Your Guide to Having an Ethical Wedding

Whether your concerns are for the environment, workers rights or the treatment of animals, many couples are beginning to think ethically about their weddings. Even just small changes or decisions can make a big impact. 

So, here’s a brief guide into what you can do to have an ethical wedding.

Ethically Sourced Gems and Jewellery

For many, a diamond engagement ring has become the norm. However, do you know exactly where the materials, precious stones and gold have come from? Choose an ethical jeweller like Ingle & Rhode Jewellery. They ensure that they can trace gems back to the mine of origin. Not only this, but their jewellery is guaranteed conflict-free and they only purchase from suppliers that treat workers with dignity and respect.

This ensures that their crafters are some of the most respected in the world, and that you can be certain that you are purchasing ethically sourced gemstones and gold. And that’s not all, Ingle & Rhode try to mitigate their impact on the environment as much as possible, so you can be certain you’re purchasing from an ethically minded business and an environmentally conscious one.

Image Credit: Ingle & Rhode

Go Fairtrade

Fairtrade businesses advocate for the higher payment of exporters, as well as better social and environmental standards for workers. This movement is generally seen in developing countries and in the food production industry. Whether you’re catering yourself or hiring someone to do it for you, make sure all ingredients used are Fairtrade. This is an easy decision to make and a great way to be ethically minded. 

Go Local

Supporting local businesses, whether it’s catering, clothing or crafting, is an excellent way to be ethically and environmentally conscious. Your local butcher, florist, designer or grocer will be very pleased that you have chosen them, as they are often small businesses or even sole traders. Also, local businesses are also more likely to source locally for their supplies. So, if you choose a local dressmaker for your bridesmaids’ dresses or even for your wedding dress; they are probably working closely with the local haberdashery. So, going local could have a knock-on effect on other local businesses too!

Vegan food and clothing

You and your guests don’t have to be vegan to choose vegan options. Reducing your use of animal products is a well-known solution to the climate crisis. By choosing vegan clothing for your bridal party or serving vegan or vegetarian options at your wedding breakfast, you’ll be taking an environmentally conscious decision for your wedding day. Remember, it doesn’t need to be everything to make an impact. Yes, vegan options can sometimes be more expensive, however, they can also be cheaper too. Do your research and see if you can make some changes.

Avoid Fast Fashion

Yes, fast fashion is a much cheaper option than finding ethical clothing. However, the environmental impacts and human rights issues are well known and concerns many of us. If you are planning on being more ethically minded for your big day, it is probably best to avoid the fast fashion brands as much as you possibly can. When you invite your guests, perhaps you can give them suggestions of ethical clothing brands as an alternative to fast fashion for their attire. For the wedding party, consider local boutiques or hiring suits to reduce your environmental impact and reliance on these brands.

Planning an ethical wedding isn’t going to be easy. It will take more research and commitment to the cause, but, the results will be incredible. To keep on top of your event organisation and supplier contacts, why not use Guides for Brides' free online planner?