You love each other. You love our planet. More couples are combining the two. If you’re here, you want to make a difference in your corner of the world. This post isn’t designed to make you feel guilty. Quite the opposite. This wee guide is packed full realistic suggestions for making your wedding eco-friendly. Pick and choose what suits you and your personal circumstances. The most important take away from this post is that sustainability can be at the heart and center of your wedding planning and design. It’s an entirely achievable aim. Planning and designing an eco-consious wedding is easier than ever thanks to couples like you who care about our planet as well as passionate independent businesses who are deeply committed to helping you reduce the carbon footprint of your day. There’s a swathe of Scottish suppliers referenced in this post who’re running their businesses with sustainability at the heart of their business practice. Some of these tips may even help you to save money.

~ ‘Weddings don’t have to be wasteful. With a considered approach, elements of your day can be repurposed, preserved or recycled.’ ~ Wild Gorse

~ ‘We believe in today’s world, every business has a moral obligation to have a social conscience and give something back.’ Frill Factory

~ ‘Sharing food is the way to go if you're wanting to cut down on food waste. Having a couple of options means that everyone can enjoy the meal - we never see guests pushing food around their plates because they've not been presented with that one option that they HAVE to eat!' ~ The Pantry

Tip #1 Go Seasonal, Go Local with Food

Scotland has some incredible caterers who use locally sourced ingredients to create phenomenal dishes. Family style sharing platters and buffets style meals are a lot more fun than the traditional sit-down meal approach. There’s the added bonus of less waste involved in these kind of meals. Not only does a locally-driven, sustainably sourced menu usually mean much higher quality ingredients, it also cuts down on the carbon footprint associated with the travel involved in bringing non-local ingredients to your tables. Many people are consciously choosing to reduce their meat consumption. Opting to have a vegetarian menu for your wedding day will thank you for this. It goes without saying that you need to be clear to your caterer that you want to avoid single use plastic and that drinkware and serveware should be reusable.

~ ‘We care passionately about food provenance, so we work directly with the people who grow, hunt and fish - as the food seasons change, our dishes do too.’ ~ Wild Rover Food

~ ‘For the majority of cakes which call for flowers I try to use British grown, organic edible flowers. Good for the environment, supports bee populations and means I don’t need to worry about pesticides on my cakes!’ ~ Moonbow Bakery

Tip #2 Repurpose, Preserve and Recycle Your Flowers

Again, go seasonal, go local. There are a number of ethical issues associated with flowers coming in from overseas. Most often, environmentally damaging fertilisers will have been used on them. There’s also air miles associated with transporting them to Scotland. There are many environmentally kinder ways of incorporating flowers into your wedding day. To start with, there’s many talented florists who are putting environmental well-being at the heart of their floristry businesses. You can chat with them about how your flowers can be reused throughout the day. Perhaps the bridal bouquets could be used as part of the table styling once the official photographs have been taken, if you’re having those. Your florist will have any number of creative ways you can recycle your flowers throughout the wedding day, and beyond. Curve ball. You could use faux flowers as an alternative to real flowers and Lisa Gaston who runs Floral Renegade is leading the way in Scotland in this regard.

~ ‘Sustainability is at the heart of our creative practice. At Wild Gorse we are always considering the impact of what we do on the environment around us, after all nature is out source of inspiration. We encourage our couples to work in harmony with the seasons, working to the natural rhythm of the seasons means that every anniversary nature celebrates with you. Working alongside local flower growers ensures a sustainable supply of flowers, a relational approach that supports small local businesses and overall reduces the global impact of air miles and chemicals used to grow flowers on a mass commercial scale. We are always mindful of the materials we use in our designs and as much as possible staying clear of of floral foam and unnecessary single use plastics, reusing and recycling where possible’. ~ Wild Gorse

~ ‘I am committed to using locally grown produce in all my weddings and I’m at 75-80% but hoping to increase that in time. This helps with the carbon footprint associated with air miles of materials. I compost my green waste and am trying to cut down on floral foam which isn’t biodegradable and pollutes the water ways.’ ~ Briar Rose Design

Tip #3 Decorate Your Venue Sparingly; Hire Where Possible

Venue decor can be fun and look incredible. Is it always strictly necessary for creating a beautiful space? To answer this, take a step back and ask yourself what your space really needs. Sometimes beautiful spaces exist as they are and don’t need anything extra. The stress involved in staying up for several nights DIYing venue decorations can be exhausting and oftentimes, needless. Remember, you’re marrying in Scotland where incredible nature and character-filled cities are in abundance. Lean on these aspects of our wonderful country. Quite often they stand out more than any decorative detail. Of course, there are blank canvas venues which will require you to create your own space. Crowdsource. Set up a wedding Facebook group specifically to help you source key items needed for your day. Better still, get the pros involved. Check out Brolly Bucket who specialise in hiring umbrellas, blankets, cushions and baskets.

~‘Treasure trove of furniture and decorate items helps couples avoid falling into the trap of bulk buying single / single use purchases in the run up to their wedding. When buying in flowers or greenery to use in floristry work we do our best to buy from the grower most local to the couple’s chosen venue. We have a giant box of pre-burned pillar candles we bring along for all couples to use, in an attempt to help them reduce, reuse and recycle.’ ~ The Little White Cow

~ ‘ As a social enterprise we have huge social goals that centre around innovative design through reuse and repurposing whilst acting as ambassadors that teach young people how to be more socially innovative in their careers. We work with charities across Scotland to reduce the epidemic that is textile landfill and source our lounge areas sustainably as much as possible. We love working with things that have a story; a life before us and breathe new life into forgotten items using out background. In set design and illustration, we have found in the wedding industry a lot of wasteful and harmful materials being used (balloons and over use of flowers) which could be substituted for more resourceful and unique decor like our frills. At every corner of our enterprise we have social goodness and encourage more businesses within the wedding industry to think about their environment and community.’ ~ Frill Factory

Tip #4 Reduce Paper Waste

I’m a wedding photographer so my whole business relies on couples booking me because they want something tangible to remember their day by. The same principle extends to stationery. It’s great to have physical memories of your wedding and your stationery is something you’ll keep for years to come. The benefit of working with a small Scottish company like Skinny Malink or Origami Fox is that they’ll really listen to you and work alongside you ensure your stationery fits with your values. Firstly, find a designer who offers recycled or sustainable materials. Using seed paper, cotton or bamboo invitations printed with soy ink are kinder on the environment. You can also include a small note on the invitations themselves, encouraging guests to recycle them rather than toss them in the bin after the event. Go paperless for the save-the-dates. Instead of issuing individual bits of paper with the menu, order of service and plan for the day commission a calligrapher to write on a big blackboard or wooden panel. Bonus of this is that it’s another tangible mementos of your wedding day.

~ ‘When considering your stationery supplier, don’t be afraid to ask them questions about the stock they use. Most suppliers use FSC certified stock now but there’s other ways you can take a more environmentally considered approach. Try alternative-fibre card: it’s produced from hemp and other natural fibres reducing the emissions and bleaching agents used to pulp the card. Also, sourcing card that’s local is a really simple way of bringing down the carbon footprint of your wedding stationery.’ ~ Skinny Malink

~ ‘I always print on FSC accredited uncoated stocks from sustainable sources, where are often partly of fully from recycled sources. I also never laminate so they can be recycled. Many guests hold on keeping them as keepsakes. You can also often make your stationery work extra hard, either by creating items that are double-sided and can be used twice in the day for different purposes. An order of the day poster and guestbook on the reverse.’ ~ Origami Fox

Tip #5 Fair Trade Jewellery + Non-Traditional Wedding Rings

The good news is that sustainability is driving many outstanding UK based jewellery makers. More and more small independent jewellers are putting sustainability at the core of its practice. Consider the materials used to make any jewellery you intend to buy. If gold’s your thing, alluvial gold is found through the process of extracting from creaks, rivers and streams. It’s generally considered to be the most environmentally friendly method of gold mining as a result of the reduced environmental impact when compared to underground mining. Another biggie is to incorporate ethically sourced traceable gemstones. Then there’s the non-traditional option of eco wood rings which are crafted from salvaged and sustainably sourced materials. A favourite of mine are Wiltshire based duo Laure + Steve who make eco wood rings.

~ ‘I’m using Fairtrade gold and trying to address other parts of my practice to be more ethical. I can also recycle family heirloom jewellery to make weddings and engagement rings too. I love stories attached to old jewellery so this is always a lovely option.’ ~ Alison Macleod Jewellery

Tip #6 Support an Ethical Bridal, Bridesmaid or Groomswear Designer

There are a few different ways to approach ethical bridal and groomswear fashion, including buying a vintage or second-hand outfit and recycling your dress after you wear them. Perhaps one of the most impactful option is to support designers who work hard to ensure fair conditions for their garment workers and source fabrics from suppliers who do the same. For grooms and bridal party, consider choosing outfits that can be worn again. Involve them in the decision making process. If you’re having a squad, have them wear something that flatters their body shape and colouring. They’ll love you for this and more likely to wear it again. Check out my pal over at Gung Ho for ethical, alternative bridesmaids dresses. Of course, renting is a great way of reducing cost and waste. Then there’s ‘Wish for a Wedding’ which is a charity that supports couples dealing with a terminal illness who want to plan a wedding. One way they support their couples is by accepting wedding dress donations. Is there really a better way to re-use your wedding dress? Any dresses donated that aren’t used after 12 months or aren’t up to the standard required to be reused will be turned into rural gowns for babies who are no longer with us.

~ ‘I believe in slow fashion using mostly natural fabrics. I can offer organic and cruelty free silk and I try and reuse and recycle off cuts.’ ~ Flossy and Dossy

Tip #7 Book a Local Wedding Photographer

Why fly a photographer from another continent when there’s an abundance of local talent in the country you’re marrying? It’ll end up costing you more and you might be missing out on someone outstanding who lives closer to your wedding location. They’ll be more familiar with local customs, hidden spots to go to for incredible photos as well as being comfortable with weather and light patterns. Scotland’s weather is highly unpredictable and so Scottish wedding photographers will have the right kit and mindset for the unexpected. Search Instagram using the relevant hashtags to help locate someone whose style and approach you love. Check the location of any photographer you’re considering. Whilst the #scottishweddingphotographer has been used don’t assume they’re based there. Many photographers use it as a way of securing that destination wedding they’re desperate to shoot.

~ ‘As a Scottish based wedding photographer, my aim is to work mostly with couples marrying in Scotland. Around 90% of my weddings are based within a 3 hour drivable radius of our home. Similarly, there’s parts of Scotland - such as Skye - where I know there’s a pool of brilliant local photographers I’d prefer to recommend rather than travelling there myself. That’s not always the case as I’ve shot wonderful weddings overseas, around the UK, Skye and other remote parts of Scotland because the couple has been genuinely invested in my work. However, I avoid deliberately targeting couples outside of Scotland. I work almost exclusively with Folio Albums whose prints and fine art books are eco friendly’ ~ Harper Scott Photo

Support small business and book a talented local photographer: Harper Scott Photo

Tip #8 Personalise Favours or Support Local Brands or Charities

Wedding favours are a way of saying thank you to your guests; a small token of your appreciation for their sharing in your special day. Traditionally guests would receive a small bag or box containing 5 sugared almonds representing the five blessings of health, wealth, happiness, long life and fertility. Avoid giving unnecessary favours which will end up as waste. It will save you money too. Your guests know you’re delighted to have them there by virtue of them being with you! That said, you may want to give a small gift. We did. We opted for friendships bracelets made by street children we volunteered with at Vinetrust when in Peru the year prior to our wedding. Vinetrust helped us to organise this and we were delighted to support a charity who meant a lot to us into our wedding day. We explained to our guests the story behind them. Likewise, you could support a small independent Scottish brand such a Bare Bones Chocolate who source their beans from co-operative farms in Madagascar and Honduras. Their chocolate is exceptional and I’m now including their handcrafted chocolate in my welcome packs for couples who book with me. What about giving a candle by Glasgow based Neatly Wrapped? Their soy wax woodwork candles are organic and recyclable with plastic-free packaging. Most importantly, theysmell beeeeeyond wonderful. They’re another small brand I support in my business, often sending their candles to my clients.

Personalised favour by Sea Drift Pottery

Tip #9 Book a Cruelty Free Make Up Artist

Great news. Eco-friendly and cruelty-free make up brands are on the rise with some of Scotland’s most talented wedding make up artists incorporating ethically sounds brands into their approach. Book a make up artist who is actively working towards using these kinds of products.

~ ‘I am slowly switching all my makeup to cruelty free and vegan brands.’ ~ Cat Robertson Make Up

~ ‘I only use cruelty free / vegan make up and hair products and. I’m looking into trying to reduce my use of single use products like mascara wands, cotton buds and the like by using eco friendly product.’ ~ Kim Boyd Make Up Artist

Tip #10 Use Biodegradable Confetti

Confetti is incredible. Everyone loves it and it makes for fun, energetic photographs. As a photographer, it’s one of my all-time favourite moments on the wedding day. In fact, I love it so much that I’ve written a post called Why You Need Confetti on Your Wedding Day. Just be sure to use biodegradable confetti. Struggling to source this. Make your fist stop Shropshire Petals. They supply biodegradable delphinium + wildflower petals which are handpicked + handpacked on their Shropshire Farm. Go a step further + reduce your carbon footprint by avoiding confetti cones which are discarded after a single use. Use wicker baskets instead. Guests can take a generous handful before taking their best confetti throwing position!

Biodegradable confetti - loved by all; especially our planet

Tip #11 Work with a Planner who Gets your vision

This is particularly helpful if you’re eloping to an area or country you’re unfamiliar with. Working with a planning specialist can help ensure you source suppliers who share your approach to your wedding day. Working with a planner will help save you time because they can have the initial conversation with suppliers to establish whether they’re aligned with your values before presenting a short list to you for consideration.

‘As a wedding planner based in Scotland and planning many weddings that take place in nature, I’m passionate about using sustainable products and working with suppliers who are eco friendly and care for the environment.’ ~ Ella Mai Wedding + Elopement Planner

Working with a planner who knows the industry will help save you time when trying to source ethical suppliers.

Tip 12# Have a Post Wedding Repurpose, Preserve and Recycle Plan

Make a plan for post-wedding giving. Waste will feature in wedding regardless of how sustainably focused your mindset is in the planning and design stage. Chin up. There’s a bunch of different ways you can reduce the potential waste. Firstly, donate your leftovers – and not just food – to help others. Designate your bridal party to give your flowers to the local nursing home or hospital. Alternatively, they could distribute them around bus stops, cash machines, coffee shops with a short note explaining they’re wedding flowers looking for a new home. If they aren’t salvageable, make them into compost. As for the left over food, put your bridal party to work again. Find a homeless shelter, church or a food bank willing to take your leftover meals. For example, Perth Gospel Hall has a weekly homeless outreach you could donate food to. If these options don’t work for you, you can also set out compost bins for the remaining leftovers.
~ ’I use cruelty free products and limit my single use applicators. I make a version of wipes with old towels, avoid excess packaging and I no longer do glitter tattoos which are hugely wasteful. I try to keep correspondence electronic to minimise paper and recycle/reuse items where possible.’~ Emma Cunningham of Give Good Face

Supplier Roundup

A massive thanks again to the following Scottish wedding suppliers who took the time to contribute to this post. These wonderful folks are passionate about our environment as well as supporting you achieve a more eco-friendly day. It goes without saying that there’s many, many more wonderful small indy businesses who have sustainability at the heart of their business practice. For a start, check out Braw Brides and The Wedding Collective. They’ve curated the best businesses in the Scottish wedding industry and you’ll find them friendly as well as exceptionally caring.

Cakes: Moonbow Bakery

Catering: The Pantry

Catering: Wild Rover Food

Dresses: Flossy and Dossy

Face Painting + Glitter Bar: Give Good Face

Favours: Bare Bones Chocolate

Favours: Neatly Wrapped

Floristry: Briar Rose Design

Floristry: Wild Gorse

Jewellery: Alison Macleod Jewellery

MUA: Cat Robertson Make Up

MUA: Kim Boyd Make Up Artist