If you have recently got engaged – congratulations! A new engagement is an exciting time, and it’s only natural that you want to share your joy with others by throwing an engagement party or celebration.
If you’re one of the many brides-to-be who want an eco-friendly wedding, there’s no reason why your engagement party shouldn’t be too. Read our guide to organising an eco-friendly engagement party.
1-Choosing Ethical Engagement Rings
You will be wearing your engagement ring for many years, so it is important that you choose a ring that you like. If you want to be kind to the environment without compromising on the look and quality of your engagement ring, there are a few options to consider.
You might opt for a second-hand or antique engagement ring, a custom-made ring from a local jeweller or an eco-friendly ring made from recycled materials. An engagement ring made from ethically sourced, lab-grown diamonds is another option, as it reduces the environmental impact of traditional mining while still providing high-quality, beautiful jewellery.
2-Planning Sustainable Catering
Host an engagement party that prioritises sustainability by using local, seasonal food and drink served on reusable or biodegradable tableware. This not only reduces the carbon footprint of your celebration, but also helps to support the local economy.
A plant-based menu for your celebration not only lowers the cost per person, but has also been proven to significantly reduce carbon emissions that contribute to climate change.
3-Embracing Digital Invitations
When it comes to engagement announcements or party invitations, opt for digital invitations or electronic invitations instead of printing them on card or paper. This reduces paper waste and also saves on postage costs, making the celebration both more budget and environmentally friendly.
If you decide to send physical invitations, or if you want a special memento of your big day, then plant-based paper is a fantastic alternative to traditional invitations.
4-Decorating with Eco-Conscious Flair
While some decorations are essential for a celebration, steer clear of those that are most harmful to the environment, such as balloons, which can be disastrous for wildlife.
Instead, opt for eco-friendly decorations that can be recycled or reused after use, such as paper baubles, fabric garlands and flowers. Avoid metal or glitter confetti, which contains microplastics, and instead choose biodegradable confetti made from petals, dried wildflowers and seeds.
5-Dressing Ethically for Your Celebration
Choose an engagement outfit that impresses and is sustainable at the same time by buying second-hand clothes. Second-hand or vintage clothing conserves our planet’s natural resources and is often made from higher quality materials than similar fast-fashion pieces.
It’s not always possible to buy second hand, for example, if you’re trying to find a last minute outfit, or if you’re plus size, it can sometimes be difficult to find vintage pieces that fit. In this case, the next best option is to buy new from an ethical brand that you know favours eco-friendly production methods and fair working conditions.
Conclusion
By being intentional about where and how you shop and what you buy for your engagement, you can be sure that your celebration – from the ring to the food and clothing – aligns with your personal values of sustainability and social responsibility.
