changes can make such a big difference in creating a memorable and environmentally conscious celebration while minimising your carbon footprint and setting a positive example for your guests. www.jamesandkerriephotography.co.uk www.valentinavalphoto.com www.indiegophotography.com 57 EXPERT ADVICE
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