Your Devon and Cornwall Wedding - July/August 2024 (Issue 50)

HAPIKATA Using eco-friendly materials is key for this Devon-based company who hire throughout both regions. Due to its strength, the species of spruce used for their poles requires no use of unpleasant chemicals to prevent rot. Each tree used to make the poles is selected as part of a sustainable forest management plan approved by the Forestry Commission; this has to meet the criteria set by the FSC where all woodlands are replanted after felling. There's minimal waste as everything used to erect the tipis can be reused and the team have eliminated the use of cable ties. www.hapikata.co.uk ABBOTTS EVENT HIRE Sustainability is key at this Cornish company. Their elegant glassware, crockery, cutlery and linen napkins are all reusable and hiring them for weddings prevents the disposable options from being used and producing more waste. The talented team try to make things as streamlined as possible for customers and covers all cleaning with their return dirty policy. They have a logistics manager who will carefully plan and schedule deliveries to ensure their carbon footprint is kept to a minimum. https://abbottseventhire.co.uk RIVER COTTAGE Sustainability always takes centre stage at River Cottage HQ and weddings at River Cottage are no different; the team champions this same philosophy when welcoming couples to the heart of the farm to plan and celebrate their special day. In all undertakings, the talented team aims to inspire people to grow, source and cook food that increases their wellbeing and achieves a closer connection to natural, sustainable and ethical food choices. River Cottage's sensational seasonal food is a core draw to this unique eco-conscious venue. River Cottage has a principle of SLOW food– seasonal, local, organic and wild – which means that menus are formed around the seasons, as well as the food you love. With any wedding menu at River Cottage, the welfare of the animals raised is as high as it can be, vegetables are grown without any unnecessary chemicals and the soil and land surrounding both are full of wildlife and nutrients. Couples looking to make their big day more sustainable can follow these top ten tips for an eco-conscious wedding: •Choose a venue and suppliers that share your ethos, for example using recycled, organic or ethically sourced materials. •Choose local suppliers to reduce transport emissions. •For your favours, consider edible gifts, seeds for the garden or even plants, all packaged up in recyclable, reusable or compostable materials. •Keep confetti as natural as possible and ensure it is biodegradable. •Think about how any props or decorations can be reused after the big day; if you can't use them yourself, donate or re-gift. •Consider pre-loved dresses, suits, jewellery, props and decorations. •Consider hiring rather than buying certain items. •Preserve your flowers – or consider dried to start with! •Keep your menu SLOW (seasonal, local, organic and wild). •Choose locally grown seasonal flowers. www.rivercottage.net 54 www.lizziechurchill.com www.lizziechurchill.com www.unearthedcreative.co.uk www.unearthedcreative.co.uk Amber Marie Photography

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTA0NTE=