If you want to limit the impact your ceremony has on our planet you may wish to consider the following suggestions:
- Keep it simple – this lessens stress on you and your finances, as well as on the planet
- Send invitations. maps, accommodation options, etc, by e-mail. An effective way to tell guests the practical details about your wedding is to set up a wedding website. You can do this free through a WordPress Blog.
- Wedding stationery, such as service sheets can be printed on re-cycled paper, using ink from vegetable dyes
- Use local suppliers wherever possible for food, wine, and flowers. See www.getnzmade.net for a list.
- Use flowers that are in season. Grow your own.
- Choose a celebrant who lives near you and/or your venue
- An outdoor daytime wedding makes best use of natural light.
- Buy your outfit from a re-cycled boutique, borrow it, or wear something you already have.
- Ask if there are any pre-loved family rings you could re-use, or have new ones made from wood (gold mining creates huge environmental issues)
- Walk or cycle to your ceremony and encourage guests to do the same. If you must used motorised transport, could it be electric? or could you all go in a bus?
- Use home-made confetti from dried flower petals
- For personalised beeswax candles, try The Candlemaker at AJ Day Options Trust, 426 Tuam Street. This Trust offers employment for people with an intellectual disability.
- Natural Soy candles, hand poured in Christchurch, are available from Bee Bryant.
- For disposable plates that are 100% biodegradable and compostible check out Potato Plates
- Compost any food scraps and donate leftover food to an organisation such as the City Mission.
- Tell your guests this is a green wedding and inspire them to tread lightly on the planet.
Louise and Garvin rode a tandem to their wedding.
