Reduce Reducing waste at your wedding

Wedding celebrations can be wasteful, but they don’t have to be.

Investing a bit of time at the planning stage can avoid unnecessary waste on the big day, can reduce the environmental impact of your celebration, and it can help to minimise costs too.

Top tips for reducing waste at your wedding:

• Opt for digital invitations: Instead of traditional paper invitations, use digital invites. This reduces paper waste and can be more cost-effective. For guests who prefer physical invitations, choose recycled paper and eco-friendly inks, and minimise the inclusion of bows or glitter in the envelope.

• Choose a sustainable venue: Select venues that have a commitment to sustainability. Many places in the UK offer eco-friendly options, such as renewable energy sources, recycling programmes, locally sourced catering and a commitment to avoid single use crockery and cutlery.
• Minimize food waste: Work with your caterer to plan portion sizes accurately to avoid over-catering. Consider donating leftover food to local charities, food banks or community fridges. Alternatively, offer guests the option to take leftovers home and provide containers for those who do.

• Use eco-friendly decorations: Opt for reusable, rented, or biodegradable decorations. Avoid single-use plastics and choose items like fabric bunting, potted plants, and candles made from beeswax or soy. Encourage the use of natural materials like fresh flowers that can be composted afterward.
• Sustainable attire: Encourage the bridal party to rent their outfits or choose dresses and suits they can wear again and again. Alternatively, buy second-hand or vintage clothing. A lot of wedding boutiques and tailors will make alterations and add bespoke features to pre-loved dresses. Ensure any new purchases are made from sustainable materials.
• Choose sustainable wedding favours:  Choose items made from recycled materials and which can be recycled where appropriate. Don’t be tempted to over-cater edible favours such as sweets and chocolates.

• Use a smart wedding gift list / registry: If you are asking for products consider using an online registry service to minimise the chance of being gifted unwanted or duplicate items. Many registry services allow cash donations towards your honeymoon, or anything else you want to buy, as well as donations to a nominated charity. If you do get duplicate items or something you don’t want, explore options for rehoming them rather than throwing them away.

Find out how one Leicestershire resident used these tips and more to achieve a low waste wedding that didn’t cost the earth in this blog post on the Leicestershire County Council website.