8 ways to have a more sustainable wedding
A wedding puts a good amount of pressure on our lovely little planet and whilst you want to have the best day, it is important to be mindful of the effect your choices have on our carbon footprint. We have compiled 8 easy ways to reduce your global impact whilst having the best Italian wedding; and if that doesn’t sell it for you…these tips should also save you money!
Local suppliers
By using local suppliers and local produce (food, flowers, drinks) you are reducing the pressure on the environment from the importation process. Transporting in flowers relies heavily on water to keep them fresh and is transport intensive, both affecting their carbon footprint.
Sticking to seasonal food and flowers is another way to consider the environment when building your wedding. Speak with your caterer and florist about these options. And you must download our 2023 Flower Guide for tips on flower choice by the talented Giorgia Carolini.
And what a bonus…you should save money this way, as it takes less resources to transport and store the products.
Bridal bouquet: The Good Florist
Reuse
Make the decision to source re-useable equipment for your wedding day. From your decorations through to your mise en place and furniture.
Florists have different prices to rent these items and it is always worth asking if they have a catalogue.
It really isn’t worth buying items from home, flying them out there and then having that guilt when you chuck them after your day.
The majority of florists are environmentally conscious and already use the most planet-friendly materials for your floral displays - but always worth checking.
Floral display: Flowers Living
Venue
We love the venues who are environmentally-aware. And fortunately there are so many out there. Some have even created their own eco-systems by growing their own produce and being self-sufficient with own energy powers. This creates a wonderful atmosphere when you serve organic food and drinks cultivated from the same location as your wedding.
Photo: Red on Blonde
Recycling
Italy is hot on recycling!
Help guests and suppliers understand that reducing your global footprint is important to you and say no to single use plastic. Perhaps use glass bottles or check if there is drinking water which can be used.
Photo: Tash Busta Photography
Don’t buy plastic sh*t
It’s so tempting to have that last minute panic and hit Amazon hard buying loads of plastic fillers to add to your wedding. We promise you do not need it! There isn’t anything missing and your guests really won’t miss it.
Photo: Lato Photography
Carbon off-set your flights
We strongly believe in off-setting the imprint of your wedding travel. It is very easy to do and honestly it is so worth it. Do it for yourselves and your guests and feel lighter knowing you have done something. Our sister company Wiskow & White plant trees to off-set their flights.
For more information do contact us.
Musicians: Fix the Music
Don’t waste food
Let us assure you, you will never go hungry at an Italian wedding! There are so many courses and so much food, so really consider if you need it all. We see the most waste from the aperitif stations and then much later at the party / midnight snack station. Perhaps at a ‘home’ wedding additional opportunities to eat hold merit but at an Italian wedding you will be eating later and having multiple courses.
Caterer: GVE | Venue: Country Relais & Spa Le Capanne
Challenge your suppliers
Challenge your suppliers on their environmental responsibility. Request no plastic bottles, forks, straws be used and opt for the reuse of decor items where possible.
Stationery: White Vines Studio
Rent your clothes
Renting is huge right now, so join the buzz and rent your outfit for your pre or post party. If you have never considered this as an option, it’s a must! We adore Hurr, Rotaro and By Rotation.
And if you are keen to dip your toe in the renting marketing, then do consider going second-hand for your wedding dress. There are some equally fabulous websites specialising in this or head to Oxfam to check out their stock.
Photo: The Curries
We understand that planning a wedding is a lot but it truly does put a lot on our planet as well. It is so easy to be the one who says I don’t make that much of a difference, but think…if the Italian wedding market stepped up and took on a handful of our suggestions, together we can help.
