Guilt-free glamour: how to host an eco-friendly luxury wedding or event

Ever been to a zero-waste luxury wedding? No, we thought not. We all know that creating a sustainable luxury event presents unique challenges. But with thoughtful planning and execution, hosting an eco-friendly wedding or event is a very attainable and incredibly rewarding experience. 

The environmental toll of a typical wedding is certainly staggering. According to a study by the University of Sheffield, the average wedding in the UK produces an astonishing 14.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2), equivalent to driving a car around the world twice. Why is it so eye-wateringly high?

A major culprit of the environmental price tag of a traditional wedding or luxury event is guest transportation, often involving long-haul flights and multiple car journeys. Lavish catering, typically dominated by carbon-intensive meat dishes, further exacerbates the issue. Once you add the energy demands of many venues and the considerable waste generated, the picture becomes alarmingly clear: luxury and sustainability can seem worlds apart.  

Thankfully, the events industry is rising to the challenge, with venues, caterers, designers and suppliers increasingly offering many thoughtful options for couples to make their events as sustainable and eco-friendly as possible.

Can luxury and sustainability truly coexist?

The short answer is a resounding yes. It is absolutely possible to be more eco-conscious without compromising the beauty and luxury of a big event. What’s more, couples are enjoying the process of finding innovative ways to throw the party of a lifetime without the environmental hangover. 

It’s all about being creative, savvy and making considered choices. From eco-friendly wedding favours, gifts, decorations and centrepieces to earth-friendly menu options, there is so much on offer at every point of the event-planning process.  

In this article, we look at how the wedding industry is responding to a new generation of responsible couples, ushering in an era of sustainable celebrations where elegance and eco-consciousness intertwine.

Balancing luxury with responsibility

The desire for sustainability is often met with the reality of extravagance. In our post-pandemic world,  it’s natural to want to host a big, beautiful party. Couples eager to make up for lost time and create truly unforgettable experiences might think both luxury and sustainability can’t co-exist. 

But lavish celebrations don’t necessarily have to come with a hefty environmental price tag. With careful planning and conscious decision-making, sustainable luxury is an achievable goal. 

At Hedsor House, we’ve been aware of the growing importance of sustainability in luxury weddings and events for some time. We know it’s our responsibility to make things better.  Our research indicates that a typical wedding at Hedsor House produces 5-10 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). However, we’re witnessing a positive shift in our couples’ priorities. They’re increasingly aware of the environmental impact and seeking ways to prioritise sustainability, aligning their celebrations with their values.

That’s why we created the Green Guide, jam-packed with easy wins to make your event more sustainable and our ‘little black book’ of contacts: pioneering businesses offering eco-friendly options for your big day.

Fran Everist, director of sales and marketing at Hedsor House, explains:

Creating an eco-conscious luxury celebration

For every seemingly extravagant choice, there exists a sustainable alternative. Imagine locally sourced, seasonal blooms adorning your tables, delicious organic or locally sourced menus crafted by local chefs, eco-friendly wedding favours and reusable wedding centrepieces that exude elegance and sophistication. 

Creating a sustainable wedding doesn’t require a complete overhaul of your vision for the sake of the planet. You don’t have to serve an entirely plant-based menu, go barefoot and get married in a tipi (unless that’s your style!). It’s about making tiny, eco-conscious choices that align with your values every step of the way. As wedding planning platform Hitched states, when it comes to planning a green wedding, it’s important to highlight that every little helps. Here, we list five key areas to focus on to truly make a difference. 

1 Embrace local

Local is the new luxury.  Whether you’re looking for venues closer to home, minimising travel and its associated environmental impact, or keen to work with local florists, designers or food and drink suppliers, the choices for modern eco-conscious couples are endless. We love using our Hedsor honey as wedding favours, harvested right here on the estate. 

Holding both the ceremony and reception in the same venue also eliminates the need for guests to hop between locations, further reducing the carbon footprint of the celebration. Finally, virtual tours are a convenient option many venues offer to minimise unnecessary journeys and their associated emissions.

2 Pick your suppliers carefully

The rise of sustainable, B Corp-certified suppliers is a game-changer for eco-conscious couples. Now, you can curate every detail of your wedding with the planet in mind, from the caterers who source local, organic ingredients to the florists who champion seasonal blooms and sustainable practices. Even your stationery and entertainment can be ethically sourced, ensuring your celebration aligns with your values from start to finish.

At Hedsor, we’re passionate about partnering with these incredible businesses. Our Green Guide showcases a diverse selection of sustainable suppliers, making planning a truly responsible and unforgettable celebration easier than ever. 

3 Choose eco-conscious catering

Sustainable wedding catering has never been more inspiring. Some couples are embracing more relaxed, communal dining experiences like feasts and buffets, which can often reduce food waste. Others celebrate with traditional sit-down meals while enjoying local sparkling wines or serving seasonal dishes. 

Leading the charge in conscious catering is Lettice Events, a B Corp-certified luxury hospitality business that’s redefining what it means to dine responsibly. From its plastic-free kitchen to its innovative use of waste oil for biodiesel, Lettice proves sustainability doesn’t compromise on luxury or taste. It crafts unforgettable culinary experiences that delight both hosts and guests, showcasing the very best of local, seasonal ingredients while minimising environmental impact.

4 Rethink style as sustainable

Sustainable style is taking centre stage as eco-conscious couples redefine wedding fashion and aesthetics. Even celebrities have taken note. 

Emma Stone was pictured in a white mini dress at the 2022 Met Gala, which Vogue reported was recycled from her wedding afterparty, and Keira Knightley reportedly loves her Chanel wedding dress so much she has worn it on several occasions – even before she married Klaxons musician James Righton.

Vintage gowns with timeless elegance can be sourced from pre-loved collections or rented for the occasion, minimising the impact of fast fashion. Every detail can be infused with sustainable style, from the ethical diamonds sparkling on the bride’s finger to the digital invitations that reduce paper waste without sacrificing artistry. Couples are even opting for eco-conscious confetti, biodegradable balloons and decorations crafted from natural, repurposed materials. This is a generation that understands that style and sustainability are not mutually exclusive. 

5 Consider carbon offsetting 

Can you really compensate for your wedding’s carbon footprint? The answer is a qualified yes. Carbon offsetting involves investing in projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as planting trees or restoring ecosystems. While it’s not a perfect solution, it can be a valuable tool for mitigating the environmental impact of your celebration.

The logic behind carbon offsetting is simple: climate change is a global issue. Reducing emissions anywhere benefits the planet as a whole. So, while you can’t completely erase the footprint of your wedding, you can support initiatives that counteract its effects.

Research reputable providers like Ecologi and Gold Standard if you’re considering carbon offsetting. These organisations offer transparent and verifiable projects, ensuring your investment makes a genuine difference.

However, it’s crucial to remember that offsetting should be seen as a complementary measure, even a ‘last resort’, not a substitute for actively reducing your wedding’s environmental impact in the first place. Make eco-friendly choices every step of the way, and then consider offsetting any remaining impact to make your celebration even kinder to the planet.