Best wedding ideas for alternative, eco-friendly weddings in London

Table setting for a stylish eco-friendly wedding in the woods

Hi, I’m Paola, an alternative, eco-conscious, LGBTQ+ friendly wedding photographer based in London.
Planning an alternative, and eco-friendly wedding, can sometimes be challenging.

I hope this list of Dos and Don’ts will help you ensure that your wedding day will run smoothly.

Magical woodland at Reuthes The Lost Gardens of Sevenoaks in Kent

DO:
When looking for a wedding venue, consider the location and if they are environmentally friendly. Do they use renewable energy? Do they have a recycling program in place? Do they implement and promote sustainability?

Two grooms close-up holding hands. They wear velvet jackets in the woodland of Reuthe's The Lost Gardens of Sevenoaks in Kent, UK.

For wedding decoration, use eco-friendly materials, such as biodegradable confetti, recycled paper for the invitation and reusable tableware.

Close-up of a stylish wedding woodland table set-up. The colour palette is autumnal. The flowers are dry. This is outdoors at Reuthe's The Lost Gardens of Sevenoaks in Kent, UK.

For wedding meals, choose an organic food catering that use local produce to reduce the carbon footprint and help the local community.

A selection of paper stationery cards and invites for a two-groom eco-wedding at Reuthe's The Lost Gardens of Sevenoaks in Kent, UK. The colour palette is autumnal.

For a wedding dress/suit, consider buying a pre-loved garment or using a wedding designer that promotes and actively engages with ethical and sustainable material.

Hand-dyed fabric backdrop in terracotta and white for an eco-friendly wedding of two grooms in Kent, UK. Next, there is a beautiful bouquet of dried flowers.

DON’T:

Don’t use single-use plastic products like straws, cups and utensils. Instead, opt for reusable and biodegradable alternatives.

To reduce food waste, plan your meals carefully and donate any excess to local charities or food banks.

Outdoor table setting for an eco-friendly wedding of two grooms. The fabric is hand-dyed, and the menu card is in autumnal colours.

Avoid using any non-eco-friendly transport, such as a limousine or others. Instead, opt for electric or hybrid vehicles, or encourage your guests to use public transport.

Six wooden chairs and table setting for an outdoor eco-wedding of two grooms in Kent. The fabric is hand-dyed, and the flower display is lux and stylish but uses dry flowers.

Avoid overusing electricity. Instead maybe consider using candles, natural lights, low energy, and LED bulbs.

Generally tried to avoid unsustainable, non-eco-friendly materials and products made under unethical labour conditions.

Close-up of a modern vegan wedding cake for an outdoor eco-wedding in the woodland at Reuthe's The Lost Gardens of Sevenoaks in Kent, UK. The cake is yellow and white.

I hope this short list of dos and don’ts will help you start planning an alternative eco-friendly wedding.
Remember the focus is celebrating your Love while helping protect the environment.