SHOP LOCAL AND RE-PURPOSE Sherene Rennock from Weddings by Sherene (https://weddingsbysherene.co.uk) says: I always try to encourage my couples to use local suppliers to avoid excessive travel or transportation of items. When it comes to fresh flowers, use local florists and repurpose as much as possible such as using aisle displays and bridesmaids’ bouquets to double up as table displays and cake table décor. At the end of the night rather than letting the flowers go to waste we like to tie them into small bunches for guests to take away, so everyone gets to keep enjoying them. Regarding food, I always try to use suppliers that work in a sustainable way and use fresh seasonal ingredients. I find having a smaller menu creates less waste especially if serving a buffet rather than plated service, too many options tend to lead to a lot of leftovers. A LITTLE CHANGE WITH BIG IMPACT Debbie Turner, digital marketing manager at Sea Change Wine (https://seachangewine.com) says: Start by discussing your eco requirements with your venue. They’re increasingly responding to demand for more sustainable weddings so find out what their green credentials are. Sea Change can supply eco-friendly wine – our prosecco is perfect for your toasts, and our comprehensive range offers ideal food and wine pairings for your wedding breakfast. You’ll be supporting the ocean and its incredible marine life with every bottle. Our range not only tastes fantastic but looks picture perfect too with award-winning labels and minimal packaging that will grace any wedding table. We also cater for non-drinkers with Sea Change Free, a 0% sparkling; perfect for guests who choose to avoid alcohol but don’t want to miss out on that celebratory glass of bubbly. Other sustainable swaps include digital invites, vintage or preloved outfits, antique or synthetic diamonds, eco favours, hiring room and table decorations, and nailing that dream wedding album shot with biodegradable confetti! There are so many sustainable swaps that can be made for weddings, and so much more choice than ever before! Go on – make a little change for a big impact. www.queenbeaphotography.co.uk SMALL IS MIGHTY Precious Randall-Greene, sales and development director at Green Lily Events (www.greenlilyevents.co.uk) says: There are several ways to keep the carbon footprint of your wedding to a minimum. Firstly, think about your guest list and location. A small guest list means fewer people travelling therefore reducing emissions. Explore the option of a micro-wedding for the ultimate eco-friendly choice. Also, consider a local venue so guests don’t have to travel as far. With your décor, try to embrace natural elements such as sunlight, candles and local greenery. Also, upcycling vintage items and renting décor rather than buying. When it comes to food and drink, embrace the season. Choose locally-sourced ingredients and seasonal vegetables, or even better a plant-based meal. For drinks, opt for tap water in carafes over bottled water for the tables. Finally, to keep your wedding as sustainable as possible I’d recommend sending online invitations and RSVPs to save the paper and the trees. www.pippavolansphotography.co.uk 68
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