Weddings are often described as the happiest day of your life — and rightly so. They’re bursting with love, joy, tears, laughter, and all the things that make life extraordinary. But underneath the magic, there’s another side to the story that rarely makes it into the glossy Instagram reels or Pinterest-perfect boards. The truth is, weddings can have a surprisingly heavy footprint on the planet.
We don’t talk about it much. Most couples are simply trying to create a beautiful moment for their loved ones. But when the confetti settles, what’s often left behind is a trail of food waste, piles of single-use plastic, fast fashion outfits worn once and never again, and floral displays that travelled further than some of the guests. And that’s just scratching the surface.
Take food, for example. So much love and money goes into the catering, but it’s estimated that around 10–20% of wedding food ends up in the bin. Not because anyone meant for it to — but because it’s incredibly hard to gauge portion sizes for dozens (or hundreds) of people with different appetites and preferences. Then there’s the cake, which often gets cut ceremonially and forgotten, especially if the guests are too full from the buffet. Beautiful, handcrafted — and destined for the compost, if you’re lucky. The landfill, if not.
Plastic is another uninvited guest. From miniature shampoo bottles in hotel favours, to drinking straws, balloons, single-use décor, water bottles and cellophane-wrapped wedding favours — it adds up in ways most couples don’t even realise until the cleanup. Even biodegradable alternatives often need industrial conditions to break down, so they’re not the simple solution they’re made out to be.
And then there’s fashion. The dress. The suits. The shoes. The bridesmaids’ gowns that match your theme. The tuxedos that look sharp in the photos but don’t feel like you. Many of these items are worn once and then pushed to the back of the wardrobe or boxed away indefinitely. Fast fashion companies have jumped on the wedding industry, offering cheap, quick-turnaround clothing that rarely pays attention to ethics, the environment, or even longevity. It’s not just the waste that’s harmful — it’s also the human cost behind those garments.
But here’s the good news: there are beautiful, intentional ways to flip the script. You don’t need to compromise on style or sentiment to make your wedding lighter on the Earth.
Let’s talk food again, but this time from the heart. You can work with caterers who champion local, seasonal ingredients — ones who plan menus that use the whole vegetable, who compost scraps, and who partner with charities or apps to donate excess. Imagine your guests enjoying dishes that tell the story of the land around you, that honour the farmers who grew them, and that leave no waste behind. That’s more than just dinner — that’s a celebration of life.
Plastics? Easily replaced, if you know where to look. There are incredible artisans and rental companies creating beautiful, reusable tableware, signage, and décor that feels just as magical without harming the planet. You can personalise items in ways that feel meaningful, not mass-produced. And if you’re dreaming of a confetti toss? Dried flower petals from a local flower farm are romantic, stunning — and safe for the soil beneath your feet.
As for fashion? This is your moment to wear something with a story. Rent your dress or suit from a luxury boutique that supports circular fashion. Choose outfits made from sustainable fabrics, or support local designers who sew with intention and passion. You can even restyle or reimagine family heirlooms — bringing generational meaning into your day in a way no high-street purchase ever could. Bridesmaids don’t need matching dresses either — let them wear something they love and will wear again, in your colour palette. It photographs better, and feels better too.
Flipping the script doesn’t mean going without. It means leaning into the why behind your day — choosing options that reflect your values, that spark joy, and that give back instead of taking away.
Because when the day is over, when the music fades and your guests have gone home, what stays with you — truly — is the feeling. The knowledge that you created something meaningful. That your wedding wasn’t just a celebration of love between two people, but also of love for the planet, your community, and everything that comes after.
That’s not just a trend. That’s a legacy. And it starts with small, intentional choices — made by couples like you.