Article by Pam Black, owner of Celebration House. First appeared in Die Beeld/Die Burger newspaper.
With the world focus this month on the COP17 conference on climate change being held in Durban, it seemed appropriate to focus on ways couples can reduce the large carbon footprint that weddings usually generate.
I was recently asked by a bride ‘So what exactly is a ‘green’ wedding?’ and basically put it is a wedding that has as little as possible impact on the environment. This requires couples having to put a lot more time and thought into the planning of their wedding day. They need to think carefully about all the choices they make and consider whether they are wise ones.
There is definitely evidence of a fast growing trend in countries such as the UK and the USA towards more environmentally friendly weddings. No longer are ‘green’ weddings associated with the hippie fringe – today they are described in trendy circles as ‘eco-chic’ affairs.
As was to be expected, all aspects of the royal wedding of Kate and William held earlier this year, came under scrutiny by the Press. The Telegraph reported that it was estimated it generated ten times more greenhouse gases than did Buckingham Palace in a whole year or 1,230 times the annual emissions of the average UK household. The newspaper then went on to say that when the couple reached the Palace after the ceremony, the National Grid reported the demand for electricity increased by 2,400MW – the equivalent of nearly a million kettles being turned on at the same time!
Photo by: StephenC Photographer
In fairness to the couple, they did try and choose many ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Not an easy task when the emissions released into the atmosphere by all the private jets arriving with VIP guests must have totalled an enormous amount to say nothing of the 140 tonnes of waste left along the processional route – equivalent to the weight of over 50 Rolls Royces!
Fortunately, not too many celebrity wedding take place in this country, and for the average environmentally concerned couple, there are numerous simple ways of ensuring that their wedding day doesn’t leave a large carbon footprint on the planet.
Firstly, when making any choice, try as far as possible to use locally-grown or fair trade produce, and items that are made locally.
Steer away from imported flowers and rather choose those that are in season and easily obtainable from a local supplier. Consider using small tubs of flowers or herbs as table décor, which could also double up as gifts for your guests. You could also give your guests packets of wild flower seeds, or products like sweets or pottery that are locally made. Gifts that support a good cause are also suitable. One idea that has always appealed to me is to make a vendor’s day and buy copies of The Big Issue to give to your guests.
If you are using fresh flowers, try not to waste them after the wedding. You could donate them to a hospital or old age home, should you not be planning to give them to guests. (As you will probably be leaving on your honeymoon straight after the wedding, ask a friend or family member to organise this for you.)
Try to choose a style of wedding dress that you will wear again – instead of leaving it to clutter up your cupboard – and of course it should preferably be made from a natural fabric. This also applies when selecting outfits for your attendants. Other options would be to hire an outfit, purchase a second-hand or vintage dress or have your mother’s wedding dress restyled.
Invitations made from recycled paper would be a good choice. If you have the time you could personalise them even more by taking paper making lessons and creating your own invitations. I heard of one bride who chose to learn origami and made all her flowers and décor from paper.
A word of warning if you are using recycled paper. I know of a South African couple who couldn’t understand why they hadn’t received RSVP’s from any of the Australian guests they had invited to their wedding. They later discovered that, as their invitations made from recycled paper contained a small amount of plant material and seed, they were rejected and destroyed by postal authorities on arrival in Australia.
It’s a good idea to spend time planning the menu for your wedding and as far as possible to choose seasonal products. Imported goods, which have to be flown in, have a greater environmental impact. Ask your caterer to ensure that only organic produce is used and if the meal is not an entirely vegetarian one, enquire whether the meat or chicken being served has been organically reared, using sustainable farming methods.
More and more organic wine is appearing on the shelves in supermarkets and bottle stores and this would be your ideal first choice. Otherwise, if you are fortunate enough to live in the Cape, get together with a few friends and spend some time visiting a few local vineyards. Wedding guests have varied tastes so feedback from friends on their likes and dislikes could be useful in helping you with your final choice. Today there are many more outlets for locally-brewed beer which would definitely get the nod ahead of imported beer.
A wedding held outdoors in natural surroundings is an excellent way to reduce your footprint as it requires no artificial lighting and far less decorating. If possible, try and have the ceremony and reception at the same place or choose a setting that is convenient to most guests so that you minimise the amount of travelling required. Ideally, you should also not travel too far for your honeymoon. If you and your guests are travelling long distances to your wedding you could consider offsetting the effects of the carbon emissions by giving your guests trees to plant. – a wonderful way to commemorate your wedding day.
World-wide millions of weddings are held each year – recently on one day alone (a very auspicious date) more than 60 000 couples were married in Delhi, India.
It is not easy to have a completely carbon free occasion but even one small act by every couple marrying could have a huge effect on the planet.
