HOT TOPIC: SUSTAINABILITY

This issue we asked our experts to tell us how to plan a wedding sustainably

Styled To Eco Perfection

Sally Gallis from Luna And The Lane (www.lunaandthelane.co.uk and www.purpledoorprops.com) says: Here at Luna And The Lane, one of our main considerations for any wedding is how you can make informed and thoughtful choices about sustainability. Weddings can create waste, something that suppliers must be incredibly mindful about, certainly in the current climate when the focus is so much on our environment. There are many ways you can ensure your wedding involves sustainable choices. Here are just a few:

•Consider re-using any floral arrangements – your florist can advise about this. Think about using dried flowers that you can keep after the wedding or gift on.

•Swapping flowers for potted plants, which can then be planted as a keepsake.

•Hire goods such as furniture or table décor rather than buying things that you’ll only end up putting in the loft.

•If you do buy décor, make sure that you either sell it on (Facebook Marketplace is a great place to do this) or pass it on to others.

•Use local suppliers to cut down on their carbon footprint and buy from small businesses.

•Incorporate locally-grown food and use local distilleries or wineries for booze.

•Find out if your florist can source blooms from flower farms in the local area rather than having them imported.

•Ask your caterer for advice on limiting leftovers.

Have Your Cake And Eat It

Emily Fitter from Emily’s Mixing Bowl (www.emilysmixingbowl.co.uk) says: There are many ways to make your wedding cake more sustainable while still having a gorgeous, and of course, delicious bake at your wedding. Here are a few of my top tips: www.markuzaphoto.com

•Use your wedding cake as pudding to reduce waste and ensure it’s all eaten. Ask your caterer if they can cut it up and serve with seasonal berries or a coulis. Choose rich flavours that will satisfy even the sweetest tooth, such as chocolate and salted caramel, sticky toffee or coffee, hazelnut, and chocolate.

•If you’re getting married out of the summer season consider a pressed flower wedding cake. The blooms are pressed at their best and last all year round for that summer meadow look without the imported flowers.

•Ditch the cake topper (unless it’s sentimental). If you have a skilled cake designer then a cake topper really isn’t needed.

•Don’t use dummy tiers. If you’re having an intimate wedding a one- or two-tier cake can still be beautiful. Cake can be frozen and enjoyed in the months to come and polystyrene is very slow to degrade.

Daring Designs

Chloë Alderson, The Wedding Print Shop (www.theweddingprintshop.co.uk) says: When it comes to wedding stationery there are many ways to make your wedding more sustainable, from small changes such as using recycled paper, to larger changes such as sending digital invites.

At The Wedding Print Shop sustainability is very important to us, from reusing packaging to avoiding single-use plastics as much as possible (which is why we prefer to avoid acrylic invitations). We also advise you on what quantities you need to avoid over-ordering to save you money and reduce waste.

If being more eco-friendly is something you’re striving for at your wedding, work with your chosen supplier to find the perfect balance between style and sustainability. Amongst our range we offer a design-only service for those preferring to send digital invites, various personalised packaging options for items such as biodegradable confetti, papers made from recycled materials and our newest addition – large format printing on 100 per cent fully recyclable board, suitable for table plans and welcome signs.

Clean Beauty

Hair and make-up artist Toni Todd (www.tonitoddhairandmakeup.co.uk) says: When it comes to your hair and make-up, making eco-friendly choices can be challenging but impactful and 1,000 per cent worth it. As a vegan and cruelty-free hair and make-up artist for weddings, I’m dedicated to helping you choose sustainable options that align with your values. Here are some tips to make your wedding make-up and everyday beauty routine more sustainable.

•Choose eco-friendly products. Look for hair and make-up brands that prioritise sustainability by using natural, organic, and cruelty-free ingredients and hold accreditations from the likes of B corp, leaping bunny, PETA and the Soil Association.

•Embrace a minimalist approach. Using fewer products not only reduces waste but also allows your authentic self to shine through. Did you know you can use your favourite lip colour as a cream blush on your cheeks and eyes too?

•Seek a sustainable artist. Choose a hair and make-up artist who specialises in eco-friendly practices. They can guide you towards sustainable products and techniques.

•Embrace reusable tools. Replace single-use make-up wipes and cotton pads with reusable alternatives like bamboo or organic cotton pads. Opt for hairstyling tools made from sustainable materials such as wooden brushes or combs.

•Consider sustainable hairstyles. Explore elegant styles that require few hair products and styling. Embracing your natural hair texture can also be more environmentally friendly.

•Minimise water usage. Incorporate water-saving techniques during your everyday hair washing and styling. Dry shampoos and low-flow shower heads are excellent options to reduce water consumption.

Remembering Loved Ones

Rachael Tout from St Wilfrid’s Hospice (www.stwh.co.uk) says: There are lots of different ways that you can remember someone at your wedding sustainably, without turning to disposable items. It’s a lovely idea to raise a glass to them in your toast or remember them with music; your first dance could be a piece of music you all enjoyed.

You could include a favourite meal or drink on your menu that reminds you of who you are missing – did they make the best pudding? Or could you add a cocktail that celebrates them? For example, was your best friend full of fizz? If so, add it to your menu in honour of that person – it’s sure to raise a smile.

If you’re having a faith wedding, you can ask your faith leader to remember your loved one in your wedding prayers.

You could ask for donations for a charity close to your heart so that favours using plastic materials etc aren’t thrown away after the event. At St Wilfrid’s Hospice, we support couples who’d like to have a wedding donation box or wedding favours related to raising money for the Hospice, so that the charity can go on to support other families in a similar situation in the future.

Something New

The Bobby Pin has launched its 2023 collection of fashionable wedding accessories influenced by some of the year’s hottest trends. These dreamy finishing touches include intricately detailed hair vines, pins and combs in silver or gold metal finishes, plus a range of beautiful bridal earrings. Many designs are adorned with contemporary white clay and pretty porcelain blooms alongside delicate leaf and botanical motifs, while others feature luxurious pearl sprays or glistening crystal stones. To shop, visit https://thebobbypin.co.uk

EDITOR’S FAVOURITE

This special occasion smock is from the new collection by Smock London. The dresses, which are perfect for flowergirls, are made from the finest fabrics. Hidden within the exquisite designs are secret messages and symbols including a row of hearts, a different flower in each dress plus two eternity symbol motifs symbolizing longevity and good luck. To shop, visit www.smocklondon.com

River Island’s first wedding occasion collection has launched offering a selection of mix-and-match bridesmaid dresses and flowergirl styles. There’s a range of silhouettes in a dreamy colour palette and fashionable fabrics include soft satin and tulle. There’s also stylish suiting for men and boys. To shop, visit www.riverisland.com