Sustainable Wedding Ideas in Cornwall: How to Plan an Eco-Friendly Wedding

Planning a wedding is one of life’s most exciting milestones, but increasingly, couples are mindful of their wedding's environmental impact. As sustainability becomes a top priority for many, it’s easier than ever to make eco-friendly choices that align with your values while still creating an unforgettable celebration. If you’re dreaming of an eco-conscious wedding in Cornwall, there are many ways to make your special day as green as it is meaningful.

As part of this growing movement, we are thrilled to be launching the Wedding Venues in Cornwall Members’ Club on Tuesday 1st April. This initiative brings together venues, suppliers and wedding professionals in Cornwall to explore how we can embed more sustainable practices into our businesses and move forward as a collective.

With more and more couples seeking ways to make their wedding sustainable, here are some top tips for planning an eco-friendly wedding in Cornwall and beyond. 

1. Ask Venues About Their Sustainable Practices

Choosing an eco-conscious venue is one of the most impactful ways to reduce a wedding’s environmental footprint. Many wedding venues in Cornwall are leading the charge with sustainability efforts, from using renewable energy to adopting zero-waste policies. Mount Pleasant Eco Park, for example, offers a stunning venue with wildflower fields, 100% plant-based menus, and a dedication to a zero-waste future.

When visiting potential venues, ask about their sustainability practices—do they recycle, compost, or source locally? Your questions show how your choices align with your values and encourage venues to prioritise these important issues. 

Discover our curated list of wedding venues in Cornwall, many of which are dedicated to reducing their environmental impact.

2. Embrace Local and Seasonal Flowers

Floral arrangements can be a significant source of waste at weddings, especially when using imported flowers. Choosing seasonal, locally-grown flowers supports Cornish farmers and reduces carbon emissions from transport. By selecting flowers that are in season, you’ll have fresh, beautiful arrangements and lower your wedding’s environmental footprint.

Don’t forget to repurpose your flowers throughout the day, using them for the ceremony and reception. After the wedding, consider donating them to local hospitals or care homes to give your arrangements a second life and spread the joy. 

Discover our fabulous selection of florists, each dedicated to growing their own blooms or sourcing locally to create stunning, eco-conscious arrangements.

3. Prioritise Ethical Wedding Fashion

When it comes to wedding attire, there are numerous sustainable options to consider. Opt for a second-hand wedding dress, rental options, or gowns made from organic and ethically-sourced fabrics. Many bridal designers now use eco-conscious materials like organic cotton and recycled lace to create beautiful, sustainable dresses.

For your bridal party, choose outfits they can wear again, or select pieces made by brands committed to sustainable practices that are good for the environment and your budget.

4. Reduce Food Waste with Sustainable Catering

Catering is a major contributor to wedding waste, but there are simple ways to reduce impact. In Cornwall, many caterers use locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients and offer plant-based menu options. You could serve food feasting-style to reduce waste, and ask your caterers to leave leftovers that can be enjoyed later or taken home at the end of the celebration.

Cornwall is home to a growing number of catering companies who are passionate about sustainability, so you’ll have no shortage of options for an eco-friendly feast. Explore our curated selection of local caterers to begin crafting a sustainable and mouthwatering wedding feast.

5. Use Eco-Conscious Invitations and Stationery

Traditional wedding invitations often generate a significant amount of waste, especially when they aren’t sustainably sourced or recycled. Instead of using standard paper, opt for invitations made from recycled materials or consider digital invitations to reduce paper waste. If you prefer to send physical invitations, choose seed paper. By Kate offers beautiful seed paper invitations, providing your guests with a meaningful and sustainable way to remember your day. These unique invitations not only reduce waste but also allow your guests to grow wildflowers or herbs after your celebration, making them a perfect eco-friendly option for your wedding.

6. Consider Eco-Friendly Wedding Favours

Wedding favours are a thoughtful way to thank your guests, but they often end up forgotten or discarded. Why not give favours that your guests can enjoy or use, such as locally made jam, handmade soaps, or potted plants? These eco-friendly options help minimise waste and leave your guests with something lasting.

7. Make Smart Travel Choices

Travel is a big factor when it comes to your wedding’s environmental footprint. Encourage your guests to carpool, share transportation, or even book train journeys to Cornwall. If you're hosting your wedding at a venue that's in a scenic location, like a beach or countryside setting, consider organising a shuttle bus to take guests from the nearest transport hubs to the venue, cutting down on individual car journeys.

8. Opt for a Zero-Waste Wedding

A zero waste wedding focuses on eliminating unnecessary waste from the planning process, including single use plastics. If you're not sure where to start, there are plenty of guides and planners that can help you organise a zero waste event. Explore our collection of wedding planners who can help bring your sustainable wedding vision to life.

Creating a Sustainable Future for Weddings in Cornwall

We are biased but we believe that Cornwall really is the most beautiful county for the wedding of your dreams. We have a responsibility to honour and protect its beauty into the future. Plan your eco-friendly wedding in Cornwall and commit with us to sustainability. 

Credits:

Photo 1: Photographer: Ben Selway| Venue: Mount Pleasant Eco Park
Photo 2: Supplier: Rose Valley Farm Flowers
Photo 3: Photographer: Lyra & Moth
Photo 4: Photography: TBC
Photo 5: Supplier: By Kate
Photo 6: Photographer: Lyra & Moth| Venue: Mount Pleasant Eco Park
Photo 6: Supplier: Tide the Knot | Photographer : Mimosa Photography