for eco-conscious couples –  How to find sustainable wedding suppliers in the UK

22 April 2022

In the modern day it’s easier than ever before to have a wedding that prioritises style and sustainability; that showcases both aesthetics and action.

Sustainability is a huge, catch-all term, and thus a sustainable wedding can be many different things to different people. To some it may mean carbon-neutral and plastic-free; to others, it may mean low-key and local. But whatever it means to you, the wide availability of options nowadays is in no small part thanks to the amazing number of sustainable wedding suppliers who are revolutionising the way they do things, in order to put the planet first.

 

How to find sustainable wedding suppliers

An initial look at a supplier’s website or instagram may be sufficient enough: after all, it’s a position that’s definitely worth shouting about! However, if not, don’t be disheartened. If a supplier’s sustainability practices aren’t obvious, then feel free to get in touch with them and ask if they can share what they’re doing to help the planet. They’ll be able to tell you the specific steps they’re taking, and answer any questions you may have.

Alternatively…

 

Some of our favourite sustainable wedding suppliers in the UK

As a directory, it’s our job to introduce you to the design-led businesses and brands in the industry. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite sustainable wedding suppliers in the UK:

 

Sustainable wedding florists

Studio Seapink, Days of Dahlia, Wild Flower Workshop, Floral Menagerie, and Fauna Flower Folk

Jenny, founder of Studio Seapink, is one of the UK ambassadors for the Sustainable Floristry Network, who are working to make the industry ‘carbon neutral, non-toxic and waste-free, with safe and fair conditions for all working in it’. One of the ways to do this is to prioritise locally grown flowers (to minimise or eliminate any air miles), such as those by Days of Dahlia – fellow ambassadors as well as directory members – who grow their own on their flower farm.

Another way to prioritise sustainability in your wedding flowers is to find a supplier who focuses on seasonal flowers, such as Wild Flower Workshop and Fauna Flower Folk. And remember to ask your florist if they use floral foam in their arrangements; sustainable wedding florists, such as Floral Menagerie, will instead rely on alternatives that don’t contain microplastics.

 

Sustainable wedding outfits

Rolling in Roses, Something Borrowed, The Fall Bride, Those Were The Days, Hunter Kingsley Tailoring, Bibiluxe Studio

There are so many ways to ensure your wedding day outfit, whether it’s a dress, a jumpsuit, a tailored suit or otherwise, is eco-friendly. Brilliant platforms such as Something Borrowed allow you to rent your outfit rather than buy it. Another pre-loved option is, of course, vintage, with specialist vintage bridal shops like Those Were The Days curating jawdropping collections where you’re bound to find The One. If you’re looking for a pre-loved outfit with contemporary style, The Fall Bride have a full circle scheme where their brides can sell on the dress they originally bought there, after the big day.

Or maybe you’re looking for something new. Brands such as Rolling in Roses use sustainable fabrics that have all the luxe feel of traditional choices, but with the added bonus of knowing you’re doing good for the planet. Bibiluxe Studio specialise in pieces you can mix and match into new outfits once the day is over; and getting a bespoke suit made at Hunter Kingsley is a pretty good way of ensuring you’ll wear your outfit again and again: after all, it was literally made for you!

 

Sustainable wedding accessories and jewellery

Saint Beth Official, Nikki Stark Jewellery and Alison Macleod Jewellery

The mantra of buying something you’ll wear again doesn’t just apply to your outfit, either: it applies to your accessories too. A Saint Beth Official headband or bow is a perfect headpiece as you can use it as t he finishing touch for future outfits, too.

Of course, the plan is already to wear your wedding band and engagement ring forever: but have you ever thought about what it’s made from?  Nikki Stark uses recycled gold and silver for her designs, and Alison Macleod makes sure all of her stones are Fairtrade.

 

Sustainable wedding decor and styling

Brolly Bucket, The Brahmin Lettering Co

There are brilliant hire companies out there from whom you can rent your decor and styling, so you don’t have to buy loads in for a one-time use. Alternatively, if you want to commission something, why not go for a beautiful fabric wall hanging from The Brahmin Lettering Co? Not only is it an eco-friendly material to start with, but you can also hang it up in your home afterwards.

 

 

Sustainable wedding caterers

Gardener’s Cottage

Similarly to the flowers above, a key way of ensuring sustainable wedding food is prioritising locality and seasonality. Gardener’s Cottage do exactly this with their wholesome, fresh menus, using ingredients sourced from local farmers, producers & foragers as well as grown in their own restaurant garden.

 

alternative wedding favours

 

Sustainable wedding favours

Seedbom by Kabloom

You may have heard that lots of wedding favours are left or binned pretty much straight away: but not these ones. Seedboms are an excellent choice for a wedding favour, as your guests can take them away to plant wildflowers and repollinate Britain!

 

Check out our full directory for more modern, design-led wedding suppliers, and search the blog for more sustainable wedding inspiration.