Planning your wedding is definitely one of the most exciting times of your life, and if you’re dreaming of a sustainable wedding – that’s both elegant and eco-conscious, Addington Palace offers the perfect setting to get married whilst being kind to the planet!
Our stunning Grade II listed* Palace is set in 163 acres of beautiful countryside, and combines historic charm with a thoughtful approach to modern weddings. We are on hand to help you plan your special day that will be enjoyable for you and your guests, but better for the environment too.
Why Go Green?
We know that weddings can create a lot of waste – from decorations and food, to travel and packaging. But making a few small, conscious choices can help reduce your environmental impact while still giving you the wedding day you’ve been dreaming of.
At Addington Palace, there are lots of ways to add sustainable touches without sacrificing on style. Here’s how we suggest you make your celebration more eco-friendly.
1. Choose a Venue That Supports Your Values
Addington Palace is located just outside London making it easy to reach by public transport or car, reducing the need for long-haul travel for most guests. There’s also on-site accommodation, which helps cut down on transport between hotels and the venue.
Holding your ceremony and reception in one location also helps to reduce emissions, and with such stunning gardens and historic interiors, you won’t need to go overboard with decorations.
2. Think Local with Your Catering
One of the biggest impacts on your wedding’s carbon footprint is the food. Luckily, many of our recommended caterers work with locally sourced ingredients and choose seasonal menus where possible. This not only helps support nearby farmers and food producers but also keeps transport emissions low.
If you’re a foodie, consider creating a menu that reflects your own tastes and story – whether that’s vegan dishes, a favourite cuisine, or ingredients that remind you of special places.
3. Go Green with Your Decor
Decorating your venue is always fun, and there are lots of ways to do it more sustainably. Try using:
- Potted plants or herbs that can be reused or gifted after the day
- Seasonal, locally grown flowers instead of imported blooms
- Recyclable or reusable tableware and signage
- Upcycled or second-hand decor items for a vintage or boho look
You can also speak to your florist or stylist about low-impact options, as they’ll usually have great ideas that align with your theme.
4. Sustainable Dress Codes
Your outfit is a big part of your day, with style and sustainability easily combined. Some couples choose vintage or pre-loved wedding dresses, or hire suits rather than buying them. We also suggest researching designers who use ethical fabrics and practices.
An even better idea is getting your bridal party involved too. Whether they’re choosing dresses they’ll wear again or picking outfits made with sustainable materials, every little change adds up.
5. Cut Down on Waste
There are lots of simple ways to reduce waste throughout your wedding:
- Send digital invitations or print on recycled paper
- Provide clearly labelled bins for recycling and composting
- Ask your caterer to donate leftover food or use eco-friendly packaging
- Avoid single-use favours and give guests something edible, useful, or plantable instead
6. Travel Smart
Guest travel can make up a big part of your wedding’s carbon footprint. Since Addington Palace is just outside London, it’s easy for many guests to get there by train, tram or bus. You could also arrange group transport which is a fantastic and social way to start the day for guests.
7. Work with Eco-Conscious Suppliers
From photographers to stylists, working with suppliers who care about sustainability means everyone’s on the same page. Look for businesses that:
- Offset their carbon footprint
- Use eco-friendly packaging and materials
- Are local to the area, to reduce travel miles
At Addington Palace, many of our recommended suppliers already follow sustainable practices, making it easier to build the perfect team for your big day.
Your Wedding, Your Way – Sustainably
Your wedding should reflect who you are as a couple, and if sustainability is important to you, it’s easier than ever to make it part of your celebration.
At Addington Palace, the blend of history and convenience, along with thoughtful and eco-conscious suppliers make it simple to plan a wedding that’s beautiful and sustainable. With a few mindful choices, you can reduce your impact without compromising on your wedding style and vision, and our team is on hand to help you. Contact us HERE to discuss your bespoke plans with our team.
