For the eco-conscious couple, planning an environmentally-friendly wedding is just as important as the dress, rings and vows. An event as big as a wedding can leave a huge carbon footprint, but there are many ways you can reduce this without compromising on your dream wedding. Make your big day as green as possible by following these handy tips for eco-friendly alternatives.

Paper

Invitations are one of the first things to consider when planning your wedding. Going paperless can make a massive difference to the planet, so consider sending an email invitation or using recycled or biodegradable paper. You could also double up favours as placeholders instead of traditional paper cards on tables.

Venue

Choosing a venue is one of the most difficult elements of wedding planning. If you're stuck on where to choose, ask venues about their environmentalism policies and recycling habits. Don't forget to pick somewhere close by so your guests can reduce pollution and global warming. Keeping your guest list small will also help.

Fashion

The outfits are a huge part of your wedding day - every bride wants a gorgeous dress to feel confident in. But that doesn't mean you have to buy brand new. Search around for a secondhand dress, or look for a vintage number to suit your style. You could even ask bridesmaids and groomsmen to wear an outfit they already have, saving both the planet and your purse!

Food

Catering is a key part of your wedding, but it can also mean a lot of wastage. You can avoid this by opting for a buffet rather than a plated meal, or you could ask your caterers about saving leftovers and donating the extra food to homeless shelters or food banks. Serving only vegetarian food is also a great idea, as well as avoiding any plastic dishware that may exacerbate ocean clean up.

A big white wedding is an incredible way to celebrate your marriage, but even better if it's green. By making these small changes to your day, you can ensure that your wedding is as sustainable and eco friendly as possible.

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