How to Plan a Sustainable Wedding: Tips from a Nottingham Venue
Did you know the average wedding emits 14.5 ton of CO2E (that’s the same as running your home’s electricity for 5 years!), at least half of which could be reduced by making sensible, considered choices? (The Wedding Alliance).
At our Nottingham wedding venue The Walled Garden at Beeston Fields, we believe a wedding can be just as magical while treading lightly on the planet. Nestled within a historic Victorian walled garden, we’ve seen firsthand how small, sustainable swaps can make a big impact. Over the years, we’ve nurtured our own eco-pledge, and we’re proud to have been recognised for it earlier this year with the Judges’ Choice Award at the 2025 Sustainable Wedding Awards.
But, we’re not here to talk about us, we’re here to help you. From choosing eco-friendly suppliers to hosting a micro-wedding or supporting local businesses, here are some simple, impactful ways to plan a wedding that’s as kind to the planet as it is beautiful.
Host a smaller wedding
One of the most effective ways to lower your environmental impact is hosting a smaller, more intimate celebration. With fewer guests, you’ll reduce travel emissions and minimise food and décor waste, all contributing to a significantly lower carbon footprint. The added bonus? Micro-weddings and elopement can save you money too! With less guests, all the costs reduce, all while creating a more personal and relaxed experience.
Here at The Walled Garden, our Secret Garden Elopement Package is designed for couples looking for a secluded, magical setting to say “I do”. Imagine exchanging vows with just your partner and closest loved ones in this eco-conscious alternative to a traditional big wedding.
2. Pick an eco-conscious wedding venue
Choosing an eco-conscious wedding venue is one of the most impactful steps you can take toward planning a sustainable wedding. Look for venues that prioritise green initiatives such as responsible waste management, renewable energy, locally sourced food and drinks and eco-friendly cleaning products.
At The Walled Garden at Beeston Fields, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. Nestled in restored garden, we work to protect the environment through conservation efforts and sustainable business partnerships.
Of course, not every venue will have sustainability at its core, but that doesn’t mean they can’t take steps in the right direction. If you’ve found a venue you love that doesn’t highlight eco-friendly practices, it’s always worth asking. Your interest alone might inspire them to make greener choices!
Naked Sprout Toilet Roll at The Walled Garden as part of eco-pledge. Jenny Macare Photography.
3. Consider staying local to the majority of guests
By choosing a venue close to home, or at least near where most of your guests are based, you reduce travel for the majority. Travel emissions are one of the biggest contributors to a wedding’s carbon footprint, so cutting down on long journeys makes a big difference.
As a bonus, staying local also helps your guests save money. No pricey train tickets, long drives, or hotel costs, just more time spent celebrating together, stress-free! To make it even more sustainable, consider arranging shared transport, such as a bus or carpooling, so everyone can travel together and enjoy the day without worrying about parking or navigating.
At The Walled Garden, we’re also just a 10-minute drive from The Orchard Hotel (4* Eco), which makes it even easier for your guests to stay near and travel together with convenience.
The Walled Garden in Bloom - Dave Fuller Photography
4. Hold your ceremony & reception on the same site
In a similar vein to staying local, keeping your ceremony and reception in one location is a simple more eco-friendly choice. Fewer journeys means fewer cars on the road, less fuel burned, and a gentler impact on the planet.
Beyond travel, a single venue also means less waste and less duplication, as there is no need for extra signage, double the décor, or potential repeated setup. Energy consumption is lower too, as there’s no need to power multiple spaces with lighting or heating.
It’s a win for the planet and a win for your guests, who get to enjoy a seamless celebration without the logistics of moving between two venues after a few glasses of champagne!
5. Rent your décor or buy second-hand
When planning a wedding with the planet in mind, renting your décor is a brilliant way to reduce waste while still creating your dream day. Wedding decorations are often used only once, leaving behind a trail of unused items that can quickly end up in landfill. By choosing to rent, your day becomes part of the items’ life cycle, helping to reduce the need for new products and minimizing waste.
Most venues will work with a trusted list of local suppliers, like we do, who offer a stunning range of table settings, floral arrangements, vintage-inspired props and more, all available to rent. So don’t hesitate to ask your venue for recommendations or research local rental suppliers!
Another sustainable option is to source second-hand décor from places like Marketplace, Vinted, charity shops, or car boot sales. These items are often in great condition and can be reused for your big day, adding a unique touch while keeping things eco-friendly. Plus, once the wedding is over, you can resell the items, allowing them to benefit others and the planet by giving them a second life (and meaning you don’t clog up your cupboards!)
Alternatively, you may even choose a venue, like ours, where natural beauty is embedded throughout, so there isn’t as much need to go over the top with decorations! Our garden’s floral displays change with the seasons, ensuring that every wedding feels unique as the surroundings shift through the months.
6. Work in harmony with the seasons by serving locally sourced, seasonal food.
There is no denying that food plays a huge role in any wedding! So choosing locally sourced, seasonal produce is another way to make your celebration more sustainable. By supporting local farmers and food suppliers, you’ll reduce food miles and ensure your guests enjoy the freshest and most flavourful meals. Plus, seasonal ingredients also tend to be higher in quality, ensuring the most delicious wedding menu!
To cut down on waste even more, why not consider going meat-free for the whole menu? It’s a simple way to lower the environmental impact of your food choices, and you might even discover some delicious new dishes your guests will love! If you're after a more relaxed vibe, sharing platters or family-style service are a great option too. This way, everyone can grab exactly what they want, and it helps cut down on food waste. And don’t forget about the wedding cake - serve it as a dessert after the wedding breakfast, and you’ll make sure it’s enjoyed by everyone without any leftovers going to waste!
Additionally, be sure to speak with your venue or caterers about prioritising seasonal ingredients for your menu. They may already work with local suppliers or even grow some of their own produce! For example, at The Walled Garden, our chefs work closely with local farmers to curate seasonal menus, and we grow our own fresh herbs and edible flowers, adding a personal touch to every dish and drink. Whether it's using edible flowers to garnish cocktails or incorporating herbs into main courses, you can bring nature’s beauty into every bite.
7. Opt for seasonal blooms
When you think wedding, you think flowers, right? They’re such a key part of any celebration, but choosing seasonal and locally grown blooms can make a big difference in how sustainable your wedding is. Imported flowers often travel thousands of miles before they reach your bouquet, so by picking flowers grown closer to home, you’re not only supporting local growers but also reducing the environmental impact of your gorgeous florals.
Another great option is dried flowers - they add a timeless, rustic charm and are a fab eco-friendly choice. Plus, they last much longer and can be kept as a keepsake for years to come. If you want to get even more creative, why not consider potted plants, herbs, or houseplants? These are a lovely, sustainable alternative and can be shared with guests or enjoyed in your home long after your big day.
Our on site florist Ella at Old Bricks and Blossom has been creating some really beautiful dried bouquets and floral decorations, alongside her stunning, locally sourced fresh flowers. No matter your style, there are lots of sustainable floral choices to consider, just make sure your supplier is on the same page when it comes to sustainability!
Old Bricks and Blossom Dried Flowers. Jenny Macare Photography.
8. Use biodegradable confetti
That classic confetti throwing shot is a classic for a reason. We love the tradition and how much joy and colour it brings to photos, but it’s so important to choose biodegradable confetti to protect the environment. If you're outdoors, the wind might carry some of it away, and if it's made of plastic, it can harm the natural environment. Instead, consider flower petals or fallen leaves - just as beautiful in photos that won’t leave a trace!
If you're looking for something a little different, why not try a sparkler arch at the end of the ceremony, or switch to bubbles instead of confetti? There are so many creative and sustainable alternatives to get that shot, so there's no need to opt for plastic confetti.
Robyn Ward Photography
9. Choose edible favours
We absolutely love the tradition of wedding favours! It’s such a sweet way to thank your guests for sharing your special day. But let’s be honest, finding something that suits everyone’s taste can be tricky, and you don’t want that thoughtful gift to end up forgotten or tossed away. That’s why edible favours are such a great choice - they’re both personal and practical!
You could go for something yummy like mini cupcakes, chocolate boxes, or homemade jams. Or for a more personalised touch, why not offer biscuits with guest names on them, or cute his and hers sweets? These not only make a tasty treat but also double as your place cards, saving you from needing extra bits of paper (another eco-friendly point!). And if you’re feeling extra sentimental, mini bottles of champagne or wine from the place where you met would add a lovely, personal touch. Fresh coffee beans, seasonal fruit, or anything that means something special to you and your partner will make your guests feel extra appreciated.
10. Go digital with wedding invitations & planning
In 2025 going digital and avoiding paper waste is easier than ever. Wedding websites and digital invitations have become increasingly popular for good reason, they offer an eco-friendly, modern way to keep your guests informed.
Not only does this approach help you cut down on paper waste, but it also makes managing your guest list and RSVPs much easier. You can send updates in real-time and make changes in the lead up to your big day, ensuring everyone stays in the loop without the need for reprinting or sending multiple versions.
For a stress-free planning experience, platforms like Hitched.com make it simple to create a personalised wedding website, gather RSVPs, and even track important tasks in the lead up. It’s an efficient way to keep everything organised and save a little time while you’re at it.
11. Rent or buy dresses & suits secondhand
Rather than splashing out thousands on a brand-new wedding dress or spending big on suits and bridesmaids' outfits, why not look into rental options? There are so many amazing companies that offer beautiful dresses and suits for hire, letting you wear something stunning without the hefty price tag, or the environmental impact.
Of course, we understand that some people would love to keep your outfit as a special memento. In that case, buying second-hand is a fantastic alternative. Let’s be honest, most wedding & bridesmaid dresses have only been worn once, so you can find some absolute gems that deserve another day in the spotlight!
It’s also a lovely touch to encourage your guests to wear something they already own or find an outfit in a charity shop. Not only does this help reduce the impact of fast fashion, but it also takes the pressure off your guests to spend loads on a brand-new outfit for just one day. A win for their wallets and the planet!
12. Avoid buying unnecessary single use items
We totally get the trend of buying all your guests a pair of flip-flops for when their feet get sore at the end of the night - it’s a thoughtful touch! But let’s be honest, bulk ordering loads of cheap flip-flops that will probably only be worn once isn’t doing the planet any favours. Instead, why not remind guests to bring their own comfy shoes for dancing? A little note on your invitations or wedding website is all it takes!
The same goes for other single-use items like glow sticks, disposable cameras, or paper menus. Instead, opt for reusable or biodegradable alternatives - think LED or solar-powered lights, chalkboard signage instead of printed menus, and even digital photo-sharing apps instead of disposable cameras. Small swaps like these can make a big difference without taking away any of the fun!
There are so many sustainable wedding idea tips and tricks out there that not only save the planet, but offer a really special, personal occasion.
Ready to start planning your eco-friendly wedding? Get in touch with us today if you’d like to look around our beautiful garden.
