Planning a wedding can feel like a stress-filled whirlwind at any time of year - so many choices, so little time! But if you're looking to tie the knot/plan a wedding in the autumn season and want to do so with sustainability in mind, you’re in the right place. From eco-friendly decor to sustainable packaging, we’ve got some top tips that’ll help you plan a dreamy autumn wedding while keeping Mother Nature in the loop...
So, grab a hot chocolate (or whatever autumn treat you fancy - chai latte?) and let's get started!
1. Dress with sustainability in mind
What's the first thing most people think of when it comes to planning a wedding? The dress, of course! I wouldn't blame you if secondhand isn't your first thought here, but there are actually loads of pre-loved wedding dresses on sites like Vinted and Knot New, offering a wide variety of pretty styles that won't cost the earth - literally!
For the groom, wedding party and guests, encourage them to explore vintage or charity shops too - it's a fun way to find truly unique pieces while staying sustainable, and could save them quite a bit of money! (I wore the prettiest Jessica Simpson dress to a wedding recently - only £7 in a local charity shop!)
Another lovely touch is choosing recycled wedding rings. Brands like Elizabeth Anne Norris Jewellery offer rings crafted from recycled silver or gold, with cufflinks and other jewellery available too - a choice that’s both ethical and beautiful, symbolising love and care for the planet.
And then there's the ring boxes - there are plenty of options made from recycled materials that include foam inserts for extra luxury, so why not go for one of these? The same goes for cufflink boxes, and any other jewellery packaging that might be needed for the big day. These precious pieces deserve the perfect home after all, and any option that's eco-friendly and still looks great surely ticks all the right boxes (ahem, if you'll pardon the pun).
2. Eco-friendly invites and digital RSVPs?
When it comes to invitations, there are oh-so-many ways to keep things green. How much paper is involved for a hundred or so guests? It will be a lot - so consider digital invitations to save on paper (and postage!). Sites like Jacquie Lawson offer elegant, interactive options that can be customised for any theme - including an autumn wedding!
If you still did want to provide physical invitations, it's more than possible to do so sustainably. But how? Well, invitations printed on recycled and recyclable paper are a no-brainer. Go for autumnal colours like orange or forest green to tie into the season. And we all know what they say about less being more, right? A minimalist, elegant design uses less ink and creates a chic, modern aesthetic.
And have you heard about seed paper? It's a win-win - guests can plant them after the wedding and they'll grow into the most beautiful wildflowers, creating a long-lasting, lovely memory of the special day. Even better, plantable seed paper can also be used for menus, place cards, and thank you cards! How cute is that?
3. A green venue for an even greener celebration
Onto another very important aspect - the venue! This is one of the first things you'll need to book to save on stress, so, to make it sustainable, look for places that have energy-efficient lighting, recycling initiatives, or even solar power options. Or, if you can brave the colder autumn weather then consider opting for something outdoors, like a botanical garden or nature reserve - they're so beautiful and require minimal decoration!
Solar lights are again handy for outdoor weddings, casting a warm glow that’s both budget and earth-friendly. And if it rains? Check out some sustainable tents and pop-up gazebos to make sure you're prepared for anything!
For the evening do, consider renting tableware or opting for biodegradable plates, cups, and utensils. Choosing locally sourced, in-season ingredients for your menu reduces the carbon footprint of your meal, and any leftover food can be donated or composted. You can even check with the caterers that they have sustainable practices in place, like using compostable packaging or minimising food waste.
4. Decor and details with a conscience
No wedding is complete without those finishing touches to complete the big day! You can easily bring sustainability into the decor with upcycled glass jars for candle holders, or old wooden crates for a rustic display. And don't forget about sustainable tube boxes - these make great containers for confetti (biodegradable, of course) that guests can take home and use long after the wedding too.
Need a bit more inspiration for autumn decor? Try dried flowers, leaves, or small pumpkins - they’re beautiful, seasonal, and can be composted or even kept after the wedding. Think dried flowers for the bouquets too - I have a bridesmaid's bouquet sitting proudly in a cute lil vase at home that serves as the perfect reminder of a really lovely day. After more tips on general autumn trends? Check out our blog post here!
5. Pretty wedding favour boxes and bags
Let’s talk wedding favours - those little gifts on the table that say: 'Thank you for being part of our special day!' They need to be meaningful, right? But also eco-friendly - and that’s where sustainable packaging comes in. Instead of opting for plastic or single-use materials, why not choose recyclable or biodegradable boxes and bags?
Kraft paper boxes, for example, are perfect for a rustic, autumnal vibe, and can be filled with lots of fun fall goodies like, my personal fave, locally sourced candles. Small cotton bags are another fantastic option, say for pieces of jewellery, and they can be used again and again. These boxes and bags are super easy to personalise too, whether you opt for foil or digital printing.
Or simply leave the box or bag plain and tie some ribbon or natural twine around it, or add a gift tag - either way, it's always fun to accessorise, right? You can’t go wrong as they're all eco-friendly choices, and having boxes and bags that are both practical and pretty gives guests something to use long after the day is over.
And of course there's the favour boxes and bags for the wedding party! Luxury magnetic boxes are ideal for creating beautiful hampers, especially when packed with goodies like natural skincare products or handmade jewellery.
Pop some pretty tissue paper inside too for extra protection and a splash of colour, with tonnes of autumnal tones to perfectly match the season. And remember the seed paper? Use it to add a note to show your appreciation to the bridesmaids and groomsmen!
You’ve got this!
Planning an eco-friendly autumn wedding doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right packaging and a bit of creativity, you’ll be able to create a day that’s beautiful and memorable, and the best part? You’re doing your bit for the planet, too. Happy planning, and here’s to a greener, dreamier: ‘I do’!