So, you’re thinking of having an elopement wedding (which is already a great choice for the environment), but how can you make your elopement wedding even kinder to the environment?
An elopement wedding already supports sustainability, but there are still extra steps you can take to help protect the planet we live in.
There are so many steps you can take that help you save, and be greener, without sacrificing the things that mean most to you.
Now, let’s get straight into my top tips to make your elopement wedding kinder to the environment!
Making Your Elopement Wedding Kinder To The Environment
Wedding Attire
Eco-Friendly Accommodation
Minimal Guests
The Beauty Of The Outdoors
Leave No Trace
Using What You Already Have
Donations
Wedding Attire
My first tip to make your elopement wedding kinder to the environment is to completely avoid fast fashion when looking at wedding attire. This goes for the bride and groom, as well as any bridesmaids and groomsmen you might be deciding to include (we won’t debate here the true definition of an elopement, I’m a big believer in your day, your rules!).
One way to get a sustainable wedding dress is by renting one! This way you are saving money, and wardrobe space, by only using the dress for when you need it. One business that stands out to me when renting is Something Borrowed Rent which offers bridal dresses, bridal accessories, and bridesmaid dresses.
If you’re an adventurous bride, looking for an outdoor wedding elopement that may get dirty, then renting a dress may not be right for you. Instead, try looking for a second hand wedding dress to be more sustainable.
Still White is one of my favourite places to get a second hand wedding dress, this way you’re saving money and being sustainable by not buying a brand new dress, you may only wear once!
Eco-friendly Accommodation
If you’re looking to make your elopement wedding kinder to the environment, be cautious about the accommodation you choose!
Do your research and ensure the accommodation you choose has a sustainability ethos. Here are some of my recommendations for sustainable accommodation in the Lake District:
Minimal Guests
Elopements traditionally mean to run away in secret and get married, but these days, it doesn’t have to be secret! Typically, elopement weddings are just the couple but more recently there’s been a trend to include a small number of guests, and this is great, just remember the less guests, the less impact you’ll have on the environment. This tip is especially important if you plan an outdoorsy elopement in which you wish to involve your guests.
Sometimes people see this as a bad thing, but let me tell you the positives! Firstly, this can create a more intimate vibe as the people that are most important to you are there.
Secondly, due to fewer people attending (or none), that means fewer people are travelling, less people to feed, less people to accommodate, making it all around an eco-friendly elopement wedding tip!
The Beauty Of The Outdoors
Embracing the beauty of the outdoors is one of my favourite ways to make your elopement wedding kinder to the environment.
Instead of artificial decor and backdrops, use the natural backdrops available to you. You will find that you’re likely to have better backdrops than a screen could ever create!
Instead of dragging cars and vans full of decorations, incorporating wildlife into your elopement wedding, which I think is so much more beautiful.
If you want an arch for your photos, look around for a natural woodland arch. If you want floral arrangements, head for a meadow! There are so many things you can find in nature.
If you’re an adventurous couple who love the outdoors, I’m sure you’ll agree that nature really is all you need for an eco-friendly elopement that dreams are made of.
Leave No Trace
One of the most important things to remember when stepping out into nature is to leave no trace.
By this, I mean sticking to the path 100% of the time, this way you’re only stepping on the ground that can handle footfall and not risking ruining the terrain. Areas like wet grass, swampy areas, moss, vegetation, wildflowers, and other plants should be avoided!
Any litter you create, make sure you take it with you! If you’re thinking “oh it’s only a little bit”, everyone else thinks the same, and all those ‘little bits’ add up to a lot. This is essential to have an eco-friendly elopement wedding!
Once you have left, it should look like you were never even there.
Using What You Already Have
When making your elopement wedding kinder to the environment, we’re talking “something old” and “something borrowed” and running with it!
The more items you already own and can re-use or borrow, the more eco-friendly your elopement wedding will be.
This could be accessories, shoes, dresses, literally anything!
Donations
Finally, my last tip to make your elopement wedding kinder to the environment is to consider giving donations to a charity, as wedding favours.
Consider donations to charities/trusts/programs that protect the environment and wildlife. Here are some of my favourites:
Eco-Friendly Elopement Wedding Ready!
My final tip to make your elopement wedding kinder to the environment is to make sure your elopement wedding photographer supports sustainability and has eco-friendly practices - just like I do!
Sustainability is important to me in all aspects of life and I’d love to help you capture the elopement wedding of your dreams - get in touch with me here to work together! I look forward to talking to you!
Planning a last minute wedding in the Lake District and still need a photographer? Get in touch now, and let’s make it happen!