Sustainable Wedding Ideas: 5 ways to make your wedding at Boconnion eco-friendly
Make your big day as eco-friendly as possible with the help of my sustainable wedding ideas. Boconnion is set amongst the natural and inspiring Cornish countryside, and caring for the environment goes hand in hand with running such a special establishment. The towering oak and beech trees are centre pieces of the estate, and the wildflower meadow attracts an assortment of British butterflies and bees. If you’re looking to weave some eco-conscious decisions into your planning, then read on…
Photo by Jessica Apps Photography
Keep catering local
By opting for one of the local, talented caterers on our recommended suppliers list, you’ll be making a greener choice for your wedding day. By working with chefs from Cornwall, you’ll be keeping food miles low, as they choose to work with Cornish produce wherever possible. Most of the meat on the menu will be free range and from the surrounding area, and the same goes for the vegetables and dairy products. For even more eco-points, choose a seasonal menu, meaning less food will need to be flown in from other parts of the world, thus lowering carbon emissions.
Location, location, location
Whilst hot holidays and destination weddings are amazing, there’s something classic about keeping it in England. The planet will also thank you as there will be zero air miles linked to your big day. Boconnion is also situated close to Bodmin Parkway train station, so your guests can arrive via a greener mode of transport than cars and buses. Once you have settled down at the estate, you’ll have little need to leave either. With the outdoor pool, hot tub, fire pits and woodland walks, there’s plenty to do without hopping in the car or calling a taxi.
Photo by Steven Prebble Photography
My favourite sustainable wedding idea: eco confetti
Small bits of plastic in the environment are fast becoming a real threat to animals. Cancel out your need for micro-plastics by opting for eco confetti! My favourite sustainable wedding idea, we love seeing happy couples under a shower of dried petals; from rose petals to hydrangeas and lavender to delphiniums, they smell heavenly, look timeless and biodegrade as they are swept away with the wind. Other options for eco confetti is rice (this is meant to bring good luck to the bride and groom!) or bird seed, which will feed feathered friends when the crowds have dispersed.
Drink and be merry
Boconnion’s bar keeps your drinking planet positive by stocking local ales and wines. The outside bar services we work with also specialise in Cornish and Devon spirits, meaning your alcohol doesn’t have to cross the seven seas for the big day. We are also big fans of glasses, crockery and paper straws, eliminating single-use plastic straws, cups and plates.
Photo by Verity Westcott Photography
Stationery
Keep waste to a minimum by asking your stationery stylist to create signage for menus and table plans, instead of giving each table individual pieces of paper. Another pretty alternative to normal wedding invites and place name cards are having them printed or written on plantable seed paper. That way your guests can compost their cards after the wedding and wild flowers will grow. The flowers will symbolise your love for years to come.
Beautiful British blooms
By choosing seasonal British florals you’ll be once again keeping air miles down, and encouraging the native wildlife to thrive. No matter the time of year, you’re sure to find beautiful English flowers in bloom. We love roses, wisteria, tulips, hyacinths, lilac, ivy and dahlias. Our recommended florists, found listed on our recommended suppliers guide which is available to Boconnion couples, will guide you on which flowers will be in bloom during your wedding season.
Photo by Verity Westcott Photography
Reduce, reuse and recycle
This kind of decor is not only eco-friendly, but it keeps costs down too. Save up your glass jars throughout the year and up-cycle them with pretty fabric ribbons and boho brown string and lace. Fairy lights and non-toxic candles will add sparkle to any evening, and fabric bunting will bring a splash of colour to your marquee or tipi wedding, before being used again at another celebration or around your house or garden.
We hope these sustainable wedding ideas have encouraged you to choose a few eco-conscious options for your big day. Once you’ve booked your wedding at Boconnion, you’ll also have the help and knowledge of me, Caroline Griffiths, the in-house wedding planner at the estate. I can’t wait to help you brainstorm for your planet positive big day.
Photo by Debs Alexander Photography