6 Tips To Celebrate Your Wedding… Consciously

We put solar panels on our roofs, drive electric cars, love our keep cups, buy compostable baking paper, save seeds, bamboo everything, even Smarties come in paper bags now! So why would we drop our dedication to sustainability on the day that is all about us? 

Here are 6 helpful hints to align your design with your environmental commitment. 

Tip #1 - Natural Beauty

Think waterfalls, 100 year old trees, gnarly headlands or the ocean and you just might find your perfect sustainable wedding spot. For the environmentally conscious couple these natural wonders are the perfect solution! Minimal cost (perhaps a small council permit fee), nature decorations, easier availability, natural light for photography and unlimited capacity. Using a few chairs to create an aisle and you're in business! And if centrally located your guests won't be building up their carbon footprint by driving long distances. 

Tip #2 - Conscious Communications

With countless stunning online options there is no need to spend hours gathering postal addresses and licking those horrible snail mail stamps, yuck! And the real time reporting makes way for 100% wedding efficiency. Need to know uni friend Lisa’s food allergies, just check her RSVP. What about Uncle Bob’s new girlfriend's name? Just check his RSVP! You get the drift. Efficient, mindful, and all organised from the comfort of your couch. 

Tip #3 - All The Pretty Things

Think of ongoing beauty! Flowers that last forever, vases that can be reused or gifted, napkins that will remind you at each and every BBQ of your special day! These items need not be enjoyed once but over and over. 

And have you considered jewellery? Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue? Traditional pieces of jewellery or family heirlooms (if you’re lucky), can add depth from previous generations and family in the big day celebration, and beyond. Try to broaden your idea of what beauty really is and you might find it’s not always new and shiney.

When purchased with efficiency in mind all these items can go on to live a long and happy life! 

Tip #4 - Food Glorious Food

Stuffed zucchini flowers will have guests hovering around your buffet! With many people choosing a vegetarian lifestyle why not look to include this into the tasty part of the party. Cutting out a meat footprint will demonstrate a real passion for our planet and asking your caterer to source food close to home will ensure you can enjoy every last bite guilt free. 

Tip #5 - Gifts For The Greater Good

Do you really need that platter? Or that extra set of bath towels? Maybe the answer is yes and that's totally understandable but on the off chance that you and your partner are fortunate enough to have these essentials perhaps you could look to forgo the tradition of wedding gifts. Asking guests to donate to a charity close to your heart is a beautiful way to give back and once again minimise your consumer footprint. 

Tip #6 - It's A Numbers Game

Have you started the guest list yet? This can be a difficult part of any wedding. Aunts and Uncles you haven't seen in years, work mates, your Mums bestie, friends from sport, do they make the cut? Every bride and groom struggle with this job, and it can turn into quite the controversy, but what if you really took it to the core. To the people who will be there to celebrate your 1st anniversary and also your 20th. Minimising your list will ease not only your wedding footprint but also your budget. 

These are just a few ways to make your wedding a considered and sustainable day. The best place to start is to look at how you live your life day to day and continue those best practices into your special day. Cheers!