Planning an eco-friendly wedding? Here are 7 things to think about this Earth Day

With wedding season around the corner many couples are preparing for their big day.

The price we pay for getting hitched is well documented, with some bills ringing in at eye-watering amounts, but a wedding could also cost the earth - literally.

Any party has the potential to impact badly on the environment but there is another way.

“The importance of having an eco-friendly wedding is being embraced by more and more couples during the planning of their big day,” said wedding expert, Lisa Forde, of wedding stationery specialists, Tree of Hearts.

“The sustainable movement is all about reducing the use of single-use materials and opting for products and materials that are better for the environment.

“If you’re looking to plan your own eco-friendly wedding there’s lots of things to think about - from wedding party outfits to confetti to your honeymoon.”

With almost two decades in the industry under her belt, Lisa has seen the priorities of brides-to-be change over time, with many of her brides stating that an eco-friendly wedding is of high importance.

For couples with a conscience, Lisa has pulled together seven things to think about when planning your eco-friendly wedding:

Stationery suppliers

You might think that sending your invitations online is an easy way to eliminate waste but it’s not actually that much more eco-friendly. Did you know that around 120 emails equates to 1,652 g CO2e?

But at the end of the day, nothing beats traditional high-quality stationery, eloquently styled and designed, printed on high-quality sustainable paper and personalised to your day and a keepsake for your guests forever.

Wedding party outfits

Choosing outfits when you're trying to be eco-friendly can be difficult, as you don't want to compromise on style and want something that will really suit you. Luckily for you, there are so many options.

We would recommend looking in second-hand and vintage boutiques to find pre-loved dresses. There will be so many beautiful styles for a fraction of the cost of buying a brand new dress.

More and more brides are also choosing to wear their mum's wedding dress for their special day. You can then have alterations made if you're looking for a more modern style.

For the groom and groomsmen, consider renting suits. This is a great idea as many men will never wear their wedding suit ever again, and it will just sit in the wardrobe gathering dust.

Make-up