10 easy ways to have a greener wedding (without sacrificing style)

Weddings are magical, but they can also be surprisingly wasteful. The average UK wedding produces 14.5 tonnes of CO₂e and around 400lb of waste, so it’s no wonder the Sustainable Wedding Alliance found that 86% of engaged couples now want to make more eco-conscious choices.

The good news is that you don’t have to compromise on style, food, or fun to go green. Whether you’re dreaming of a barn celebration or a chic city soirée, these sustainable wedding ideas will help you reduce waste, lower your carbon footprint, and create a celebration that’s beautiful and kind to the planet.

Here are 10 proven tips and expert insights to help you create a stylish, low-waste, greener wedding day.

Take a look at how this venue has been refurbished to go greener

1. Choose a sustainable wedding venue

Your venue is the single biggest factor in your wedding’s carbon footprint. Choosing one that runs on renewable energy, manages waste responsibly, and uses energy-efficient lighting and heating means you’re making a difference before the first guest arrives.

What to look for:

• Renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydroelectric).

• Zero-waste policies.

• Energy-efficient lighting and heating (LED, smart thermostats).

• On-site recycling and composting.

Real-life inspiration:

• Carrick Castle Estate, Trossachs – runs on a hydroelectric system and solar panels, generating enough green power for 1,000 homes.

• Folkerton Mill, Lanark – fully electric with ultra-efficient infrared heating for comfort and environmental responsibility.

Top tip: Search for “eco-friendly wedding venue near me” or “green barn wedding [your region]” to start your shortlist.

2. Go local & seasonal with catering

Every extra mile your food travels adds to your wedding’s carbon footprint. Working with caterers who prioritise seasonal, local ingredients not only reduces emissions, but it also means fresher, more flavourful dishes.

Expert insight: Tania Burton at Ginger Snap Catering uses every part of an ingredient – turning onion skins into powder, scallop roe into crackers – and plants a tree for every wedding hosted on her farm. 

Action steps:

• Ask caterers to create a sample seasonal menu for your wedding date.

• Discuss portion sizes and serving styles (plated service is typically lower waste than a buffet).

• Arrange for leftover food to be donated to local charities or composted.

3. Pick an eco-friendly wedding cake

You don’t have to choose whether to make your wedding cake a showstopper or a sustainability win – it can be both.

Eco-friendly cake ideas:

• Choose bakers who source ingredients locally and seasonally.

• Request biodegradable packaging and plastic-free supports.

• Repurpose leftover cake for next-day brunch or give slices as favours.
  
  

Check out this eco-friendly woodland wedding at Comrie Croft

Supplier spotlight: Creatures of Habit Cakery utilises biodegradable packaging, wooden dowels instead of plastic, potato starch packing peanuts (which dissolve in water), and plants a tree for every couple.

4. Support local, low-waste florists

Not all flowers are eco-equals. Many are flown in from overseas and wrapped in single-use plastic. Opt for florists who work with local, seasonal blooms and avoid floral foam.

Why it matters: Imported blooms have high carbon footprints, and floral foam – often used in arrangements – is non-biodegradable and sheds harmful microplastics.

Eco-friendly floral choices:

• If you’re set on a particular flower, book your wedding when they’re in season. If not, check out which blooms are seasonal around the time of your big day.

• Choose dried flowers for long-lasting arrangements (but avoid imported or dyed versions).

• Work with florists who avoid floral foam and use biodegradable materials like jute twine.
  
  

Example: The Greenshed Flower Studio in Dundee uses only locally sourced blooms, foam-free techniques, and biodegradable or reusable twine.

5. Rent or rewear wedding attire

Fashion is one of the most resource-intensive industries, but bridal style is now leading the way in sustainable fashion. Rather than something brides have to compromise on, eco-conscious and vintage bridal fashion now makes a statement.

Options for brides:

• Rent a gown – Hirestreet, Something Borrowed, Hurr, and By Rotation are all great options.

• Buy vintage or second-hand for a one-of-a-kind look.

• Sell your dress after the big day to give it a second life.
  
  

Options for grooms: While buying a kilt is a sustainable choice in itself (you can wear it to every black tie event for the rest of your life), renting a kilt or suit saves money and reduces textile waste.

6. Rethink wedding favours

Wedding favours often end up forgotten or binned, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Instead, choose something that guests will actually use – and that won’t harm the environment.

Sustainable wedding favour ideas:

• Plantable seed packets with your names and wedding date.

• Small potted succulents or herbs.

• Locally made jams, honey, or chocolates.
  
  

Make it Pinterest-worthy: Take a flat lay photo of your eco-friendly favours with your wedding stationery for a social media moment.

Want more inspiration? Take a look at some more wedding trends

7. Send digital invitations

Paper invites are beautiful, but printing, postage, and transport take their toll on the environment – and your wallet.

Eco-friendly invite alternatives:

• Digital invites via platforms like Greenvelope or Paperless Post.

• A wedding website with RSVP forms, event details, and maps.

• Get crafty and design your dream invite digitally on Canva
  
  

Bonus: Updates are instant, so you can easily change details without printing new materials.

8. Choose biodegradable confetti

Being sustainable doesn’t mean you have to miss out on your big confetti moment. Swap plastic confetti for dried flower petals, lavender buds, or biodegradable paper shapes. They’re just as photogenic, biodegradable and safe for wildlife.

Tip: You can even make your own petal confetti by drying flowers from your garden in advance.

9. Reduce, reuse, and recycle décor

From arches to table runners, wedding décor is often used once and thrown away. Renting or reusing pieces keeps them in circulation, reduces waste, and can save money.

Eco décor ideas:

• Hire props and furniture from event rental companies.

• Use potted plants instead of cut flowers for table centrepieces.

• Reuse signage and décor from previous weddings at your venue.
  
  

Example: Folkerton Mill stores decorations so future couples can use them – cutting waste and creating a sense of connection between weddings.

Check out this eco-aware wedding at Mar Lodge Estate

10. Work with local suppliers

Local photographers, florists, and entertainers mean fewer travel miles and a smaller carbon footprint. It also keeps money in your community.

Checklist when booking suppliers:

• Ask if they use sustainable practices (recycling, cruelty-free makeup, energy-efficient equipment).

• Check their travel policy – do they offset emissions or minimise journeys?

Final word: you don’t have to be perfect

Sustainable wedding planning is about making mindful choices – not ticking every eco-friendly box. Even one or two changes, like switching to digital invites or booking a green venue, can make a big difference.

Remember: Every conscious choice you make is a gift to the planet as well as to your guests.