Eco-Friendly “I Do’s”: How to Plan a More Sustainable Wedding
Planning a wedding is exciting — but it’s also an opportunity to be intentional. As a UK wedding photographer who’s passionate about nature, I’ve seen how a few eco-friendly choices can make a big difference, without compromising on beauty, joy, or style.
From reusable décor to ethical fashion, here’s how to plan a sustainable wedding that reflects your love story and your values.
🌿 Choose an Eco-Friendly Wedding Venue
One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is your venue — and it’s also where you can have the most environmental impact. Look for locations that:
- Support renewable energy or recycling
- Host both ceremony and reception (to reduce travel)
- Are outdoors, using natural light and minimal electricity
Venues like gardens, barns, and heritage buildings often offer charm and sustainability — and they look absolutely stunning in your photos.
📷 Planning an outdoor wedding? Natural backdrops are a dream to photograph — soft light, beautiful tones, and earthy textures all add magic to your gallery.
📩 Go Paperless (or Print Sustainably)
Traditional invitations can be beautiful, but they often end up in the bin. Digital wedding invitations are a stylish and eco-conscious alternative — no postage, no paper, no waste.
Prefer something physical? Choose:
- Recycled paper
- Seed paper that guests can plant
- Soy-ink or low-impact printing methods
Less paper means less waste — and more budget for your dream photographer or florist!
👗 Wear Ethical & Sustainable Wedding Outfits
Sustainable fashion is becoming a powerful movement in weddings. Instead of buying brand-new, consider:
- Renting a dress or suit
- Choosing vintage or heirloom garments
- Working with a local designer using eco fabrics
From a photographer’s perspective, outfits with history or handmade details photograph beautifully and tell an even deeper story.
🎞️ One of my favourite places to hunt for beautiful second hand wedding dresses is the Great Oaks Shop in Coleford, it has an amzing selection of dresses and accessories.
🌸 Choose Seasonal, Local Flowers
Flowers are a gorgeous part of any wedding — but imported blooms can have a hefty carbon footprint. Instead:
- Work with local florists
- Choose in-season flowers
- Use dried flowers or potted plants
- Avoid floral foam (it’s not biodegradable)
Living arrangements like herbs or succulents can double as décor and wedding favours your guests can keep.
🕯️ Use Low-Waste, Reusable Wedding Décor
The best eco wedding ideas often involve things you don’t need to buy at all! Skip the single-use décor and embrace items you can rent, borrow, or thrift:
- Reusable signage (chalkboards, wood)
- Vintage crockery and tableware
- Fabric bunting or ribbons
- Glassware and lanterns
- Natural confetti (like petals or leaves)
📷 Pro tip: Sustainable materials like wood, linen, and dried flowers always photograph better than plastic!
🎁 Rethink Wedding Favours
Many traditional favours go unused or are left behind. Instead, consider:
- Mini potted plants or succulents
- Handmade soaps or local honey
- Charitable donations in guests’ names
- Skipping favours altogether and adding a fun experience (like a photo booth or dessert bar)
Sustainability is about choosing what matters most — and letting go of the rest.
🥗 Serve a Sustainable, Seasonal Menu
Food can be one of the most impactful (and delicious) parts of a sustainable wedding. Consider:
- Seasonal, locally sourced ingredients
- Plant-based or vegetarian menu options
- Working with caterers who compost or donate leftovers
A thoughtful menu isn’t just good for the Earth — it adds warmth, flavour, and creativity to your wedding story.
🚗 Reduce Travel & Offset Emissions
Travel often makes up the biggest part of a wedding’s carbon footprint. You can reduce this by:
- Hosting your ceremony and reception at the same location
- Encouraging guests to carpool or take shared shuttles
- Offsetting carbon emissions from travel or your honeymoon
Eco-friendly weddings don’t have to be far away — some of the most heartfelt ceremonies I’ve photographed happened in local woodlands, fields, and family gardens.
🌍 What Is a Sustainable Wedding?
A sustainable wedding is one planned with the environment in mind. It focuses on reducing waste, supporting local and ethical vendors, and making thoughtful choices — from the invitations to the dress to the food on your plate.
💚 Ready to Plan Your Eco-Friendly Wedding?
If you’re planning a green wedding, I’d love to help you capture every thoughtful detail and beautiful moment. As a wedding photographer who values sustainability and storytelling, I believe the most meaningful weddings are the ones rooted in love and intention.
✨ Let’s tell your story in a way that’s authentic, heartfelt, and kind to the planet.
