Your wedding day is a golden opportunity to showcase not only your love but also your values. With more couples in the UK embracing sustainable living, eco-friendly weddings have become a stylish and meaningful way to tie the knot.
At FPM Music Management, we’ve witnessed firsthand how couples are embracing eco-friendly wedding planning to create unforgettable celebrations while treading lightly on the planet. With thoughtful choices, you can craft a day that’s not only one-of-a-kind but also kind to the world around you.
From choosing sustainably sourced materials to supporting local suppliers, there are so many ways to ensure your big day reflects your values. Here’s our guide to planning a sustainable wedding, blending style and substance to create a day that’s at one with the environment and mirrors your love story.
1. Choose a Green Venue
Your venue sets the tone for your wedding, and it can also play a big role in your sustainability efforts. In the South West, we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to eco-conscious venues, with many stunning options in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, and Dorset. From rustic barns powered by carbon-neutral energy to coastal spots that prioritise conservation, there’s a perfect space for everyone.
Venues like River Cottage, on the East Devon/West Dorset border, combine charm with sustainability, offering organic, locally sourced catering straight from their own farm. Their beautiful walled garden and 17th-century threshing barn provide gorgeous settings for a truly eco-friendly celebration.
In Cornwall, Mount Pleasant Eco Park has a strong commitment to eco-friendly practices and is a standout choice for couples dreaming of a coastal wedding with a sustainable ethos. Overlooking the rugged north Cornish coast, this exquisite venue is powered by wind and solar energy. With its timber-framed barn, outdoor amphitheatre, and partnerships with ethical suppliers, it’s perfect for those looking to combine natural beauty with green principles.
Look for venues that use renewable energy sources, have robust recycling systems, and prioritise local and organic catering options. Outdoor ceremonies are also a great way to cut energy use while taking advantage of the region’s breathtaking landscapes.
2. Green Transport Options
Encourage guests to carpool or offer group transportation to your venue. Many South West venues are close to public transport links, making it easier to reduce travel emissions. If you’re feeling bold, why not arrive in an electric vehicle, on a bike, or even by boat if you’re tying the knot by the sea?
3. Sustainable Wedding Fashion
Your wedding outfit is one of the most special aspects of the day, but it’s also where sustainability can shine. Consider buying pre-loved or vintage attire, which not only cuts down on waste but also gives you the chance to wear something truly unique.
If buying new, look for brands using organic or recycled materials or work with local designers to reduce your outfit’s carbon footprint. Don’t forget about your bridal party - encourage them to re-wear outfits or choose something versatile that they’ll use again.
4. Sustainable Wedding Bands
No, we’re not talking about rings - although we’ll get to that! Booking a live band is a fantastic way to support local talent and create a memorable atmosphere, and we’re proud to manage some of the South West’s top wedding bands here at FPM Music Management.
By choosing a band that’s based near your venue, you can reduce carbon emissions linked to travel. Plus, working with a trusted company like ours ensures your entertainment is professionally managed, leaving you to enjoy your day stress-free.
5. Eco-Friendly Décor
Wedding décor can often be a source of waste, but there are so many ways to make it more sustainable. Use potted plants instead of cut flowers, hire reusable decorations, or opt for materials like wood and linen for their natural origins and glass for its durability and recyclability.
Another idea? Source local flowers that are in season. Not only does this cut down on transport emissions, but it also supports local growers and adds a personal touch to your day. Afterwards, consider donating your flowers to hospitals or care homes to spread the joy.
Now, let’s talk confetti - because nothing says celebration quite like it! Traditional confetti can be a nightmare for the environment, but there are plenty of planet-friendly alternatives. Opt for biodegradable confetti made from dried petals, herbs, or even leaves for a natural, whimsical effect. Better yet, ask your guests to toss birdseed or flower seeds, leaving a trail of beauty and nourishment for the local wildlife. It’s a simple swap that keeps the festive spirit alive while celebrating in harmony with nature.
6. Conscious Catering
Food is a big part of any wedding celebration, and it’s also an opportunity to reduce your environmental impact. Choose caterers who prioritise local, seasonal, and organic ingredients. Vegetarian or vegan menus are also a great option to cut down on the carbon footprint of your meal.
Don’t forget to consider waste! Discuss with your caterer how leftovers can be minimised or donated to local charities. If you’re serving drinks, opt for local wines, ciders, and craft beers - championing the South West’s amazing producers while keeping it sustainable.
7. Support Local Suppliers
By choosing local wedding suppliers from the South West, you help reduce your carbon footprint while supporting talented regional businesses.
From photographers to bakers to florists, working with local businesses keeps your wedding’s footprint small while promoting Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset’s vibrant creative communities.
Here at FPM Music Management, we’re proud to collaborate with some of the region’s most outstanding suppliers to create magical weddings that are as sustainable as they are stylish.
8. Ethical Rings and Jewellery
When it comes to your wedding bands (the ones on your fingers this time!), consider jewellery made from recycled materials or ethically sourced gemstones. Many jewellers now offer options that prioritise fair trade practices and eco-friendly production.
9. Digital Invitations and Sustainable Stationery
Save paper (and postage emissions) by opting for digital invitations. If you prefer traditional stationery, choose recycled or plantable paper that turns into wildflowers. It’s a lovely way to combine sentiment with sustainability.
10. Eco-Friendly Wedding Favours
Wedding favours are a lovely way to show appreciation for your guests, but often, these small gifts end up forgotten or discarded. Why not make your favours eco-friendly and meaningful?
Consider donating to a charity on behalf of your guests or offer items that are useful and sustainable, such as reusable tote bags, soy wax candles, organic bath salts and soaps, or bamboo straws. You could even opt for something edible, like locally-made honey or organic chocolate.
The key is to choose favours that are practical and don’t contribute to waste.
11. Offset Your Carbon Footprint
Despite your best efforts, some emissions are inevitable. Consider working with a carbon offset programme to balance the impact of your wedding. From planting trees to supporting renewable energy projects, it’s a rewarding way to give back.
12. Sustainable Honeymoon Options
Once the big day is over, it’s time to celebrate your new life together on your honeymoon. Why not keep the eco-friendly momentum going by choosing a destination that aligns with your values? Opt for a local getaway in the South West - whether it’s a romantic stay in a sustainable eco-lodge or a retreat in the Cornish countryside.
Alternatively, consider eco-tourism destinations that prioritise conservation and support local communities. By choosing a sustainable honeymoon, you can continue to make mindful travel choices as you begin your married life together.
13. Work with Wedding Planners Who Specialise in Eco-Friendly Events
Planning an eco-friendly wedding can be an overwhelming task, but working with a wedding planner who specialises in sustainable events can make all of the difference. These professionals are experts in sourcing eco-conscious suppliers, reducing waste, and ensuring your day runs smoothly while staying true to your nature-inspired mindset.
Whether you’re looking for a green venue, sustainable catering, or local entertainment, a wedding planner can guide you through every decision. By hiring an eco-focused planner, you’re not only saving time and minimising stress but also safeguarding your wedding's green ethos.
Why Choose FPM Music Management?
At the heart of planning an eco-friendly wedding is celebrating what truly matters: your love, your values, and your commitment to each other and the world we live in. Whether it’s dancing the night away to one of the South West’s best wedding bands or dining on a menu crafted from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, every choice you make contributes to a day that’s uniquely yours - and wonderfully kind to the planet.
If you’re planning an eco-friendly wedding in Devon or Cornwall, Dorset or Somerset, we can help you choose the perfect local wedding band to create the soundtrack for your sustainable celebration.
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