Hello to all you couples looking to plan a day that is as sustainable as it is stylish. If you’re keen to get stuck in and ‘DIY’ certain parts of your day, this is perfect for giving you control over making more conscious choices. Ready to plan an incredible party that’s thoughtful and earth-friendly? Then read on for my tips on how to DIY the considered way!
Local flower growers
If you’re planning to create your own bouquets and centrepieces, then look for a local flower farm/florist so you can use seasonal flowers. Flowers from the Farm has a great map to help you find a local grower. Not only will you save a whopping 30.5kg of CO2 compared to using overseas flowers, but they will be much fresher too! Vick from Blooming Lovely Flowers and Plants uses only seasonal, British grown flowers, mostly homegrown in her own stunning garden.
To save time (and stress!) on your wedding morning worrying about arranging your flowers, consider using dried or preserved flowers instead. You can prepare the bouquets and centrepieces well ahead of time, and they will keep for a long time afterwards so you can be reminded of your amazing day every time you walk past them.
Borrowing
Get your friends and family involved to lighten the load of wedding planning and have some fun! Set them a challenge to source some of the items on your ‘must-have’ list, by seeing if they already own some of them, or can borrow them from people they know. Using items with a personal story behind them will make your day all the more individual.
Drinks
Chat to your venue about working with local distillers and breweries. The Orchard at Munsley already works with some fab local suppliers like Ludlow Gin, Wye Valley Brewery and Wilce’s Cider. You could create a bespoke cocktail based on your favourite ingredients to serve guests something that is uniquely you!
Favours
Be honest, how many weddings have you been to where favours are left on the table? It’s really hard to know what all of your guests would like to take home. So take out the guess work and swap your favours for an experience instead, like a hot chocolate bar or a silent disco. Your guests are more likely to remember how you made them feel than what you gave them!
Paper
If you fancy having a go at making signage, place cards and invitations yourself, then look for a printer that prints on recycled paper, like A Local Printer who allow small print runs which is great for DIY. You could also try your hand at calligraphy and use vegetable inks to handwrite onto seed paper, which can then be planted after your wedding. A calligraphy course will also make for a great pre-wedding activity to do with your wedding party or family! Or check out Brittany’s beautiful illustrations at Pigment + Paper. She prints onto a huge variety of surfaces including recycled cotton rag paper.
Need more tips?
Find me on Instagram @allthingsconsideredevents or visit my blog for more helpful ideas and inspiration for planning your stylish and sustainable wedding!
Photography credit – The Brand Studio
