According to the Sustainable Wedding Alliance the average carbon footprint of a wedding in the UK is more than the average annual household footprint. Let that sink in for a minute. If you’re one of the growing number of couples who want to do things differently, Hadsham Farm in Oxfordshire is a perfect choice for your eco-friendly wedding. A sustainable wedding doesn’t mean minimising your day or compromising on what you love, instead it’s about working to limit the environmental impact, while still throwing the party to end all parties. Here are our top tips on how to have a sustainable wedding at our Cotswold tipi venue.
The venue and transport
A huge part of a wedding’s carbon footprint is the travel involved getting there. We understand, with friends and family living all over the country (or further afield) it’s hard to choose a venue where no one needs to travel far. But one way to keep your carbon footprint as low as possible is by having your ceremony and reception in one place. That way you reduce the miles travelled by guests, plus you all get to fully relax from the moment you arrive. If you love the idea of an outdoor wedding ceremony, our lakeside ceremony spot overlooking unspoilt Oxfordshire countryside is a total dream. Find out more here.
On-site accommodation
Another way to keep that carbon footprint down is by picking a venue with accommodation on-site. Again, it cuts down travel miles, but it also makes it really easy for guests who do have to travel a long way for your big day. We have a luxurious Shepherd’s Hut Wedding Suite for our newlyweds (included in the venue hire price), and 12 lakeside glamping bell tents available to book. There’s even space for a small number of tents to be pitched on flat land at the end of the lake. Think of it as your own mini wedding festival.
In-season flowers
Flowers add colour and personality to your wedding day, but if you’re looking for a sustainable option, avoid imported flowers. Instead, choose seasonal British flowers grown locally to your venue. We actually grow our own in-season blooms on our Cotswold family farm and can supply you with gorgeous flowers from June to October, freshly cut for your wedding. Everything at Hadsham Farm Flowers is grown organically, without any chemical sprays, and we avoid using floral foam and single-use plastics in our displays. Alternatively, you could rent plants (we have a selection of 24 available to hire from our Prop Shop) for decoration, choose silk flower displays or opt for dried grasses instead. There are so many greener options available for a more sustainable day.
Décor hire
The great thing about a tipi wedding is that the venue delivers the wow factor as it is, whether that’s the countryside setting or the cool interiors. Honestly, you really don’t need a lot when it comes to décor. But, of course, every couple should have the chance to personalise their day and the good news is there are so many sustainable wedding décor options out there. We have our own Hadsham Farm Prop Shop, packed with cool decorations in every size – from giant festival flags to lanterns. These are an eco-friendly and cost effective way of decorating your venue, without any waste.
Zero-waste wedding favours
Where do you stand on the whole wedding favours debate? We know some of our couples love giving out gifts to their guests, while others prefer to use the money for something else. If you can’t imagine your wedding without favours, go for zero-waste options that won’t be forgotten at the end of the night. Seed packets or wildflower place cards (which flower when planted), individual mini plants or succulents, jars of local honey or even a recyclable envelope filled with bird seed are all thoughtful gifts that actually have a positive impact on the planet.
Local catering
Food is a big consideration if you want to make your wedding day more sustainable. With many venues you’re stuck with in-house catering, but when you book a tipi venue like Hadsham Farm Weddings, you get to pick your own outside caterers, so look for ones that prioritise locally sourced and in-season produce. It’s not about making sacrifices, it’s about finding the right suppliers. And we promise there are some amazing local caterers who have fed many a Hadsham Farm Weddings guest in our glorious tipi over the years.
Find out more about our Cotswold tipi wedding venue
Ready to plan your own eco-friendly wedding? We’d love the chance to show you around our beautiful tipi wedding venue, sat in the most idyllic spot in the north Cotswolds. With the freedom to create the day you want, it’s the perfect venue for couples who want their passion for sustainability running through every detail of their wedding. Click here to get in touch – we can’t wait to meet you.
