Sustainability isn't so much a trend as a way of life nowadays – and thank goodness for that. So it follows that whilst planning one of the biggest events of their lives, wedding hosts are increasingly incorporating eco-friendly elements into their big day.
From sending out e-vites and printing menus on recycled card to using local suppliers wherever possible, the 'reduce, reuse, recycle' motto is very much at the forefront for modern brides. 'Stationery that doubles up as gifts ensures that items are not thrown away and can be re-purposed,' says Ruth Kaye. 'For example, hand painted fans with guests names scribed by a calligrapher used as place cards or embroidered napkin rings that guests take home and re-use.'
Fabulous flower displays can be made sustainable, too. 'Speak to your florist about what the most seasonal options are, and make your flowers work harder by using your bouquets on the tables as well,' suggests ELLE UK's Senior Beauty Editor George Driver. 'You can also donate your flowers to charities and local care homes after the event so they don't go to waste.'
The same rules apply to the wedding outfit, and brides are increasingly turning to rental platforms and second-hand stores for their chosen look. Victoria Prew, founder and CEO of HURR, noted a 180% year-on-year increase in bridal rentals for 2022 – and even bigger growth on the horizon, thanks to recently launched rental partnerships with big e-tailers including Matches and Flannels.
Renting is not only the more eco-friendly option, but it's better for the purse-strings too – particularly since, as Prew notes, 'on average, brides are now looking for 3-4 outfits across the entire event, planning looks for everything from engagement parties and rehearsal dinners to multiple outfit changes on the big day.'
But if rental isn't your thing, then you can still shop sustainably by going second-hand, vintage, or simply considering re-wearability. 'Multiple wedding looks means that even more importance is placed on brides being able to rewear their piece long after the wedding day,' say Jess Kaye and Rosie Williams, co-founders of The OWN Studio. 'Many are opting to dye and tailor their pieces afterwards, so investing in silhouettes and fabrics suitable for dyeing are increasingly important to brides.'
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