Eco-chic wedding inspiration – how to go green for your wedding

Erin from Happinest Weddings approached me ages ago together with industry friend and photographer extraordinaire Debbie Lourens, about doing a wedding inspiration shoot that was actually eco-friendly.

A real challenge on the flower front as the cut flower industry is not the most eco-friendly around AND because of the current availability of imported varieties that we have never had before and thus the sudden demand for out of season and imported varieties that has not yet be satiated.

I love a challenge in my work – I absolutely love flowers, arranging them, styling them and dreaming up new ways of using them and so this was right down my alley.

In order to make wedding flowers eco-friendly I looked to potplants to supplement flower arrangements of all locally farmed flowers as well as plenty of foliage from my garden. The pot plants can be gifted to guests after the event, or planted in your garden.

I also made floral accessories to accompany the bride’s dress, made from recycled fabrics by the visionary Dimity Bridal, which included succulents that could be planted in your garden after your special day. The floral straps are detachable, so your outfit can be worn again without these eye catching add-on’s.

Similarly the floral cuff, which is a lovely idea for bridesmaids or Moms of the lucky couple, which again, can be reworn after the event, simply by peeling off the floral added to them.

The brides floral tiara, was made by hand and beaded, again so it could be worn after the wedding, and doubled up as a necklace for the after party. All beautiful and intriguing ways to stand out from the crowd on your special day.

And then I had to indulge myself with a fresh flower tattoo – perfect for brides who love the idea of being adorned in flowers, but don’t want to carry them all day long. These will last well into the night and some heavy moves on the dance floor.

The shoot was perfected by the addition of wedding stationery made on recycled and seeded paper – just plant it in your garden afterwards – perfect for an eco-friendly wedding. As well as some gorgeous ethically- and hand-made soaps from Pink Cosmetics.

These images were just beautifully captured by Debbie Lourens

Makeup and hair perfection as always by Corle Barnard

Dress Dimity Bridal

Decor Happinest Decor

Stationery Susan Brand

Soaps Pink Cosmetics

Venue Colourbox Studios

Model – the totally gorgeous Savannah Jade van Breda

This editorial was recently featured on Southbound Bride – click here to see the feature.