London wedding dress designers know all about being green – because earth-friendly is the new couture. Many couples now make earth-friendly decisions when it comes to their weddings€” and there are many different ways to keep to the earth-conscious credo without dressing your ceremony down. Here are a few tips that can help you get started on your eco-friendly big day.
Stay local
One of the best ways to ensure that your nuptials stay on the right side of eco-friendly is to make sure you source everything locally. Yes, locally; even if you decide to have your wedding right in the heart of the city. Keep in mind that many restaurants, bridal specialty shops and flower shops take great trouble and expense to fly in ingredients. All this travelling leaves a big imprint on the planet.
Thoughtful details
Even couture can be eco-friendly when handled right. London wedding dress designers and other bridal specialists know it can be all in the detail. When designing your dress, ask if your designer can use locally or nearby-sourced materials so you do not have to add to your carbon footprint by flying in specialty fabrics or materials. You may also want to use detailing from an old gown or a heirloom bridal gown (such as that of your grandmother) as accents or details on the new one. This has the added bonus of vintage beauty – they do not make lace detail like they used to.
Go organic
Organic fabric is also a must for the green bride. London wedding dress designers can help you find the best organic cotton, lace, silk or satin that will be perfect for your dress. Organic fabric is grown without the use of chemicals and is often undyed or naturally processed. Organic fabrics can be used not just for the bride and groom, but for the bridesmaids and even the entourage, if you decide to have their suits or tuxedos made by hand. The notion that earth-friendly equals rustic does not apply.
Eat organic too
This is a tip you can also think about when sourcing your food and drinks. Use local markets or find caterers that use organic or even grow their own food! Look for local establishments that also share your green principles and refine your menu to include only fruits or vegetables in season.
Seasonal flowers
Flowers are a big consideration when it comes to weddings, and sourcing locally-grown and seasonal flowers can not only help the planet, but can also help you cut down on your budget. Keep in mind that seasonal does not have to mean boring – you can plan your bouquet and flowers around what is available on that day.
Upcycle
Another way, to keep your wedding green, is to up cycle. Many brides are fond of the up cycling trend, using old materials as part of their wedding. This can apply to everything from the fabric used for your entourage, to DIY corsages or up cycled centrepieces made from recycled and redesigned mason jars or wine bottles. Websites like Pinterest are chock-full of up cycling ideas for the earth-friendly bride.
Think that all this €going green€ will be a hassle? Keep in mind that many London wedding dress designers, bridal shops, caterers and other specialists no longer consider green weddings simply a trend. Green options are fast becoming the main concern for a lot of events, not just nuptials. Never hesitate to ask where they source the materials for that cake you are dying to have or how they grow their winter roses – the planet will thank you.
