Weddings are often grand celebrations of love, and I bloody love them...but they can also have a significant environmental toll. I'm a massive fan of low impact weddings & elopements. I'm not talking full blown hippy shit here but just being mindful when purchasing wedding decorations. I've written this little article to give you a few cool ideas. The sheer scale of wedding events, from decorations to transportation, can be a huge cost to the environment. Kristen Shaw Photography AKA Kris believes that weddings & elopements can be both beautiful and environmentally responsible. In this blog post, we'll explore five ways to be more mindful with your wedding decorations, ensuring that your celebration is not only memorable but also low-impact and eco-friendly. Besides, who doesn't want to feel like the Mother Theresa of Wedding decor!
Local Flowers & Flower Petal Confetti
When considering flower choices for your wedding, opting for locally grown flowers can make a significant difference in reducing your carbon footprint. Do you really need peonies if they are not in season in Australia? Stick with me if your answer is F YES! International flower imports often involve long-distance transportation, which can result in a substantial carbon footprint due to refrigeration, air travel, and packaging. Additionally, the use of pesticides and chemical preservatives in the flower industry can have detrimental effects on local ecosystems.
So, when you choose local flowers for your wedding, you are making an eco-conscious choice that positively impacts both the environment and your community. By supporting local flower growers, you not only promote sustainable farming practices but also help preserve the environment. Locally grown flowers require less energy for transportation and refrigeration, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, these flowers are often in season, reflecting the natural beauty of our region, and they support local economies. We are absolutely spoilt for local flower growers here in the Port Macquarie, and the entire Mid North Coast area for that matter. Here are some local flower growers you can check out Taylors Arm Flower Farm, Rickety Gates & Paddock Flowers to name just a few.
Also, instead of using traditional confetti that can be harmful to the environment, opt for natural and biodegradable flower petal confetti. Please don't immediately stop reading this and Google smoke emitters & confetti canons! Instead ask your guests to shower you with petals after your ceremony, creating a beautiful, eco-friendly spectacle and a bloody banger of a photo! Bonus points for supporting local flower growers or picking your own petals from a garden. One of my brides picked rose petals from her Grandfathers precious rose garden, no doubt he was proud as punch watching down on them that day. That or he had the shits for destroying his roses when he wasn't there to supervise!
Key + Orlena's Elopement - Grandfathers roses going up in smoke...ok no smoke but his roses were F'd.
Embrace Secondhand Treasures
One person's trash is another person's treasure, and this couldn't be truer when it comes to wedding decor. Consider hunting for secondhand decorations, from vintage vases to antique frames. Second had stores, online marketplaces, and even family heirlooms can provide a wealth of eco-friendly and budget-friendly options. By reusing items that have a history, you're not only reducing waste but also adding character to your wedding. You will often find me in A Little Antique the coolest second hand shop in Port Macquarie hunting for old wares!
Something old, something new, something borrowed and nothin' blue!
Repurpose and Upcycle
Get creative with your wedding decor by repurposing items you already have or that can serve a dual purpose. Old jars can be turned into charming candleholders, and wooden pallets can become rustic signs. We have so many stunning beaches in Port Macquarie and all around us on the Mid North Coast that are a treasure trove if you are having a coastal themed wedding. The possibilities are endless, and this approach ensures that you're not only minimising waste but also personalising your wedding decor.
Wedding sign made from old pallets painted with blackboard chalk from Col + Tams Wedding at The Old Butter Factory, Telegraph Point.
Share Cherished Recipes
Instead of traditional gifts, think toasters, anything bloody monogramed, or matching his & hers towels, (writing this is making me twitch) consider asking your guests to contribute in a unique way: by sharing a cherished recipe with the bride and groom (preferably in an envelope loaded with big pineapples and green backs - I might have made that term up). Not only does this reduce the need for material gifts, but it also adds a meaningful touch to your wedding. You can compile these recipes into a special keepsake cookbook, making your wedding day memories last for generations. There are lots of options on Etsy for vintage style cookbooks with recipe cards - support the little man (buy Aussie). You could include a recipe card with your wedding invite and ask guests to handwrite their favourite recipe on it. I so love this idea, it's totally stolen but I'm owning it!!!
Sustainable Table Centerpieces
Instead of traditional wedding decorations, focus on sustainable table centrepieces that double as decorative elements. Consider potted plants, succulents, or small herb gardens in reusable containers like mason jars or clay pots. Encourage your guests to take home these living decorations, which not only serve as memorable keepsakes but also contribute to a greener world as they continue to grow and thrive in their new homes. This way, your wedding decor becomes an enduring symbol of your love and commitment to the environment.
Shells, dried flowers & feathers being upcyled and used as table decorations.
Your wedding day is a perfect opportunity to express your love not only for your partner but also for the environment. By incorporating eco-friendly wedding decoration ideas like buying secondhand, repurposing, flower petal confetti, cherished recipe sharing, and thoughtful wedding table decorations, you can have a low-impact celebration that reflects your values.
Kris from Kristen Shaw Photography, believes (I hate talking about myself in the third person but I needed to drop a link so bear with me) that the beauty of your wedding lies in the thoughtful details that make it uniquely yours. Mindful wedding decorations not only reduce your environmental footprint but also add a personal touch that will be cherished for a lifetime. Your love story deserves to be told through images that capture the essence of your day, and i'm here to make sure your banger of a wedding is preserved in all its glory. Contact us (me, myself & I) today to learn more about our eco-conscious photography services and how we can help you remember your special day with style and sustainability.
Cheers
Kris
Photographer, admin lady and part time comedian (yet to be paid).
Kristen Shaw Photography (another link...see what I did there).