13 minute read
An Eco Friendly Wedding
Top Tips for
AN ECO-FRIENDLY Wedding
When More Radio breakfast presenter Lou Nash and her husband set out to plan their wedding fifteen months ago, they intended to make it as eco-friendly as possible, and here she shares some of their best ideas
My husband and I are both passionate about nature and protecting the planet, and after some research we discovered it’s not that difficult to ensure your big day has a minimal impact on the planet, without compromising on those beautiful little details that make it so special. Bread and cheese – all made within 10 miles of our venue
GO VEGGIE An easy way to reduce your wedding’s carbon footprint is by reducing the amount of meat consumed. My husband and I are both vegetarian, however we have many friends and family members who do eat meat. We wanted our food to be vegetarian without the feeling there was something missing. We opted for curry, served in sharing bowls on every table. It went down a storm and everyone loved it. Many of our meat eating guests didn’t notice the difference, we had so many compliments, and by serving it from sharing bowls, we reduced the amount of food waste as well. If you don’t want to ditch the meat completely then make sure it’s sustainably farmed, and ideally locally sourced, along with other seasonal ingredients.
SHOP LOCAL Using local suppliers, local produce and local shops can make your wedding more eco-friendly. We wanted our guests to enjoy freshly made ice cream from a vintage van and sourced one near Ringmer. It proved a popular choice and the ice cream was delicious. Our evening food was kept really simple, bread and cheese – all made within 10 miles of our venue. Dried flower petals make the best confetti as they smell beautiful and look wonderful
REDUCE SINGLE USE PRODUCTS Single use products are actually really easy to cut out of weddings. Choose paper straws instead of plastic; most suppliers will be more than happy to make the swap, but you often need to ask in advance. Dried flower petals make the best confetti as they smell beautiful and look wonderful; you can even match them to your colour scheme. Think carefully about favours – there are lots of eco-friendly options out there like packets of seeds, or plants like herbs and succulents, which make lovely looking favours and also double up as table décor. Practical favours have a life beyond the wedding day.
BORROW DON’T BUY Decorating a venue can take a huge chunk of the budget but thinking creatively can save money and the planet. First up, ask the venue what décor they offer, they may well have lots of essentials like fairy lights and bunting which can be used as part of the hire. Secondly, ask to share or borrow items from friends and family, or go halves with others who are also planning their big day. We borrowed some vases from friends, and in return we lent our LED tealights and confetti baskets. There are treasure troves of second-hand wedding décor online, and they’re also a great place to sell on your bits and pieces once the big day is over. And don’t forget the hire companies, there are plenty around who can supply items and set everything up for you. It’s a very sustainable way to decorate as these items are used over and over again.
DRESS VINTAGE There are several ways to enjoy a perfect dress with minimal impact on the planet. Consider choosing a vintage or second-hand dress from a website or shop that specialise in them. Not only is this a sustainable option, but there are some fantastic bargains to be had. You may end up with a dream dress
that would have been a budget breaker, brand new. Many charities have dedicated wedding dress shops with a huge selection to choose from, some of which might not have been worn. Some wedding dresses can also be repurposed after the big day, to be worn again at other special occasions. If your choice is to keep it in the family and re-use your mum or grandma’s dress, there are plenty of seamstresses out there who can transform a dress into something totally unique. And don’t forget, vintage isn’t just for dresses, keep your eyes peeled for snazzy vintage suits, shoes and accessories.
SAVE THE TREES It’s possible to reduce the amount of paper consumed by a wedding. Keep the invites simple and use recycled paper. Consider creating a wedding website listing the key details of directions, gift lists, menus, taxi companies, places to stay and so on. Then send out emails detailing any changes. Look into reducing stationery on the day – do the guests really need menus, can an order of service be shared between two people?
GIFTS Gift lists are a brilliant way of making sure you don’t end up with lots of wellintentioned presents you might never use. These days there are so many different options, from traditional department store lists, to websites that take the awkwardness out of asking for money towards the honeymoon, or loft conversion. We have just moved into an old cottage which requires lots of renovation and chose a website offering guests the chance to treat us to things we need for the project.
Whether it was bricks, doors or even a bathtub – all the gifts will come in handy. Our guests loved the creativity of it, several commented saying how pleasing it was to help fund something really important to us.
LOCALLY GROWN
We’re so lucky in Sussex that we have several cutting gardens meaning your wedding flowers don’t have to come from overseas, thereby reducing the environmental impact of your wedding. We rather
ambitiously decided to try growing some of our own flowers. I spent £15 on seeds in January, and by the time of our wedding (with lots of love and watering) we had enough blooms to fill the table vases. But if you’re not the greenfingered type why not ask friends or family members to help grow your blooms? Pot plants and dried flowers make great venue and table decorations and can be used again after the big day. As well as cutting down on waste this means your wedding flowers can live on in your home or garden for years to come. They can also become gifts for your guests. Finally, why not consider donating cut flowers to a local hospital, hospice or care home so they’re enjoyed for more than just one day.
Looking back on our big day, my husband and I reflect positively on the choices we made, hoping we helped to do our bit, for our guests, for the local economy and for the future of the planet. Now it’s time to look forward to your big day… l
Forest Rose Flowers Furlong Chauffeur Wedding Cars
Luxury chauffeur driven executive wedding cars for your special day. You can tailor your requirements for bridal, bridesmaids, grooms and groomsmen. Arrive at your wedding in luxury and style with a modern touch. Prices from £160. www.furlongchauffeurservices.co.uk email: info@fcssussex.co.uk 01903 871333 / 07711905279
The team at Forest Rose Flowers are dedicated to providing customers with the most stunning floral displays, for every occasion. We take pride in delivering creative designs, using a combination of classic and quirky blooms. Hartfield Road, Forest Row RH18 5DN 07703 583523 www.forestroseflowers.co.uk
Hannah Osmond – Celebrant
Looking for a ceremony that is as special and unique as you are? Then let Hannah help you celebrate your love for one another in style. Friendly, professional, experienced Independent Celebrant. Hannah Osmond - Balcombe, West Sussex www.hannahosmondcelebrant.co.uk info@hannahosmondcelebrant.co.uk Instagram: @hannahosmondcelebrant Facebook: Hannah Osmond Celebrant Tel: 07780 708864
The Paint Club
Sarah Lacey Dry Cleaning
Have a creative hen party with a paint and sip party. We provide all the equipment and can host anywhere from hotel to field. Then keep your painting as the perfect memento. hello@thepaintclub.co.uk www.thepaintclub.co.uk
Expert care for your wedding dress. Sarah believes every wedding dress is unique, that’s why her personalised cleaning and boxing service is so popular with brides. 1 College Road, Haywards Heath West Sussex, RH16 1QN 01444 416644 sarahlaceydrycleaning@gmail.com
Harpist – Margaret Watson
The ultimate romantic instrument! Margaret has a vast musical repertoire to suit all tastes and can arrange your “special song” for that extra personal touch. 07957 669504 goldharp23@gmail.com www.harpmusic.co.uk
Chariots Chauffeur Hire
Chariots Wedding and Executive Cars specialise in classic, veteran and modern car hire for weddings beautiful cars can be hired for weddings in Lewes, Uckfield, Eastbourne, Brighton and everywhere in between. Chariots Wedding & Executive Cars, Merlins, Uckfield Road, Clayhill BN8 5RU 01273 813401 info@chariotschauffeurs.com www.chariotschauffeurs.co.uk
An experienced, Professional Harpist for over 15 years, Fiona is renowned for her Harp expertise and her friendliness and advice puts the client at ease. All the beautiful, romantic music you will ever need! www.Harpist.uk.com Tel: 01323 442935 / 07866 698566 Facebook @EventHarpist
Something Blue Wedding Car Hire
Something Blue is a family run Sussex business providing quality vintage VW Bus and Beetle vehicles (plus our Jeep!) for chauffeur driven wedding day transport. Justin & Jennifer Cooper Tel: 0787 602 0447 / 01903 774909 Email: jcooper@j2sussex.com Facebook & Instagram @somethingbluecarhire www.somethingbluecarhire.com
YOUR Wedding
Coles Menswear & Wedding Hire Specialists
Formal Suit Hire for Men and Boys - Classic and Contemporary Collections. Friendly, professional staff that will help you choose from an extensive range of styles and colours with accessories that will help you complete your unique look. 132 High Street, Uckfield TN22 1RA 01825 762156 www.coles-menswear.co.uk Butterflies and Bows
Friendly professional company, based in Lingfield, with fourteen years experience. Bouquets, table centres, fairylight backdrops, chair covers, decorations and lighting. Discounted packages available. 01342 892392 07717 527923 info@butterfliesandbows.co.uk www.butterfliesandbows.co.uk
Chair Cover Chic
High quality room decor for your affordable dream wedding, private party or corporate event. Chair covers and all styles of sashes, draping, lighting, backdrops, flower wall, blossom and topiary trees. 89 Hammerwood Road, Ashurstwood RH19 3RX 01342 824180 enquiries@chaircoverchic.co.uk www.chaircoverchic.co.uk
Ashdown Events
Ashdown Events provides a full event decoration and floristry service for weddings, parties and corporate events including bridal and reception flowers, chair covers, backdrops and draping. Unit 2, Moonhill Farm, Burgess Hill Road, Ansty RH17 5AH 01444 616090 sales@ashdownevents.co.uk www.ashdownevents.co.uk
Maple Leaf Carriage Company
A wide selection of carriages with beautifully groomed carriage horses to provide the perfect bespoke service and make your day that much more special and memorable. 01323 847482 / 07736 184909 www.mapleleafcarriages.com info@mapleleafcarriages.com
Auguste Escoffier
The Old Post Office, The Square, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5EZ
01342 822752
SHEARER’S DELIVERS PROPER SERVICE AND GREAT TASTING FOOD
Since opening in 2013 Shearer’s Fine Foods, an independent delicatessen and food store, has come a long way, not least the loyal customer following that it has built. The product range has grown and continues to change in response to customer requests, from keeping in tune with market conditions and from finding new products to market or currently trending products.
From day one, the cheese and charcuterie counter has been the focal point, and with over 50 cheeses plus 10 cooked and cured meats and pates, it is easy to see why. There is no compromise on quality, with cheeses checked daily to ensure that they are maturing in line with customers’ requirements. The range has a strong foundation of local cheeses alongside the best the UK has to offer as well as selected European products.
The other departments follow a similar pattern with lots of delicious foods and drinks, including a wide range of awardwinning, vegan, and free-from products, to make you, your family and your friends feel truly spoiled. Walk around the shop and you will find the following: • Cheese Accompaniments: a range of crackers, oatcakes and condiments including mustards, chutneys, and jellies. • Olives and Antipasti: an unrivalled ranged of olives and antipasti including whole, pitted and stuffed olives and probably the best olives in the world (you decide). • Cooking Ingredients: herbs and spices, salts, oils and vinegars, pickles, stocks and sauces, beans and pulses, pasta, rice and fresh Chalk Hills Bakery bread. • Loose Frozen: loose sweet and savoury pastries, loose fruit and vegetable mixes, loose potato products plus restaurant quality desserts and ready meals. • Chilled: cooking chorizo, humous and dips, prepacked cheese, curry pastes, anchovies plus cooked and cured meats. • Sweet Treats: boxes of chocolates, truffles, Turkish delight, Italian pastries, nougat and the incomparable Rabitos chocolate coated figs. • Wine & Drinks: wines from around the World plus local fruit juices, cordials, nonalcoholic fizz plus teas and coffees. • Kitchen Equipment: paella pans, olive oil jugs, olives dishes, cheese knives and presentation boards.
A popular Shearer’s service, especially at Christmas time, are the food and drink gift hampers, which are boxed, packed and wrapped for free. Customers can choose their own contents from the Shearer’s range, or the team will gladly put together a suggested mix within the customers budget and requirements.
Shearer’s also supply food and drink for customer events which can include cheese boards, whole cheeses, cakes of cheese, charcuterie platters, whole hams, and handmade cakes and desserts. With all these products, it is helpful to have the knowledgeable Shearer’s team on hand to answer questions about the products and guide customers through the different areas within the deli. The future for Nick is all about delivering more of what his customers want, which means talking to more customers, searching for exciting new products and supporting his local community as he can.
