From edible crockery and vintage dresses to carbon-cutting overnight stays, there's no limit to the ways you can make your wedding eco-friendly without compromising on sophistication and style. 

Eco awareness is all about making those important climate conscious changes that have a positive impact on the health of our planet. And more and more couples are considering how they can make their day-to-day eco-friendly approaches part of their biggest day of all: their wedding day. 

There's certainly no reason why making sustainable changes means you have to forgo themes, elegance and those little touches that make your wedding stand out. Here at Marriott, we've picked some of our favourite ways to have a sleek, stylish and sustainable celebration. 

Say yes to the (preloved) dress
Your wedding dress is likely to be the most expensive cost-per-wear item you ever own. So instead of spending a huge amount on a brand-new gown you'll only wear once, why not choose a preloved dress – cutting your eco-footprint as well as saving you a lot of money? Choosing a preloved dress is an especially great idea if you're having a vintage wedding. You can enjoy hours browsing shops in person and online to search for a true, one-of-a-kind dress that's perfect for your theme. 

Already found the dress of your dreams? After your wedding day, you can pass it on for someone else to love, either donating or selling it instead of storing it away. Or, you could take a traditional approach and save it to use as a Christening gown if you're planning on having children (it's a truly sentimental way to recycle and repurpose your dress).

Take the short trip from farm to fork
Locally sourced produce not only supports local farmers and communities, but it hugely cuts down on your carbon footprint. ‘Farm to fork' is an EU-wide strategy for sustainable food systems for healthy production, people and planet. And with Marriott venues across the breadth of the UK, there are plenty of destinations where the farm to fork concept really comes into its own. 

For example, if you're getting married at one of our Hotels & Country Clubs, you'll be on the doorstep of incredible regional produce from England or Wales. Your venue's chef will be happy to advise you on which produce on the wedding menu has the best eco credentials and offer their seasonal recommendations. 

Make the inedible edible!
Getting rid of single-use plastics is just one way you can cut down on ocean-polluting materials. At Marriott, we already reduce waste with reusable items, including washable crockery and utensils. But, why not go one step further on your big day and showcase something special with edible cutlery and décor?

As well as a really eco-conscious idea, it's one that's also intriguing, impressive and a lot of fun! Think colourful fruit dishes with bright hues making vibrant statement centrepieces, and summer coconut cocktail canapes drunk from the fruit shells themselves. You'll find plenty of inspiration with our stylish sustainable food and drink ideas here. 

Cut emissions…and extend the celebrations
A wedding that takes place all in one venue not only cuts the costs of hiring – and the hassle of organising –  transport but it reduced fuel emissions, too. At Marriott, we're fully licenced for marriage ceremonies. So you can say "I Do" legally, then host your wedding breakfast, and finally party the night away all in one venue – all without needing to switch on a single vehicle engine. 

Our Marriott memory makers have all the expertise and impressive ideas you need to transform our wedding suites throughout the day. They'll set up a beautiful ceremony space, turning it around quickly for an elegant wedding breakfast before clearing the floor ready for your evening guests to dance the night away.

Of course, with a Marriott hotel wedding your guests won't be stuck for accommodation for the night. Book one of our couple, single or family-friendly rooms and they'll head straight from buffet to bed – with no need for fuel-heavy taxis and transport when the night is over. 

There are no limits to the eco ideas you can bring to your wedding, and we're full of great ideas here at Marriott. You'll find some of our team's other tips here, such as how to cut paper and postage when you send environmentally friendly invites. And, of course, your memory maker is always on hand to help.

Find your perfect venue to bring your sustainable wedding to life.