Green weddings

19 April 2012

1. Band of gold?

Try hunting for unique rings in antique shops or art student shows - Central St Martins has end of year exhibitions in June. Or seek out recycled gold or fair trade silver - just search online for suppliers. For conflict-free diamonds, see Kimberley Process. For Fairtrade & Fairmined gold, recycled gold or platinum wedding rings, see our ethical jewellery information page.

2. Invites and photos

Use recycled paper for wedding stationery - search for printers online, or try Recycled Paper. To save paper, you could design a website, and send a postcard to guests referring them to it. Wedding photos can be easier to share if you go digital too - and you won't need to print out the less flattering snaps!

3. Giving

If you've been living with your partner for years and don't need another toaster, why not ask guests to support Friends of the Earth with donations via Wedding List Giving? Prefer something practical for the home, to cut bills and cut your CO2 emissions? Ask for donations to help you invest in solar panels, from our partner JoJu Solar. 

4. The Dress

Borrow from friends or check out vintage and retro shops. Alternatively search online for quality used outfits from Ebay or specialist sites such as The Dressmarket. Another option is to hire - ideal for bride, groom, ushers and childrens' outfits. For bridesmaids and page boys, buy something they can wear afterwards for parties - or invite them to wear their own favourite outfits. Of course, the bride can do the same!

5. Drink

Buy organic wine for your guests and enjoy the revelry while nature benefits. Order wine, spirits, champagne, beer and soft drinks from Vinceremos, Vintage Roots or Festival Wines.

6. Food

Support local, seasonal and organic food production - and ask your caterer to do the same. Invite guests to bring their own contributions to the meal - this can help keep costs down too. Avoid disposable plates and make sure empties end up in the recycling bin.

7. Cake

Ask your cake-maker or local baker to use organic ingredients. Don't have a sweet tooth? How about something different like an organic cheese board with local fruit instead?

8. Transport

Find a venue close to home to cut down on transport. Make a statement by turning up to your wedding in an electric car or horse-drawn carriage - or walk, or even cycle. If you don't have the ceremony and reception at the same venue, encourage guests to share rides to the reception or provide a coach or bus. If possible, include public transport details in your invites, to encourage guests to consider leaving the car at home - and enjoy a few drinks!

9. Confetti

Biodegradable confetti is now easily available in the shops. How about asking guests to throw birdseed instead of confetti, so the birds get a treat?

10. Honeymoon

Think about romantic destinations you can visit, including the UK, that won't clock up the air miles. There's a fantastic range of places you can visit by sea and train - including USA, Egypt, Australia, Italy and Thailand. See Seat61 to find out how to make your journey part of the adventure. Need advice on guilt-free trips overseas? Check out Tourism Concern.