These tips for a zero waste wedding can help you celebrate your special day, without harm to the planet or animals. And a simpler wedding is also more enjoyable, as what matters is how you felt on the day, not what you bought.
See flowers and celebration trees to avoid near animal friends (many trees are toxic to horses). You can buy wedding tree gifts from Tree 2 My Door and petal confetti (rice is often banned in church, due to being a slipping hazard) from Shropshire Petals (delphiniums are toxic to pets). Only send plantable cards to pet-free homes.
- Modern Weddings is a beautiful book focused on nature-inspired seasonal weddings. The secret to planning a meaningful wedding is nothing to do with budget. It’s about a celebration to reflect a couple’s core values. This book covers the stationery and the dress, seating plans, food, drink, gifts and flowers. With emphasis on natural surroundings, seasonal flowers and minimalist ceremonies.
- See alternatives to expensive wedding gowns (you can find pre-loved gowns locally or online).
- See where to find recycled wedding rings. There is enough mined silver/gold for eternity.
- Most wedding e-invites are ugly, but there are really nice ones available from Dayspring.
- Rather than pay a big hotel for your wedding venue, hire the grounds of a local monastery or convent. If there only a few of you, you may consider holding the wedding say in the grounds of a farm sanctuary, as long as your big day would not negatively affect residents.
- Make your wedding gift list zero waste. Or ask for guests to donate to your favourite small charity.
- Hire a local veggie or organic caterer. Ask them to donate leftovers to local shelters or food banks.
- See why you should avoid balloons and fire lanterns, terrible for wildlife all-round.
- Instead of hiring a big band, see if there are local acoustic buskers or talented musicians that would be more talented and willing to sing or play.
- Floral Angels (London) donates bouquets to care homes & hospices. See bouquets to avoid near pets.
- Carefully consider, if thinking of having dogs at wedding, as many don’t like the noise and crowds. Dog’s Trust has tips on whether to do this, and how.
This flower-folded wedding invite is made on recycled card with a recycled envelope, and a printed pressed/dried flower design. Ideal for an outdoor or woodland wedding, the font style can be changed if wished. RSVP is tear-off. You can order with twine, tied as in photo. Also available is printed guest names and matching ‘on the day stationery’ like place names, menus, order of service. Also available is this pretty heart recycled wedding invite.
