Paul also offers fairtrade, sustainably produced material and recycled material albums at the same cost as standard packages - see Eco Friendly Packages page.
Whilst weddings can be fun to organise, have you considered the impact on the environment? There are lots of ways you can minimise this. The following suggestions are provided courtesy of Friends of the Earth
Make your wedding a special day - for you and the planet
1. Band of gold?
Try hunting for unique rings in antique shops or art student shows - Central St Martins has end of year exhibitions in June. Or seek out recycled gold or fair trade silver - just search online for suppliers. For conflict-free diamonds, see Kimberley Process or for ethical jewellery, try Fair Trade fashion jewellery
2. Invitations and photos
Use recycled paper for wedding stationery - search for printers online, or try Recycled Paper. To save paper, you could design a website, and send a postcard to guests referring them to it. Wedding photos can be easier to share if you go for a digital package and use the online album facility to show the photos to your friends
3. Giving
If you’ve been living with your partner for years and don’t need another toaster, you can ask guests to donate money to charities who offer practical help in solving ecological problems; try Practical Presents or Good Gifts. Alternatively, ask for ethical gifts that don’t cost the Earth - try Natural Collection. If you’re green-fingered, how about plants or garden vouchers? Or what about a present that helps save rainforest from World Land Trust?
4. The Dress
Borrow from friends or check out vintage and retro shops. Why not use Preloved to buy or sell a wedding dress? Alternatively search online for quality used outfits from Ebay or specialist sites such as The Dressmarket or 1st call for weddings. Another option is to hire - ideal for bride, groom, ushers and childrens’ outfits. For bridesmaids and page boys, buy something they can wear afterwards for parties - or invite them to wear their own favourite outfits. Of course, the bride can do the same!
5. Drink
Buy organic wine for your guests and enjoy the revelry while nature benefits. Order English wine, spirits, champagne, beer and soft drinks from a local supplier; why not try Leeds’ own Leventhorpe vineyard who do excellent white, red and sparkling wines
6. Food
Support local, seasonal and organic food production - and ask your caterer to do the same. Invite guests to bring their own contributions to the meal - this can help keep costs down too. Avoid disposable plates and make sure empties end up in the recycling bin.
7. Cake
Ask your cake-maker or local baker to use organic ingredients. Don’t have a sweet tooth? How about something different like an organic cheese board with local fruit instead?
8. Transport
Find a venue close to home to cut down on transport. Make a statement by turning up to your wedding in an electric car (these can be rented from Hertz and Avis amongst others) or horse-drawn carriage - or walk, or even cycle. If you don’t have the ceremony and reception at the same venue, encourage guests to share rides to the reception or provide a coach or bus. If possible, include public transport details in your invites, to encourage guests to consider leaving the car at home - and enjoy a few drinks!
9. Confetti
Biodegradable confetti is now easily available in the shops. How about asking guests to throw birdseed instead of confetti, so the birds get a treat?
10. Honeymoon
Think about romantic destinations you can visit, including the UK, that won’t clock up the air miles. There’s a fantastic range of places you can visit by sea and train - including USA, Egypt, Australia, Italy and Thailand. See Seat61 to find out how to make your journey part of the adventure. Need advice on guilt-free trips overseas? Check out Tourism