How to Make Sustainable Swaps for your Wedding
Climate change is a very prominent issue in today’s society, with sustainability being promoted and encouraged from all angles. Scotland was the centre of all things sustainable in November 2021 when Glasgow was host to the COP26 Climate Conference, and weddings are included on the list of events to be made more eco-friendly.
With wedding planning, there are already so many elements to be considered before trying to make everything sustainable, but by making small swaps, your wedding can be more ‘green’. Here are our top tips for planning your Scottish sustainable wedding:
- Choose your venue(s) wisely
Travelling is one of the biggest causes of climate change, so why not try to think local or make the destination an easy-to-access place for your guests. Car sharing and use of public transport can be a small step to making your wedding eco-friendlier. If your venues are within walking distance, why not consider being piped between the two for that classic Scottish wedding!
- Pick your stationery using recycled materials
Stationery is such an important finishing touch to any event, especially weddings, but it can end up getting thrown in the bin at the end of the night and wasted. However, by keeping your stationery to a limit, and trying to use recycled materials where possible, this will mean that even if some of it does go in the bin, it can go in the recycling bin instead. Another consideration is to use large signage which can reduce the need for stationary altogether.
- Use reusable or rentable décor at your venue
Why waste your money on decorations that you’ll only use once? Some venues have décor which you can pay a little extra to use, instead of buying brand new. You can also raid your cupboards at home to see if you already own some materials which can be used at your celebration. Also, as much as we love balloons and confetti…they’re not the most environmentally friendly products out there. See tip 7 for our thoughts on confetti!
- Make your makeup bag cleaner
We don’t mean throw out all your old makeup (by all means, please do if it’s old!), but experiment with some brands that are free from plastics, parabens, toxins, and perfumes. Not only are they better for the environment, but they are also better for us too! Also, when it comes to throwing away your empty bottles and palettes, some retailers have recycling bins dedicated to cosmetics – how handy!
- Try your best to prevent food waste
Lots of venues in Scotland recommend a buffet with the best Scottish treats – especially during a night of energetic ceilidh dancing! However, this can often lead to a lot of food waste. Whilst it can be very difficult to plan for how much your guests will eat, you can work with your wedding coordinator to decide how much food will be needed for your evening.
- Have your ceremony outside
Now this is a difficult one in Scotland, but it can be done! Having your ceremony outside saves costs from gas and electricity, as well as making the most of that stunning natural lighting for your pics!
- Keep your confetti toss to a minimum
Whilst the classic confetti toss photo makes for a beautiful memory, confetti and tiny bits of paper are not exactly eco-friendly. Try sourcing some plant-based confetti, such as flower petals, which are biodegradable. Storing them in little brown paper bags for your guests makes every aspect of the confetti toss sustainable and recyclable.
- Go digital with your invites
Sending e-invites can reduce your costs and waste. 9/10 wedding invites will end up in the bin, so emailing your invites will reduce this massively (even if your guests put your email in the bin). Your guests will also have an easier time replying to your invite, making your organising much easier too! Of course, some paper invites will be necessary for those older loved ones, but a reduced number means less waste and less money spent. Win win!
If you want to find out more about sustainable weddings at The National Piping Centre, including seeing the venue, wedding menus, piper and décor hire click here, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 0141 353 5551 to speak to one of our wedding coordinators.