How you can save money on your wedding or other event – by being greener
Angie’s recent post about saving money – and how to save money on her upcoming nuptials (congratulations again, Angie!) – raised some interesting issues on how being greener can cost you less in the long run. 
In my recent book “How To Get Married In Green” (shameless plug) my original remit was to research and share ways in which creating a greener wedding is good for the planet. What was fascinating, as I found out, is that being greener very often means being less expensive, too.
And although the focus here is on weddings, these money-saving ideas will work for a number of different types of event and celebrations.
So here are some key tips on how to be green AND reduce your costs…
Jewellery. In terms of engagement rings and wedding rings (and other precious gifts) it’s far greener to go for used jewellery and even have old jewellery of yours melted down and remade into what you want, thereby recycling. The mining of precious metals is being revised due to the traditional types’ horrific effects on nature, but much of it is still dubious. If you want a new gemstone, a simulated diamond is likely to be a lot more eco-friendly than a diamond (or other precious stone) mined in the cruel, nature-stripping conditions still common in some parts of the world. Cost-saving result? Lots – especially if you go for simulated stones. (Never mind the moral cost saving.)
Stationery and communications. Whether you’re organising a wedding or other celebration, a lot of money and resources can be used up on paper-based communications. Do yourselves a favour and use the online variety which is cheaper, more convenient, more immediate and doesn’t have to be boring. (And if there are a few people on your list who do not have / refuse to use online communications, a few short notes and stamps won’t break the bank.) Cost saving? Depending on your event, could be hundreds or even thousands of £££s/$$$s.
Clothes/fashions. This is especially relevant where weddings are concerned but can also be an issue with other family/business celebrations. Do you really need to buy new? If you need a wedding dress or other special outfit, why not check out secondhand shops (Oxfam are especially useful here), eBay and other sources. And besides that, there is the option of hiring a stunning designer outfit for a fraction of what it would cost to buy from numerous hire businesses around the UK. Cost saving? A lot. End of.
Gifts. Many celebrations – especially those of a familial nature – require gifts to be given to whoever you’re celebrating. Do you really need to give an expensive, brand-new gift? Or could a second-hand item, lovingly chosen, be even more appropriate? And if you’re organising an event, would donations to a favourite charity be more appropriate as a “gift” everyone could contribute to? Cost saving? Perhaps not much, but a more worthwhile choice.
- Image by AF-Photography via Flickr
Flowers and other decorations. A huge amount of money can be spent on these things when a little imagination can create a wonderful scene for much less, and be greener as well. Consider using locally grown, seasonal plants and flowers which are far kinder to the environment one way or another. Consider hiring topiary and other potted delights, which are re-usable. Consider using and/or hiring other forms of decoration like fruit, vegetables, pine cones, ivy, pebbles, sea shells and more. Cost saving? A fortune, if you’re happy to rule out flowers that are out-of-season.
Receptions. Do you really need to go wild on a four-course meal, especially if it involves foodstuffs from far away that cost a fortune? Why not consider pot-luck meals … brunches … tea parties … cocktail parties with drinks and canapés … all in the main more eco-friendly and a damned sight cheaper than the whole hog. Cost saving? Potentially substantial, and possibly enchanting.
Transportation. Does your wedding or other event REALLY need to take place in a charming village in the forests of Latvia or on the sands of the Bahamian Out Islands? Or could you do the planet a great favour (and save your family and friends a small fortune) by choosing a location that requires you and your folks to travel a minimum distance so saving hugely on airmile and road transport pollution? And even at a local level you can do more, by suggesting a central meeting point after which everyone travels by train or hired coach to the ultimate venue and back. Cost saving? Hundreds or more in air fares, plus a fair amount of individual car/fuel/pollution costs and a great deal in terms of saved (breathalysed) drivers’ licences.
That’s it for now but if you want any more ideas, or have any questions, please let us have them here!
