Laura Lewis

Here at Berwick Lodge, our favourite wedding trend is conscious decision making! Here are some tips and tricks, from our wedding coordinator Georgia, on how to be ethically and environmentally friendly during your wedding planning.

Supporting Small Businesses

The cost of living has put a strain on the financial situations of the UK as a whole, so try looking closer to home and purchase more locally in order to help the economy and lower your items carbon footprint. Third-party websites such as ‘Etsy’, offer unique, high-quality items such as stationery and favours; and they are often homemade from independent shops or sellers! You could even try ‘Rock My Wedding Recycle’ or ‘Facebook Marketplace’ for items no longer needed by other couples, this is a win-win as you can purchase items for less and you would also be helping somebody else by repurposing their special items!

Being Ethical

When looking for a wedding dress, it should be considered that the global fashion industry creates an abundance of waste each year. You could consider buying a second-hand dress, or perhaps repurposing a relative’s dress. If opting to buy a new dress, we should make an effort to be aware of the manufacturing process and how workers are treated. Finding a sustainable wedding dress is key to minimising waste, ensuring it is handcrafted, made to order and from sustainable materials.

Cruelty Free

Ask that your hair and make-up artist use only cruelty-free, vegan and organic products, which reduces the use of chemicals and therefore a lower carbon footprint.

Similarly, having knowledge of the sourcing of your wedding rings – ensure your rings aren’t ‘blood diamond’ (a term used for diamonds mined and smuggled, often funding conflict and violence causing societal, environmental and economic damage to those directly involved), you can do this by using tracking services online. It is usually more cost-effective to purchase factory-made diamonds, or you may consider antiques or vintage jewellery this way, you can be sure you aren’t contributing to any dangerous working conditions.

Environmentally Sustainable

Be more conscious of what and how we purchase; think local in general; ask guests to be conscious of how they travel, keep food miles down, and ensure that items are local, seasonal and from within the UK. Try giving back to the environment; perhaps plant your own tree or purchase and scatter a ‘bee-bomb’ to make up for the weddings environmental impact, look to use a local flower shop that deliver in glass and avoid using foam.

Acts of Gratitude & Compassion

After the last few years, we have all done some reflecting and have a better understanding of what is truly important. This has certainly given wedding celebrations a deeper meaning, you may like to incorporate special gestures on the day, such as adding personalised notes for your guests. Perhaps, you could ask your guests to make a charitable donation or fund a local project on your behalf, or rather than receiving gifts.

Tradition and Heirlooms

Much like gratitude, the past year has made us much more empathetic towards others and have a stronger ability to connect with people on a deeper level. We want to treasure our memories and ensure sentimental moments are included on the day. This could be getting married in your grandparent’s church, having your bouquet preserved afterwards, perhaps even considering wearing mums own wedding dress!

Here is a summary of a few ways that you can help give back by choosing to have a sustainable wedding:

• Vintage or factory-made wedding rings.
• Repurpose a pre-loved wedding dress.
• Go thrifting for second hand items.
• Only purchase local and seasonal items.
• Use only cruelty free and vegan makeup.
• Gift eco-friendly favours, such as ‘bee-bombs’.
• Ask guests to make a charitable donation.
• Use seed paper for your stationery.
• Use a local flower shop.
• Preserve your bouquet.
• Ensuring your suppliers sustainability practices align with your beliefs
• Plant a tree.
• Sell or donate your wedding items after the big day!

Crafting the perfect wedding guest list is an art form that balances personal desires with the practicalities of budget constraints and venue capacity. It also involves navigating the delicate nuances of social relationships and etiquette. Here are some strategies for handling tricky situations while planning your list.

Setting Clear Priorities

The first step in managing your guest list is to establish clear priorities. Decide whether you prefer a smaller, more intimate gathering or a large celebration. Consider your budget and venue limitations, as these will directly influence the size of your guest list. Agreeing on these priorities with your partner is essential to ensure a unified approach when decisions get tough.

Dealing with Family Expectations

Family expectations can significantly complicate guest list planning. Parents often have their own ideas of who should be invited. To navigate this, involve your parents in the discussion early. Allow them to suggest guests, but make it clear that the final decision rests with you and your partner. If they contribute financially, it might be fair to allocate a certain number of invitations for their use while maintaining the overall vision for your wedding.

Plus-Ones and Children

Deciding whether to include plus-ones and children can also be a challenge. A general rule is offering plus-ones to married, engaged, or long-term relationships. As for children, you might opt for an adults-only event or include only immediate family children. Be consistent with your policy to avoid misunderstandings and hurt feelings.

Handling Friendships and Social Circles

It’s not uncommon to feel obligated to invite friends out of a sense of duty or history, even if you’ve grown apart. When space is limited, focus on inviting friends who are actively part of your life. For acquaintances and coworkers, consider if they genuinely need to be part of your day. Limiting invites to those with whom you have a close and ongoing relationship is acceptable.

Addressing Sensitive Situations

Sensitive situations, such as inviting one relative but not another, can arise. Handle these on a case-by-case basis with tact and diplomacy. Be honest but gentle in your response if asked why someone was not invited. Emphasise limitations such as venue size or budget rather than personal feelings.

Communicating Decisions

Once decisions have been made, communicate them clearly and respectfully. If someone is not invited, which might cause disappointment or confusion, consider reaching out to explain the situation. This can be especially important for close friends or family members expecting an invitation.

Etiquette in Invitations

When sending out invitations, ensure clarity in communication. Specify who exactly is invited by naming all intended guests on the envelope. This reduces ambiguity about plus-ones or whether children are welcome. Early and clear communication can prevent uncomfortable situations and questions later on.

Book Your Big Day at Berwick Lodge

Wedding guests and who to invite to your wedding can feel tough, but when managed gracefully with thoughtful planning and clear communication, it can be a breeze. When getting married in Bristol, consider Berwick Lodge – this beautiful venue and their events team can see to the details so you can truly enjoy your big day. And remember, this is your special day; the guest list should reflect what is best for you and your partner.

Congratulations on your engagement, now the fun of planning begins! Of course, this is all very new and can be a little overwhelming at times, so we have come to the rescue by putting together our timeline for wedding planning. We hope that this will make the whole process as calm and stress free as possible! Of course, everyone takes up the planning process at different times and at different rates, but we hope that this general guide will be of some help.

Timeline

12 months

Book your venue and book the registrar
Buy a wedding planner/notebook or set up a digital planner with a database (contact numbers, RSVPs, dietary requirements etc.)
Get wedding insurance
Start spreading the news! Send save the date!
Decide if you will plan your wedding or need a wedding planner – Do I need a wedding planner?
Decide on your wedding party
Book your photographer
Start looking at other suppliers
Set up your weddings board on Pinterest so you can start pinning styling ideas!

8 months

Decide on your wedding theme/styling
Book cake, florist, entertainment, transport, hair & makeup
Dress & suit shopping
Plan Honeymoon & Hen/Stag do

5 months

Invitations sent out/create wedding website to keep guests updated of details and final changes
Ensure your dress, suits, shoes, bridesmaids dresses, groomsmen’s suits are purchased
Purchase your rings and accessories
Create wedding day gift list

3 months

Menu tasting
Decide on your bedroom allocation – who is going in which room
If not staying at venue, sort out where staying the night before
Hair and makeup trial
Start thinking about: music, vows, readings, speeches, seating arrangements
Planning thinking about all the details like guest numbers, dietary, requirements, schedule of the day, table and room layout, décor decorations/instructions, supplier timings and contact info

2 months

What do venues offer (e.g. mirror, easel, umbrella, cake stand)
Who puts the décor out – Berwick Lodge put decorations out for you!
Decoration – guest book, card box, favours, décor, confetti, candles etc.
Decide on any gifts you’re giving out
Arrange a meeting to run through all the final details of your wedding, with the venue

6 Weeks

Get your stationary printed – place card, seating plan, menu cards, order of the day

1 months

Dress fitting
Give venue final guest numbers
Confirm supplier arrangements/timings
Decided music, vows, readings, speeches – confirm with registrars and venue
Invoice/payment & final requirements

1 week before

Enlist wedding party to help!
Check the weather and prepare for Plan B
Wrap gifts
Pick up and drop off items
Confirm any changes to details with your suppliers
Pamper yourself!

As the trend of a sustainable and eco-friendly wedding grows, Bristol continues to innovate and inspire, proving that with creativity and commitment, celebrations can be both beautiful and beneficial to the planet. The city’s efforts to promote eco-friendly weddings are preserving its natural resources and crafting a legacy of sustainability that resonates with residents and visitors alike. This initiative clearly reflects Bristol’s broader environmental goals and its reputation as a leading city in sustainability and green living. So how can a wedding be made more sustainable?

Embracing Sustainable Practices

Bristol’s focus on eco-friendly weddings incorporates various sustainable practices that minimise the environmental impact of these events. Local vendors are at the forefront of this movement, offering services ranging from organic catering and biodegradable decor to venues prioritising energy efficiency and waste reduction. One such example is using seasonal and locally sourced food to reduce carbon emissions associated with transportation. Caterers in Bristol are increasingly working with local farmers and producers to create delicious menus that reflect the seasons, reducing the ecological footprint while supporting the local economy.

Venues Leading the Way

Many Bristol venues are also embracing green practices. Many have obtained certifications like the Green Tourism Business Scheme, ensuring they meet high environmental standards. Features like solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and energy-efficient lighting are common, providing sustainable wedding venue options. Other venues offer exclusive packages that emphasise sustainability, including recycling, low-emission transportation, and the use of sustainable materials. These initiatives appeal to environmentally conscious couples and set a standard for what eco-friendly events can look like.

Waste Reduction Strategies

Waste reduction is a critical component of an eco-friendly wedding day. Bristol’s wedding suppliers are innovative in their approach to minimising waste, from digital invitations and RSVPs to compostable tableware and zero-waste catering options. Flower arrangements are often sourced from local growers who practice sustainable farming, and leftover blooms are donated to hospitals and care homes, ensuring they continue to bring joy beyond the wedding day.

Community and Culture

Bristol’s community spirit is a significant driver behind adopting eco-friendly weddings. The city is known for its strong support of independent businesses and local arts, which translates into a thriving community of artisans and craftspeople who produce unique, handmade wedding items. This reduces the carbon footprint associated with mass-produced goods and enriches the wedding experience with a personal touch.

Educational Efforts and Resources

Bristol offers numerous workshops, fairs, and resources that focus on eco-friendly practices to aid couples in planning their sustainable weddings. These events provide valuable information on how to reduce the environmental impact of weddings and offer a platform for vendors to showcase sustainable alternatives to traditional wedding products and services.

Plan Your Big Day

Bristol’s focus on eco-friendly weddings is a testament to its commitment to sustainability. By integrating green practices into one of life’s most significant events, Bristol is setting a powerful example for other cities and encouraging a shift in how weddings are perceived and celebrated globally. For an eco-friendly Bristol wedding on the city’s edge, discover the environmental options available for your big day at Berwick Lodge.