GREEN GLAMOUR: HOW TO PLAN AN EARTH-LOVING WEDDING CELEBRATION Anjali Ghosalkar is a wedding designer and planner and the founder of Ashford-based Let Us Do It Ltd offering event design and management. When it comes to making a wedding as sustainable as it can be, she has these suggestions. “From plastic packaging to excess food waste, weddings aren’t always eco-friendly affairs so kick off your eco journey with digital invites—they’re sleek, eco-friendly, and save the trees. If you want wedding stationery then consider eco-friendly options like recycled materials, or even upcycled fabrics and leather for a touch of rustic charm. Feeling traditional? Opt for recycled paper or plantable seed invites - your guests will love planting them as much as RSVPing! Why not set up a sustainable online registry that guides guests toward gifts you need? Opt for a charitable registry supporting environmental causes so that your guests get to contribute to a meaningful cause, and you know you’ve helped preserve the planet. When it comes to choosing your venue, think outside the banquet hall. Say ‘I do’ in a sun-drenched garden, on top of a scenic hill, or with your toes in the sand on a beach. Nature not only makes for stunning photos but also cuts down on venue energy use which is a win-win! Fresh flowers are lovely, but their environmental impact isn’t always so rosy. Consider using potted plants as part of your décor which doubles up as charming souvenirs for guests and can adorn your home long after the wedding bells have rung. Skip the buffet and opt for a plated dinner which cuts down on leftovers. Spread the love by donating extra goods to a local shelter. Your heart (and stomach) will be full knowing your celebration helps others. Encourage carpooling or arrange group transportation for your guests to reduce the carbon footprint of your wedding – this means less traffic, fewer emissions, and more fun arriving together in style. As you plan the most magical day of your life, remember that going green doesn’t mean sacrificing style or luxury. It’s about making thoughtful choices that leave a positive impact on the environment. Whether you’re exchanging vows under the stars or dancing the night away in a reclaimed barn, let your love for each other shine as brightly as your commitment to a sustainable future. Cheers to love, laughter, and a wedding day that’s as kind to the planet as it is to your heart. To book, visit www.instagram.com/letusdoit_uk www.facebook.com/people/Let-Us-Do-It/100083233974004 PLANNING 57 A DREAM VISION BROUGHT TO LIFE Wallington-based Louisa Jane Designer Florist creates wow-factor wedding blooms delivered in the surrounding areas including Beddington, Hackbridge, Carshalton, Croydon, Sutton, Belmont, Purley, Coulsdon and Banstead. The friendly, experienced team can work to any budget and brief, using a variety of fresh flowers and foliage. They also sell planets and giftware, the perfect pick for wedding presents that say ‘thank you’ and as an e-florist member, they can send flowers almost anywhere in the world. To shop, visit www.louisajaneflorist.net
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