Eco-friendly décor

You don’t have to compromise on your perfect décor just because you’re trying to make your wedding as green as possible. There are a number of clever techniques you can use to remain sustainable without sacrificing the aesthetic appeal of your big day.

Lighting

Make the most of the daylight while you can. Setting up solar panels during this period can help to make a big difference later in the day. Collecting enough energy at this point could mean your entire evening is lit by a sustainable source.

Failing that, you could employ the use of hundreds of beeswax candles. These can hang from the ceiling and provide natural lighting for the reception.

Place cards

Any form of paper signage which you use can be sourced ethically, or even replaced altogether. When it comes to place cards, bamboo or recycled options are the best way to go.

For your wedding invites, think instead about sending out electronic save-the-dates, and asking people to confirm their attendance online. If you know particular guests are not computer-savvy, reach out to them via the phone.

Confetti

There’s a relatively easy alternative to traditional confetti that comes in the form of biodegradable, dried out petals. These not only retain the aesthetic appeal of the original product but break down naturally in the environment without doing any damage.

Other natural materials

From the tablecloth to your napkins, there are a series of decorations which you can find made from materials like hessian, hemp or pure linen.

When it comes to tableware, consider using rustic natural wood, sourced from sustainable forests. This extends to the likes of tables, bowls and even cutlery.

Eco-friendly wedding venues

Yes, even the decision of where to host your big day can have a big impact on how sustainable it is. Once again you have a selection of options to choose from.

Outdoors

Having your wedding take place outdoors means you’ll be able to make the most of natural sunlight. You’ll be able to find botanical gardens and refurbished barns, which offer the perfect venue for anyone looking to ensure their wedding locale is having the minimum impact possible on the surrounding ecosystem.

Centralised location for ceremony and reception

Hosting both events in the same place means there’s minimal need for guests to travel from one place to the next. It sounds simple, but it’ll make a massive difference to your wedding’s overall carbon footprint.

Green hotels

Some hotels are greener than others. They’ll have a strong recycling policy in place, use energy-efficient appliances and operate using a lot of biodegradable products. These are all questions you can ask a potential host venue before you make a decision.

Sustainable and organic food and catering

This is another factor we often overlook at a wedding. While it’s common to take guests’ dietary needs into account, not much thought is given to where and how our food arrives on the plate.

If food wastage and sustainability matters to you, you can find a catering company who keep all of the following in mind:

Locally sourced

We’ve already discussed the benefits of localised sourcing when it comes to mileage. But it also helps smaller farming communities to thrive. In the process, it increases the likelihood of others being able to get produce from their local community in the future.

Organically produced

While pesticides have their benefits, they also carry harmful chemical pollutants which can have a negative impact on the environment. Make sure to ask your caterer if their products conform to the certified standards.

Tableware offered
You can always provide this yourself, but if you are relying on a catering company for everything, make sure they offer sustainable products. That means their cutlery is reusable, recyclable and biodegradable.

Food waste policy
Ask them what their policy is regarding food that is either unused or not eaten after being prepared. Most sustainable catering companies should offer food that hasn’t been cooked to food banks or charities. Meanwhile, food that didn’t get consumed can be turned into compost.

Be sure to keep this in mind when choosing your caterers. Ask what their policy is on all of these factors before you make a final decision.

The Guide to Sustainable, Zero-Waste, Ethical Weddings

A wedding should be one of the happiest days of a couple’s lives. The event brings friends and family together in a celebration of love. Drinks flow, food is devoured and, hopefully, everyone goes home having had a great time.

In all the excitement, it’s easy to overlook the impact a wedding might have on the environment. Sustainability is being spoken about more now than ever. Luckily, if this is something you want to take into account on your wedding day, you can.

Let’s find out how, as we explore the perfect way to host a sustainable, zero-waste, ethical wedding. We’ll break down the damage a regular wedding has, before introducing alternatives for you to try.

Introduction to sustainable and ethical weddings

Do you know how much of an impact your big day could have on the world around you? Here are some startling statistics which might make you reconsider how you want your wedding to be.

Waste generated by the wedding industry

Everything we throw away which can’t be recycled has a negative impact on the environment. If something isn’t biodegradable, it could take thousands of years to break down naturally.

Plastic is unsurprisingly at the heart of the issue.

Individually, one wedding can produce as much as 20kg of plastic waste. What’s more, the black bags used to collect the rubbish are themselves potentially harmful. They can take as many as 90 years to break down under the ground.

But it’s not just plastic which has an impact. Food wastage is also a common theme for most weddings. A study from Sainsbury’s reveals the extent of this.

To put the wedding wastage into context, the average family home will throw away roughly £700($867.51) in food in one year. In other words, a few hours at one wedding can account for 65% of a home’s wastage across an entire year.

The carbon footprint of wedding celebrations

Rising levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere have directly led to warmer global temperatures, as warm air is trapped within the Earth’s atmosphere. As NASA highlight, this has directly led to shrinking ice sheets, warming oceans and a general rise in global temperature.

Sadly, UK weddings are again one of the chief offenders when it comes to CO2 contributions. As many as 14.5 tonnes of the gas will be created during an average celebration.

That’s a startling figure, given annual carbon emission per capita in the UK is just 9.1 tonnes. With roughly 250,000 weddings taking place every year, that’s a net result of 3,625,000 tonnes of gas being emitted.

Zero-Waste Wedding: The worst sustainability offenders at weddings

Some wedding troupes are more harmful than others. Here are a few common inclusions which you might not realise are having a negative impact on the environment.

Balloons

Often made of materials that don’t break down, balloons contribute to overflowing landfill sites. They also pose a serious choking hazard for wildlife like birds and sea creatures.

Confetti

Throwing confetti is a common tradition, but have you ever considered where it ends up after the celebrations are over? Unfortunately, this is another example of a material which won’t degrade naturally. That means it often ends up being consumed by animals.

Exotic flowers

It’s not something that immediately springs to mind, but transporting flowers which aren’t seasonal means you’ll need to move them from relatively far away. The net result is a higher level of CO2 emissions, as well as the use of potentially harmful chemical fertilisers which can pollute the soil.

Decorations

Paper comes in handy at a wedding, but it’s still worth considering where you can limit its use. Bunting, banners and even invites can use up resources which might not be sustainable. Either cut down on their use or make sure you’re only utilising sustainable materials.

Don’t worry, though. These are all common aspects of a wedding – which means alternative, eco-friendly options, have already been created. In chapter two, we’ll look at exactly what those options are.

The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Backyard Wedding

Getting married is a major life event that you’ll never forget. If you’re planning to walk down the aisle with that special someone, a backyard wedding is a great way to say your vows and tie the knot on a budget. Whether your outdoor space is large or small, it’s easy to plan a backyard wedding if you know where to start. From summer celebrations to a beautiful autumn ceremony, read on to learn how you can plan your wedding for a special moment right in your own backyard.

How to Get Started: Review the Logistics

Before you pick out favors and décor, start with the logistics. How successful your wedding is will depend on where you live, the time of year, and the weather. Try to nail down a date where you feel confident the weather will hold out for a glorious day. You should also determine whether or not you need a special license to get married in your backyard, as some locations still require a permit to perform official ceremonies in a private space.

You’ll also want to find out how to get the right amount of power for music, lighting, and more. An extension cord might do the trick but be aware that it also poses a trip hazard. Determine how much equipment will be needed for the wedding so you can get the proper power source set up. You’ll likely need a generator to create power for things like speakers and catering equipment.

In addition to permits and power, now is the time to clean up your yard and get it ready for the big day. Get rid of old dead plants, tree branches, and weeds to create a clean slate for your ceremony and reception. Come up with a layout for seating and the stage now so it will be easier when it’s time to set everything up.

Another crucial thing to keep in mind is wedding insurance. You might not think you need it in your own backyard, but it’s good to see what’s covered in case a guest gets injured on your property. Other things to consider include parking, notifying your neighbors in advance, and creating your official wedding program.

Once you’ve listed all of the logistics, the fun part begins. Think about the special features you’ll want to include in your backyard wedding. From a specific theme to your flowers, write down a list of ideas and tweak them as you go.

Do you want an outdoor dance floor or stage? How about separate tables and chairs for the reception?

Think of planning your backyard wedding the same way you would in any other venue. If you love music, add outdoor speakers so everyone can dance to your favorite tunes. A beautiful fountain can add a nice touch to an outdoor wedding, too. Brainstorm several different features you’d like to see so you can start planning ahead as early as possible.

Benefits of a Backyard Wedding

While a formal venue is always nice, there are plenty of awesome benefits to getting married in your backyard. First and foremost, you’ll save a ton of money on the cost to rent a venue which can run you into the thousands of dollars. That fact alone makes considering a backyard wedding worth the effort! Aside from saving money, here are some other benefits of hosting a backyard wedding:

If your pets are part of the family, you can enjoy their company at the wedding. Most venues won’t allow pets, but you can certainly enlist your pooch to be the best man if you decide to get married DIY.
Aside from the wedding itself, you can also host a backyard rehearsal dinner. Have casual food like barbecue catered in, or just cook some food on the grill for your wedding party to enjoy.
Since your backyard probably has limited space, that means you can keep your guest list small, too. The fewer guests you have, the less money you’ll need to spend on things like food and entertainment.
Backyard weddings give you the flexibility to choose any date you want to get married. Instead of planning around the “wedding season” to find an open slot, you can pick any day you like when you host your own backyard wedding.
You might be nervous about getting married but doing it in a familiar place is a great way to calm those nerves and help you feel more relaxed and at home.

Have A Plan B in Place

There’s no way you can predict the weather to a T, so be sure you have an alternate “Plan B” in place just in case the storms roll in. Weather can change in an instant which means you might end up dealing with unexpectedly cold temperatures or a dangerous rainstorm. Draft up a reasonable Plan B where you can move everyone inside your home. If you’re insistent on keeping the celebration outside, reserve a tent that you can use in case of an emergency. Make sure someone can pick the tent up just in case you need it in a pinch. Ensure that the sides of the tent are covered to protect everyone from the rain. If the weather happens to be unseasonably hot, have plenty of fans available to keep the air circulation. If it’s cold, stock up on outdoor heaters. Having these safeguards in place will keep your stress level low and the wedding moving along.

Timeline

Wedding planners are experts at creating the perfect timeline. If you’re doing everything on your own, it’s crucial to make sure you create a timeline that works. Do your best to schedule the ceremony somewhat early so the skies don’t get dark before you’ve said your vows. Try to avoid too much downtime between the ceremony and reception since the guests won’t need to travel between venues. If possible, try to schedule your wedding photos before the ceremony begins so you can mingle and visit with guests directly after the ceremony is over. If you can’t get pictures beforehand, consider a few fun backyard games or activities to keep everyone entertained while they wait. Finally, remember to be mindful of your neighbors and try to agree on an official time when the reception is over. You can always move the party to a local bar or another hot spot later in the night.

DIY Décor and Inspiration

If you’re planning a backyard wedding, you’re likely already working on other DIY ideas when it comes to themes and décor. Doing everything yourself gives you the freedom to create almost any style décor using any theme imaginable. Here are some suggestions to inspire you and prompt you to create a memorable theme with beautiful décor that’s all done DIY:

Hang outdoor string lights throughout your backyard to create a warm, magical glow when the sun goes down.
For autumn weddings, focus on beautiful colors like orange, red, and gold for décor, flowers, and bridesmaid dresses.
Place clear glass vases on each table and fill them with freshly cut flowers you picked from your own yard.
Laminate some of your favorite photos of you and your better half to protect them from the weather, then display them on rope or string and hang them from a tree or around a fence line.
Consider jewel-toned plastic goblets in lieu of glassware. It’s a great way to serve beverages in a beautiful way without having to worry about broken glass.
Use texture and patterns outdoors by adding beautiful printed tablecloths or runners over tables. A pair of sheer curtains can add a gorgeous, romantic touch to the stage, too.
Get creative with seating and place a few vintage sofas and chairs outside. You can also use some hay bales as seating if you’re aiming for a wedding with a rustic or farmhouse theme.
Instead of paying tons of money for custom invitations, consider printing some at home or through a local printing service. Create the layout and design using a simple program, then print them in full color on heavy cardstock paper.

Sentimental Value

Besides saving money and enjoying a smaller guest list, having a backyard wedding carries quite a bit of sentimental value, too. Imagine saying your vows right in the place where you grew up. If you don’t still live in the same house from your childhood, you likely still have plenty of wonderful memories from this special place. Your guests will probably feel sentimental as well, especially if they’ve spent a lot of time at your home and in your backyard. Have your furry friends join in the celebration, which is another great way to make this day more sentimental and special. Getting married in this place can create a very meaningful moment for you and your new spouse. Remember to enjoy the moment and capture the memories with lots of photos, family, and friends.

(Blog Contributor: Isabella Caprario)

Reality Check: A Stunning Altar

“Reality Check” is a weekly feature where we take a scene from a wedding and break down the estimated costs for you without comment or judgement. The idea is to give you, our readers, a realistic idea of what weddings cost.

Photography: A Brit & A Blonde . See the rest of the wedding here.

Cost Breakdown:

Birch poles $150 for 5 poles (approx 11 poles used): $330.00

Plastic planters (approximately 24″ tall): 2 x $30.00 = $60.00

Foam and filler (likely sand) for planters: $50.00

Curly Willow: $20.00

Vines and Greenery: $70.00

Hydrangea: $45.00

Baby’s breath: $20.00

Roses: $150.00

Floral Wire: $8.00

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Estimated Total Cost: $753

See previous Reality Checks here, here, and here.

Reality Check: Rustic Chic Dessert Table

Photo by Jessica Watson Photography. See the rest of the wedding here.

Cost Breakdown:

Vintage Paper Pinwheels: $2.00 each X 25 = $50.00

Table Rental: $10.00

Eyelet Tablecloth (Vintage): $20.00

Secondhand Dessert Serving Plates: $2.00 x 10 = $20.00

2-Tier Cupcake Tray: $30.00

Wood Boxes: $15.00 each X 2 = $30.00

Candy Jars: $5.00 each X 2 = $10.00

Bird Figurines: $15.00

Bird Cake Topper: $30.00

“A” Block: $10.00

Tall Flower Arrangement and Vase: $25.00

Small Flower Arrangement and Cup: $10.00

Vintage Dessert Plates: $30.00

Paper Napkins: $10.00

Vintage Fire Truck: $300.00

Paper Banner: $5.00

Desserts, Cake, and Candy: $150.00

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Estimated Total Cost: $725

Introducing Our New Feature “Reality Check”

Hi, Everyone!

If you’re currently planning your wedding, you’ve undoubtedly been inundated with an endless amount of Painfully Pretty Weddings from Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, tumblr, wedding magazines, and countless blogs. The wedding industry excels at presenting gorgeous inspiration — from impeccably styled shoots to the most unique of minute details — but really falls short in educating couples on how much these things cost. We feel that lack of information sets up you guys for disappointment (and tons of What The Heck?! moments) when it comes time to start hiring vendors or planning a realistic-for-you budget.

As part of our ongoing commitment to bringing you practical inspiration and information, we’re launching a new weekly feature called “Reality Check” where we take a scene from a wedding and break down the estimated costs for you.

Reality Check is not about passing judgement on how much anyone spends on their weddings (or what vendors charge) nor is it about re-creating the scenes we showcase. We simply want to give you an idea of what things realistically cost.

In addition to the scenes we already have planned, we welcome submissions from:

Photographers – If you have a photo you’d be willing for us to showcase for the purpose of a Reality Check, let us know.
Vendors – If you’d like to submit a scene and the cost-breakdown of the elements within it, we’d love to hear from you.
Newlyweds – If you’d like to share a shot from your recent wedding along with the cost-breakdown of what you paid, please don’t hesitate to share.

Here’s an example of how it works

Hover over one of the dots to see an estimated price and scroll down below the picture to see a breakdown of the costs.

The Breakdown

Table Rental: $12.00

Chair Rental: 10 x $3.50 = 35.00

Chair Ribbons: 10 x $2.50 = 25.00

Tablecloths: $64.00

Glassware: 20 x $0.90= 18.00

Plates: 10 x $3.50 per person = $35.00

Silverware 6 pieces per person @ $0.7o each = $4.20 /pp x 10 people: $42.00

Votive Holders: 14 x $0.45 = $6.30

Candles: 12 x $0.25 = 3.00

Large Candle Holders: 2 x $4.50 = $9.00

Mirror Plates: 2 x $2.50 = $5.00

Flowers: $48.00

Favors: 10 x $3.50 = $35.00

Food: 10 x $35.00 = $350.00

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Estimated Total For This Table: $686.00 (including food)