Throwing an Eco-Extravagant Pre-Wedding Shindig

Are you getting hitched? Congratulations! Do you want to celebrate with your closest loved ones in a way that reflects your commitment to a healthy planet? This guide will help you throw a pre-wedding bash bursting with fun, memorable moments and eco-conscious flair. Ditch the single-use plastic disposable plates and forget the wasteful decorations – we're going green and glamorous, all while personalising every aspect of your pre-wedding party.

What's New with the Venue?

• Think Beyond the Banquet Hall: Skip the traditional banquet halls and explore unique and sustainable options. Host a lavish picnic in a local park with stunning scenery. Rent a charming cabin in the woods for a cosy gathering. Or, transform your backyard into a whimsical wonderland with fairy lights and repurposed furniture.
• Community Gems: Consider a local winery or brewery committed to sustainable practices. Many such venues offer beautiful outdoor spaces and cater to smaller events. Support local businesses while minimising your carbon footprint—it's a win-win!
• Upcycled Charm: Is there a historical building in your area with a unique aura? Perhaps a vintage bookstore or a restored theatre could be the perfect backdrop for your pre-wedding party.

Dreamy Decor

• Repurposed Elegance: Instead of buying new decorations, get creative! Hit up thrift stores and vintage shops for unique finds like mismatched china, old suitcases, and antique books. String them up with fairy lights for a whimsical touch. Decorate with potted plants that guests can take home as favours. For seating, consider hay bales or repurposed wooden pallets with colourful throws.
• Nature's Bounty: Instead of expensive floral arrangements, embrace the beauty of the outdoors. Decorate with branches, leaves, and wildflowers, and you can gather them yourself. Mason jars filled with moss and pebbles create a charming rustic look. Skip the confetti—opt for bubbles or biodegradable flower petals for a touch of whimsy.

Food. Glorious Food

• Locally Sourced Feast: Opt for a caterer who uses seasonal, local ingredients. This not only reduces transportation emissions but also supports your local farmers. Ask about their sustainability practices – are their ingredients organic? Do they compost food scraps?

• Think Outside the Bun: If you're having a backyard bash, consider a backyard barbecue with a sustainable twist. Offer vegetarian and vegan options alongside locally sourced meat. Skip the disposable dinnerware for eco-friendly plates, cutlery and paper napkins.

Entertainment with an Eco-Twist

• DIY Games: Instead of hiring entertainment, organise some fun DIY games! Set up a giant Jenga game with repurposed wood, or have a photo booth with fun props made from recycled materials. Organise a scavenger hunt based on local landmarks or hidden sustainable elements around your venue.
• Stargazing Session: If your pre-wedding party is in the evening, set up your guests for a date night with the stars. Download a stargazing app, spread out some comfy blankets, and play romantic songs to set the mood. This is a unique and romantic way to connect with nature and create lasting memories.
• Live Music with a Conscience: Hire a local musician who shares your eco-values. Many musicians use recycled materials in their instruments or write songs with environmental themes.

Gifts that Stand out

• Plantable Seeds: Skip the trinkets that end up in a landfill. Instead, gift your guests small packets of seeds for herbs, wildflowers, or vegetables. This way, they can create a little piece of your celebration in their gardens.
• DIY Crafts: Host a mini craft session where guests can make their own favours. This could be anything from scented candles made from recycled jars to personalised tote bags. It's a fun activity and a unique favour your guests will cherish.
• Support a Cause: In your guests' names, donate to an environmental charity. This is a meaningful way to give back and reflect your commitment to a healthy planet.

The Final Touches

• Transportation: Encourage carpooling or offer a shuttle service to minimise individual car usage. If possible, choose a venue that's easily accessible by public transportation.
• Waste-wise: Set up designated recycling and composting bins for your guests and ensure that the waste is recycled or disposed of properly.

Combining your passion towards sustainability, love for your friends and family, and a touch of creativity can make your wedding stand out beautifully.

Planning a unique wedding true to a cause may initially seem overwhelming. But when things eventually fall in place, the sense of satisfaction is one that will be treasured for decades.