HOT TOPIC Our experts offer stellar wedmin advice on planning a sustainable wedding SHOP LOCAL Carol Bartlett from High Trenhouse (www.hightrenhouseweddings.com) says: In the same way that there’s no such thing as a perfect wedding, there’s no such thing as a perfectly ethical wedding. However, with a little bit of planning and thought, it’s possible to have an amazing celebration while minimising your impact on the environment. Start with your venue. Many places, like here at High Trenhouse, focus on sustainability and minimising their carbon impact; from recycling where possible to minimising single-use plastics, offering vegan or vegetarian menu options and even decorating the wedding with locally-grown flowers and greenery. Try to use local wineries or distillers. Here, we support Whittakers and Otterbeck gin distilleries as well as Ilkley and Dark House Brewery, all small Yorkshire-based businesses. Ask guests to use natural confetti such as dried flower petals, fresh or dried leaves, or even dried lavender or herbs such as rosemary and thyme, which have the added benefit of a beautiful natural fragrance. Finally, don’t forget the wedding favours. Consider some of the trending eco-friendly alternatives such as flower bombs, seedlings, small herb plants or succulents that will leave behind a reminder of your big day for future generations. SUSTAINABILITY SUSSED WHAT MATTERS MOST Celebrant Rachael Bowers from Ceremonies with Rachael (www.ceremonieswithrachael.com) says: Less stuff, more meaning! I’d encourage you to think about what what truly makes you and your guests happy. For the couples I work with, who want a truly intentional wedding that reflects their green values, this means choosing things that matter and ditching those that don’t. Wedding favours, single-use items personalised with dates or Team Bride, disposable flip flops... no one will miss these things! How people feel at your wedding is what makes the biggest impression. Instead of wasting money on manufactured gifts that end up in the bin, make your wedding day memorable through an impactful ceremony, incredible music, or entertainment. Spending a little bit more on your wedding ceremony for example, with a celebrant or live musicians results in a much more personal and emotional event that sets the tone for the rest of your big day. Whether you want it to be fun, sentimental or serious, a ceremony written about you with music, stories and singing will be memorable for the right reasons, without harming the planet. As a humanist celebrant, I work with many couples who want to have a more sustainable wedding. During the ceremony, I talk about their values as a couple, and this often includes caring for the planet and living sustainably. www.flashforwardphotography.co.uk www.samchipmanphotography.com NO NEED TO COMPROMISE Kirstie Clemmings from Hotel du Vin York (www.hotelduvin.com/locations/york) and Malmaison York (www.malmaison.com/locations/york) says: Our sustainability pledge is something we pride ourselves on. Each year we aim to decrease our output and encourage our guests to join us. Your special day can be just as sensational when using silk flowers, as these are a wonderful way to bring stunning arrangements into your décor, and they can be re-used making them a much more sustainable option. What’s more, using a local supplier for your cake can reduce transport emissions. You can be sustainable without compromising your big day. Finally, if your guests are staying with us for more than one night, you can opt for our eco-clean where we’ll donate money to our chosen charity in return for not servicing your room, allowing us to reduce detergent use, water and energy. 55 ASK THE EXPERTS
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