Written by Emma Deeley
Congratulations—you’re engaged! It’s such an exciting time, full of joy, love, and plenty of wedding planning decisions. As you begin to dream up your perfect day, more and more couples are also thinking about how their wedding can reflect their personal values. That’s why sustainability has become a key focus for so many—because hosting an eco-friendly celebration is not just about protecting the planet, it’s about creating a thoughtful, meaningful event that aligns with who you are as a couple.
At Tythe, we’ve seen a growing number of our couples embrace sustainable weddings, and it’s wonderful to witness the creativity and care that goes into crafting a celebration with the environment in mind. From choosing local suppliers to considering the materials for your decor, the choices are endless, but they don’t have to feel overwhelming. Even small changes, like opting for digital invitations or seasonal flowers, can make a significant difference. And the best part? Sustainability can be effortlessly stylish too.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical and creative ideas to help you plan a wedding that’s not only beautiful but also kind to the planet. Let’s explore the ways you can tread lightly on the Earth while still throwing the wedding of your dreams.
Invitations & Stationery: Sustainable Paper and Digital Options
One of the first steps in planning a wedding is sending out those exciting invitations, and this is where sustainability can begin to play a key role. Invitations don’t have to be extravagant or wasteful; in fact, more couples are now embracing eco-friendly options that set the tone for their environmentally conscious celebrations. Whether you opt for beautiful recycled paper or go entirely digital, there are plenty of ways to make your invitations both stylish and sustainable.
Recycled and Plantable Invitations
One of the loveliest trends we’re seeing is the use of recycled paper for invitations. It’s a simple way to reduce your wedding’s environmental impact, while still offering endless design possibilities. From chic, minimalist styles to elegant, textured stationery, recycled paper gives you the flexibility to create something beautiful without the waste.
For those who want to take it a step further, plantable invitations are a gorgeous choice. These invites are made from biodegradable paper embedded with seeds, which your guests can plant after the wedding—leaving them with a lasting, living reminder of your special day. Imagine the joy of receiving an invitation that not only celebrates your love but also grows into a beautiful garden of flowers!
Another fantastic option for reducing waste is to go digital. Digital invitations are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason—they’re zero-waste, cost-effective, and perfect for couples who are planning a modern or more casual wedding. With an array of customisable designs available, you can still create something stunning that feels personal to you.
Going digital doesn’t mean sacrificing elegance. You can still include beautiful details like personalised e-cards, custom illustrations, or even send short video invitations. And, of course, digital RSVPs make tracking responses a breeze!
Practical Tip: If you’d like a mix of both traditional and digital, you can always send paper invitations to immediate family and older guests, while offering digital invites for friends or those who prefer email. This way, you’re catering to everyone while reducing overall paper use.
Venue Selection: Eco-Conscious Choices
When it comes to planning a sustainable wedding, your choice of venue can make all the difference. Not only does the location set the tone for the day, but choosing an eco-friendly venue can significantly reduce your environmental impact. Here at Tythe, we’ve seen how couples are more mindful of selecting venues that reflect their commitment to sustainability, and it’s wonderful to see how these spaces can create a connection between your celebration and the natural world.
Eco-Friendly Venues with Sustainable Practices
If you’re looking for a venue that truly embodies sustainability, focus on those that prioritise renewable energy, water conservation, and responsible waste management. Many venues now incorporate solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and even composting to minimise their impact. These small but powerful choices can significantly reduce the environmental footprint of your big day.
At Tythe, for instance, sustainability is at the core of everything we do. Our Biomass Boiler heats the entire estate, we compost, recycle, harvest rainwater and are passionate about using locally-sourced products and integrating sustainable practices wherever possible. From the locally grown flowers that decorate our spaces to the seasonal menus served by our long-time partner, Absolute Taste, we make sure our approach is as eco-conscious as possible, without compromising on the luxury and warmth of the celebration.
Opting for an outdoor venue is another fantastic way to embrace sustainability. Outdoor weddings typically require less energy for heating, cooling, and lighting, particularly in the spring and summer months when natural light and temperate weather create the perfect setting. Gardens, woodlands, and vineyards are all great options, allowing you to utilise nature’s beauty as your backdrop.
Choosing a local venue is equally important. The closer your venue is to home—or to the majority of your guests—the less travel is required, which helps reduce carbon emissions. It’s a win-win situation: not only do you minimise your environmental impact, but your guests also appreciate the convenience of a nearby celebration.
Practical Tip: When planning an outdoor wedding, think about using eco-friendly rentals—like reclaimed wood chairs and tables—or even solar-powered lighting for your evening reception. At Tythe, we offer a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, so you can make the most of the natural surroundings without sacrificing comfort or elegance.
Fashion: Sustainable Wedding Attire
When it comes to wedding attire, many couples are looking for ways to blend timeless elegance with ethical choices. Fortunately, sustainable fashion has come a long way, offering brides, grooms, and their wedding parties the chance to shine in beautiful outfits that are kinder to the planet. From eco-friendly fabrics to pre-loved gowns, there are endless options to ensure that your wedding attire reflects not only your style but also your values.
One of the easiest ways to make a more eco-conscious choice is by opting for sustainable fabrics. Dresses made from organic cotton, hemp, or peace silk are gaining popularity, as they require fewer resources and avoid the harmful chemicals often used in traditional textile production. These fabrics still offer a luxurious feel and beautiful drape, perfect for creating the dreamy bridal silhouette you’ve always imagined.
Many designers are now focusing on eco-friendly bridal collections, offering brides gowns made from recycled materials or fair-trade fabrics. It’s a chance to wear something that not only looks incredible but also aligns with your commitment to sustainability.
Another wonderful way to embrace sustainability is by choosing a pre-loved or vintage dress. Not only is it a beautiful way to give a second life to a stunning gown, but it also has the added benefit of reducing the environmental impact of producing new garments. Whether it’s a timeless vintage find or a modern dress with a touch of history, wearing a second-hand gown can feel even more special knowing it’s part of a larger story.
For those who love the idea of vintage, but still want a dress with a modern twist, many brides opt for custom alterations, transforming a vintage gown into something completely unique and personal.
Of course, no wedding look is complete without jewellery, and more couples are seeking out ethical options when it comes to their wedding rings and accessories. Lab-grown diamonds are an increasingly popular choice, offering the same sparkle as traditional diamonds but with a much lower environmental impact. These stones are conflict-free and have a significantly smaller carbon footprint compared to mined diamonds.
For a truly meaningful touch, some couples are choosing to wear heirloom jewellery—pieces that have been passed down through the family—or opting for vintage rings from sustainable jewellery boutiques. This not only adds sentiment but ensures that your wedding day accessories are ethically sourced.
Practical Tip: Consider renting bridal accessories or wedding party outfits to reduce the need for new purchases. It’s a simple way to add an elegant finishing touch without adding to the environmental impact.
Flowers & Greenery: Seasonal and Local Sourcing
Flowers are one of the most beloved elements of any wedding, but they’re also an area where sustainability can truly blossom. By making mindful choices with your floral arrangements, you can still have the wedding of your dreams while treading lightly on the environment. At Tythe, we’ve seen how local, seasonal flowers can completely transform a space, and the beauty of working with nature’s timing is that every season brings its own unique colours and textures to the table.
Seasonal Blooms and Local Sourcing
One of the best ways to keep your wedding eco-friendly is by choosing seasonal, locally grown flowers. Not only do they have a much smaller carbon footprint compared to imported blooms, but seasonal flowers are often fresher and more vibrant. Spring might bring you delicate tulips and peonies, while autumn could offer rich dahlias and chrysanthemums. By embracing the natural beauty of the season, you allow your wedding to feel grounded in the time and place it’s celebrated.
Working with a local florist who sources from nearby flower farms is another way to support the environment—and your community. These florists often know exactly what’s in season and can help you craft arrangements that reflect both your style and the natural landscape.
Practical Tip: When discussing your floral arrangements with your florist, ask about their sourcing practices. Many are more than happy to incorporate local, organic blooms, or even foraged elements to create something truly special and sustainable.
For couples looking to reduce their impact further, dried flowers are a beautiful option. Dried arrangements offer that rustic, timeless feel and can last well beyond the wedding day. With their earthy tones and interesting textures, dried flowers can be woven into bouquets, table centrepieces, or even hanging installations, creating a striking yet understated aesthetic.
Alternatively, potted plants can make stunning centrepieces, lining your ceremony aisle or tables with greenery that’s alive and flourishing. The beauty of potted plants is that they can be replanted after the event or even given to guests as favours—allowing your decor to live on and grow long after the celebrations have ended.
Sustainable Floristry Practices
Eco-conscious florists are also finding ways to minimise waste in their designs. Floral foam, for instance, is a commonly used material that’s not bio-degradable. Choosing florists who avoid using floral foam and instead use more sustainable methods, like chicken wire or reusable vessels, can make a huge difference.
Practical Tip: Consider reusing your ceremony flowers during the reception. Repurposing arrangements from one part of the day to another reduces the number of flowers needed and can create continuity in your wedding’s look.
Sustainable Catering: Thoughtful Food Choices
Food plays such a memorable role in any wedding, and for couples aiming to host an eco-friendly celebration, the catering can be an incredible opportunity to reflect your values. Sustainable catering is all about making conscious choices when it comes to what you serve, where it comes from, and how it’s prepared. At Tythe, we’ve seen how sustainable food options can not only reduce your environmental footprint but also enhance the flavour and experience of your big day.
One of the most beautiful ways to incorporate sustainability into your wedding is by choosing a farm-to-table menu. This means that the ingredients are locally sourced, often from nearby farms, ensuring they’re fresh, seasonal, and have travelled a shorter distance to get to your plate. Not only does this reduce your carbon footprint, but it also supports local growers and artisans, which adds a lovely sense of community to your celebration.
By opting for seasonal ingredients, you’ll also benefit from flavours that are at their peak. Think spring weddings filled with vibrant greens, fresh herbs, and edible flowers, or autumn weddings with roasted root vegetables and slow-cooked meats that warm your guests from the inside out. Sustainable catering proves that what’s good for the planet is often what’s most delicious, too.
Plant-Based and Vegetarian Options
Another growing trend for eco-conscious weddings is offering plant-based or vegetarian menus. Plant-based dishes have a significantly smaller environmental impact compared to meat-heavy menus, as they require fewer resources like water and land to produce. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to introduce your guests to creative, flavourful dishes they may not have tried before.
You don’t have to go completely meat-free, of course, but including a few plant-based courses, or even just a standout vegetarian option, shows a commitment to sustainability without feeling restrictive. Many couples are now opting for a mixed menu – with plant-based options alongside traditional dishes – to cater to all dietary preferences while keeping sustainability at the forefront.
Sustainability also means thinking about how to minimise food waste. A good caterer will work with you to plan the perfect amount of food—avoiding surplus and waste while still ensuring your guests are well-fed. Leftovers don’t need to go to waste either! Many caterers can arrange for any extra food to be donated to local shelters or charities, which not only reduces waste but also helps those in need.
Practical Tip: Ask your caterer about their sustainability practices, from where they source their ingredients to how they manage food waste. At Tythe, we work closely with Absolute Taste to ensure our menus are as seasonal and locally-sourced as possible, with a keen focus on reducing waste.
If you’re planning an outdoor wedding or a more casual, picnic-style reception, consider using compostable plates, cutlery, and napkins. These are often made from biodegradable materials like bamboo or sugarcane and break down naturally after use, reducing landfill waste. For more formal dining, renting reusable tableware or using vintage crockery can add a touch of elegance while staying eco-friendly.
Wedding Favours: Thoughtful and Sustainable Keepsakes
When it comes to wedding favours, couples are leaning more towards meaningful, sustainable choices that not only show appreciation to their guests but also minimise environmental impact. Eco-friendly favours can be a beautiful reflection of your values, offering guests something that’s both practical and thoughtful. At Tythe, we’ve seen couples get incredibly creative with their sustainable favours, ensuring that their keepsakes are memorable for all the right reasons.
Practical and Reusable Favours
One of the best ways to make your wedding favours sustainable is to choose items that your guests can actually reuse. Instead of single-use trinkets, why not offer something practical that guests can incorporate into their everyday lives? Reusable tote bags made from organic cotton or bamboo drinks straws are popular choices—stylish, functional, and much kinder to the planet.
Another wonderful idea is gifting potted plants or succulents. Not only are these favours eco-friendly, but they also symbolise growth and new beginnings, which makes them a meaningful token for your guests to take home. Plus, they’ll serve as a lasting reminder of your special day every time they water their new plant.
For a truly eco-conscious gift, consider plantable favours. These can be anything from seed packets for guests to grow their own flowers, herbs, or vegetables, to plantable paper embedded with seeds. Imagine giving your guests something that will bloom long after the wedding—it’s a beautiful, living reminder of your celebration that ties directly into the concept of new life and growth.
Practical Tip: Personalise your plantable favours with a note that explains their significance and offers simple planting instructions. It’s a lovely way to ensure your guests know how to care for their sustainable gift.
In place of physical favours, many couples are choosing to make a donation to a charityclose to their hearts. Whether it’s an environmental organisation or a cause with personal meaning, this kind of favour adds a layer of thoughtfulness to your wedding. You can provide guests with a card at their table letting them know that, in lieu of favours, a contribution has been made in their name.
Not only does this option reduce waste, but it also spreads goodwill and creates a positive ripple effect far beyond your wedding day. It’s a beautiful way to give back while celebrating with those you love.
Decor: Natural and Reusable Elements
When it comes to wedding decor, sustainability and beauty can go hand in hand. Couples are moving towards decor that feels thoughtful, timeless, and kind to the planet. At Tythe, we’ve seen how embracing natural elements and reusable decor not only creates a stunning atmosphere but also reduces waste. The beauty of sustainable decor lies in it’s ability to make a statement while leaving a lighter footprint.
Recycled and Repurposed Materials
Incorporating recycled or repurposed materials into your decor is a brilliant way to reduce waste without sacrificing style. Think of reclaimed wood for signage, tables, or seating plans, or glass jars and bottles repurposed as candle holders or vases. These materials add a rustic, natural charm and can be styled to suit everything from bohemian to modern wedding themes.
Couples are also leaning towards renting rather than buying new decor. Opting for rented tableware, linens, or furniture means fewer items are purchased for one-time use, and it allows you to choose from a curated selection of unique, high-quality pieces that reflect your aesthetic. Many of the well-known wedding platforms, like Rock My Wedding, have fantastic online ‘recycling shops’ where couples can sell or buy previously-owned wedding items!
Minimalist and Nature-Inspired Decor
A growing trend in sustainable weddings is embracing a minimalist design philosophy, where less is more. Focusing on fewer, more impactful pieces helps create an elegant and understated look that’s also eco-friendly. Nature-inspired decor, such as wooden tables, stoneware, or floral arrangements made from seasonal greenery, adds a beautiful, organic touch to the overall setting.
For an outdoor wedding, natural surroundings like trees, flowers, or the landscape itself can provide all the decoration you need. Inside, raw materials like age-old stone walls and oak beams or rustic lanterns, woven baskets and wool blankets can create a cosy, intimate atmosphere that feels both sustainable and stylish.
Practical Tip: At Tythe, we encourage couples to think about their decor in layers—starting with natural elements like wood or greenery, and adding in just a few key decorative pieces to elevate the space. This not only creates a cohesive look but also keeps things simple and eco-conscious.
If you’re feeling creative, DIY decor made from upcycled or sustainable materials can be a personal and eco-friendly way to add unique touches to your day. Items like wine bottles turned into vases, hand-painted signs, or even woven macramé backdrops are not only stylish but also show your guests that you’ve poured love and care into every detail.
Upcycled decor is also a great way to get friends and family involved in the planning process. A crafting day with your bridal party can be a fun and meaningful way to create one-of-a-kind decor that tells your story.
Practical Tip: Keep an eye out for second-hand decor shops or online marketplaces that offer beautiful pre-loved items—whether it’s vintage crockery, antique candle holders, or statement furniture pieces. It’s a wonderful way to give new life to older items.
Zero Waste Wedding: Minimising Impact
Planning a zero-waste wedding might sound like a big challenge, but with a bit of thoughtful preparation, it’s absolutely possible to host a beautiful day while keeping your environmental impact to a minimum. At Tythe, we’ve seen couples take creative steps to embrace the zero-waste mindset, and the results are both stunning and meaningful. By re-thinking traditional wedding choices—whether it’s reducing packaging or eliminating single-use items—you can create a celebration that’s kinder to the planet without sacrificing style or elegance.
The best place to start is by setting clear zero-waste goals from the beginning. Sit down with your partner and decide which aspects of the wedding you want to focus on. Is it cutting down on plastic? Reducing food waste? Or perhaps opting for zero-waste decor? By pinpointing your priorities, you can make informed decisions at each stage of planning, ensuring that your wedding reflects your values.
Creating a waste-free checklist can help you stay on track. This includes everything from invitations and decor to catering and favours, ensuring you minimise or eliminate single-use items wherever possible.
Waste-Free Invitations and Stationery
As discussed earlier, choosing digital invitations or plantable stationery can significantly reduce paper waste. If you’re opting for physical invites, consider recycled or biodegradable materials and keep printed items—like menus or place cards—to a minimum. Use reusable signs for seating charts and schedules, and opt for chalkboards or digital displays where possible.
When selecting your venue, ask about their recycling and composting options. Many venues, like Tythe, are taking steps to ensure waste is responsibly managed. By providing separate bins for recycling and composting, you can reduce the amount of rubbish headed to landfill. Ask your caterer if they can set up composting stations for food scraps, and work with them to ensure packaging is minimised or compostable.
For a completely zero-waste approach, try hiring a waste consultant—there are plenty of services available that specialise in helping couples host eco-friendly events with minimal waste.
Sustainable Catering Practices
Sustainable catering goes beyond sourcing local, organic ingredients—it also includes minimising food waste. Ensure your caterer is mindful of portion sizes to avoid excess, and if there are leftovers, arrange to have them donated to local shelters or charities. Buffet-style meals can often result in more waste, so consider serving plated courses or family-style meals where food can be portioned more accurately.
If you’re planning a more casual affair, swap traditional disposables for compostable plates, cups, and cutlery, or better yet, use reusable tableware. At Tythe, we work with caterers who embrace sustainable practices, making it easier to offer eco-friendly dining without compromising on quality.
Practical Tip: Encourage guests to take home leftovers, or set up a station with biodegradable containers for them to pack up any extra food. It’s a simple way to reduce waste and share the joy of the meal long after the wedding has ended.
When it comes to decor, a zero-waste wedding focuses on reuse, recycle, and repurpose. Instead of disposable or one-time-use items, think about decorations that can either be reused, recycled, or upcycled. Fabric banners, wooden signage, and repurposed glass jars for centrepieces are all fantastic options that look beautiful and can be reused for future events or donated to other couples.
Practical Tip: Instead of printed programs or menus for every guest, opt for a few larger signs displayed at key locations around the venue. This reduces paper waste while still providing all the information your guests need.
As mentioned earlier, opting for reusable or plantable favours can minimise waste. Potted plants, seed packets, or even a charitable donation in your guests’ names are thoughtful options that align with the zero-waste ethos. If you’re keen on providing food-based favours, make sure they’re packaged in compostable or reusable containers to keep everything as waste-free as possible.
● Choose a venue that prioritises sustainable practices (solar energy, water conservation, etc.).
● Opt for local venues to reduce guest travel and carbon emissions.
● Consider outdoor venues for natural lighting and eco-friendly energy use.
● Use digital invitations to reduce paper waste.
● If physical invites are necessary, choose recycled or plantable paper.
● Minimise printed materials like menus and programmes by using reusable signage.
● Select dresses and suits made from sustainable fabrics (organic cotton, hemp, or peace silk).
● Explore pre-loved or vintage wedding attire to reduce the demand for new clothing.
● Choose lab-grown diamonds or ethical jewellery for wedding rings and accessories.
● Source seasonal, locally grown flowers to reduce the carbon footprint of transporting blooms.
● Opt for dried flowers or potted plants for longer-lasting, eco-friendly decor.
● Work with florists who avoid using floral foam and focus on sustainable arrangements.
● Choose a farm-to-table menu using seasonal, local ingredients.
● Offer plant-based or vegetarian options to reduce environmental impact.
● Reduce food waste by working with caterers who offer portion control and donate leftovers.
● Select practical, reusable favours like tote bags, bamboo straws, or potted plants.
● Consider plantable favours like seed packets or plantable paper.
● Make a charitable donation in guests’ names instead of offering physical favours.
● Use recycled or repurposed materials for decor (reclaimed wood, glass jars, etc.).
● Opt for natural, minimalist decor with elements like wood, greenery, and sustainable textiles.
● Reuse decor from your ceremony at your reception to reduce waste.
● Create a zero-waste checklist for your wedding planning.
● Choose venues with recycling and composting systems in place.
● Rent or reuse tableware, decor, and other elements to avoid single-use items.
● Ensure your caterer uses compostable packaging and minimises food waste.
A Thoughtful and Sustainable Celebration
Planning a sustainable wedding isn’t just about making eco-friendly choices—it’s about creating a celebration that’s thoughtful, personal, and reflective of the values you and your partner share. By embracing sustainable practices, from the venue and catering to fashion and decor, you’re crafting a day that not only minimises its environmental impact but also holds deeper meaning for everyone involved.
At Tythe, we believe that a sustainable wedding doesn’t have to sacrifice beauty or elegance. In fact, these choices often bring more creativity and intention into the planning process, resulting in a celebration that feels authentic, stylish, and kind to the planet. Whether you’re dreaming of a zero-waste wedding, a farm-to-table feast, or simply making small eco-conscious decisions throughout the day, there’s no shortage of ways to make your wedding both stunning and sustainable.
As you move forward in planning your big day, remember that every small step counts. And if you ever need advice or a bit of inspiration, we’re always here at Tythe to help you craft the wedding of your dreams—one that’s as unforgettable as it is sustainable.
