THIS ISSUE

Weddings that won’t cost the earth

Don’t fancy leaving a big fat carbon footprint as you skip down the aisle? Then opt for an ethical wedding, says Claire Baylis

Getting wed eco-style is easier than ever and often less hassle than the resource-gobbling alternative.

When Katie Fewings, 30, got married three years ago, sourcing ethical products was more difficult – one of the reasons she and husband Jamie launched www.ethicalweddings.com in 2006.

‘We liked the idea of having an ethical wedding anyway, and when I discovered that the average wedding cost about £17,000, that decided it,’ says Katie. ‘We weren’t spending that much but I thought of the difference it would make if you spent that ethically – supporting local suppliers and purchasing fair-trade and organic products. That’s why our motto is: “Give everyone something to celebrate”.’

So what are the fundamentals of ethical nuptials? ‘Reduce, reuse and recycle is a good start,’ says Katie, ‘but considering the impact you’re having could also mean buying fabulous fair-trade goodies and organic champagne.’ In this month’s eve we reveal how to give your big day the ethical edge, without losing a smidgen of glamour.

To read the full feature, order the current issue of eve magazine