We love our planet - and we’re all for finding ways to make weddings days more eco-friendly. Thankfully, going eco-friendly on your wedding day doesn’t have to be overcomplicated! If the saying ‘less is more’ applies anywhere, it certainly applies here - opting for a more natural, minimal wedding is not only one way to save burning a hole in your wallet, but you can also celebrate knowing you’ve made environmentally conscious choices. Even more reason to feel great on your wedding day!

You don’t have to forgo all your favourite weddings fantasies, either - we’re lucky enough to live in a country filled with fantastic local produce, florals and botanicals, and talented suppliers and creatives, who have found ways to be more kind to our earth.

Styling by Mavis & Foxe, photo by Kirsten Walsh

HIRE YOUR DECOR

We have some amazing stylists, decor hirers and planners with beautiful items to decorate your day! Instead of buying a tonne of items yourself (which you’ll likely just chuck or sell at the end of the day), opt for a local supplier who can bring all the re-usable goods! If you are purchasing your own decorations and serving utensils, you can opt for biodegradable options (e.g. paper straws) or use recycled paper and cardboard.

GO DIGITAL

Thanks to modern technology, you can go completely paper-free with your wedding invites and RSVPs! Look into digital invites or a lovely website to display all the info - they have the additional benefit of being considerably cheaper, and the convenience of logging all of your responses in one place. There is so much you can do with a wedding website - check out our earlier blog post if you want to find out more about the pros and cons of going digital.

OPT FOR SECOND HAND

There are a bounty of local second hand stores - and if you go digging, you’ll quite often find some real gems! Whether it’s centrepieces for your tables, that ‘something old’, or - if you’re feeling adventurous - you could even try re-tailoring a second-hand dress. There’s something truly charming about second hand elements - adding that vintage feel!

GO LOCAL

Go for suppliers that use local produce - especially when it comes to food and florals. Contributing to your local economy is one way to support the place you live and love, and it’ll help to reduce your carbon footprint too! (Also, what beats fresh, locally sourced kai?)

KEEPING THINGS MINIMAL

Make the most of the natural backdrops or gorgeous architecture that so many of our venues have to offer! Do you really need that balloon archway when the arching trees make the perfect, dreamy backdrop instead? Just look at Rose & Smith at Tauherenikau! We are also seeing some stunningly simple decor based purely around linens and greenery - we think simplicity is key when it comes to creating the perfect setting!

DITCH THE PLASTIC CONFETTI

And make your own instead! Check out our how-to guide.

Brought to you by our wonderful blogger in chief, Deanna Walker.

How to Make Your Wedding more Eco-Friendly