Eco Weddings, what are they and are you having one?

I started to think about this idea and gather research for this blog pre-COVID-19, what a difference a month makes. At the time, I was so inspired to read that the most popular wedding searches on Pinterest include conscious, eco and sustainable weddings.

I've decided to leave the blog in its original format with one giant caveat. Even if you didn't consciously plan to have a more aware and thoughtful ceremony in the wake of the global lockdown, we will all without any exception have more meaningful and kinder weddings. We will all evolve from lockdown with a greater appreciation for the small and big ways we can show the world and each other we care.

So here it is.

All hail the rise in woke weddings that are kinder to the environment and contribute to issues in communities that you as a couple care about. Here are just a few simple ways to have an eco wedding without compromising on style or originality.

Giving back.

Before becoming a celebrant, I worked in the third sector, raising funds for the most incredible organisations who day in day out help people through some of the most challenging times of their lives. I know just how impactful it can be when you support a charity you love on your wedding day. How incredible to think because of you a problem can be fixed, a community helped, or you've enabled something genuinely transformational to now take place.

There is nothing a charity needs more than donations you can make a contribution and ask your guests to donate in place of wedding gifts. It will make a world of difference.

Preloved style.

Would you consider wearing a vintage or preloved wedding dress or suit? Charity shops are a capsule of memories and stories for treasure seekers to explore. With some patient browsing, you'll be rewarded with incredible vintage and preloved pieces to make your wedding truly original. From rare gems of vinyl, impressive jewellery collections that are awaiting new owners and eclectic book selections to rival Waterstones. Inside your local shop, you'll find sublime bric-a-brac to style your ceremony space and meaningful personal gifts to give as a thoughtful thank you. Oxfam, the leading charity in fighting global poverty source beautiful wedding attire which you can view online. Check their range here

Zero waste celebrations.

You can minimise the impact your soiree will have on the environment way after the hangover fades by banning all single-use plastics. No plastic straws, cutlery, decoration or dance floor, flips flops! Zero- waste celebrations are kinder to the planet and the fashion police. In the hilarious wedding-themed podcast "Big Day Babes" with Humanist Celebrant Katie and Jump the Broom Wedding Planner Kate you'll hear the two debate weddings no-nos. Banishing single-use plastic in the form of dance floor flip flops forever in a Room 101 style sin bin. Seek out Big Day Babes from wherever you get your podcasts.

Love local.

Boost your local economy by supporting local suppliers. Now more than ever, your local businesses need you. Seek out local food and drink producers to create your wedding breakfast feast. I love hearing about the attention my couples give to the awareness of the food they choose. Carefully crafting a menu that brings together your style and favourite flavours to tell a story. My favourite part of planning my wedding was the food. Our whole inspiration for our was to create a wedding around a giant dinner party. The food and wine was something we pondered on and thoroughly enjoyed the testing at our venue The Biscuit Factory, Newcastle.

On that thought, I have to share with you the ideas of a brilliant couple I'm working with who have designed their wedding around their love of local businesses and their local music scene. A local gin company will make a gin we'll use as a cocktail in the ceremony. A local singer-songwriter will perform as the bride walks down the aisle. Every element of their menu created from locally grown and sourced produce.

So give it some thought, and I'd love to hear your ideas for an eco-wedding. Picture credits from Sam Sparks and Leanne Thornton on our eco shoot featured on Brides Up North styled by Emma Jordan Weddings.