Environmentally Friendly Weddings - tips and ideas for decor

My clients tend to be of a free-spirited and boho nature, so already in love with our natural environment. However we all need a little guidance and inspiration when it comes to doing everything we can to reduce waste and be environmentally friendly. I have a few tips and ideas that I like to share with couples..

Chill out areas are perfect for a Boho inspired wedding!

1.       Lets talk! I find that most people have little idea about what is possible with macrame for their wedding, and that I can create bespoke pieces too! I also direct couples to a blog post on my website.

2.       Hiring is likely to be the best option! Many couples now want to do as much as they can themselves, which is great. However the reality of creating their own large macrame backdrop, or a dozen table runners soon turns to stress when they discover the hours and hours of work that goes into each piece. Not only that but hiring actually works out far cheaper than buying all the cord and doing it yourself!

3.       Ask about environmental impact. Macrame cords (that I use) are made from recycled cotton, so couples can be reassured that they are doing their bit for recycling. I also love to use driftwood collected from walks on the many beaches that we have in North Devon (I know – lucky me!). Other frames that I have are used many many times and in as many creative ways as I can think of.

4.       Recycled options. Glass jars in all shapes and sizes make great décor for flowers or candles – save your own or hire macrame covered ones. They look fabulous on dining tables, lining an aisle (inside or out), on food or cake tables, hanging from trees….

5.       Charity shop finds. My idea of heaven is browsing charity shops! Old lampshades stripped back and made into macrame chandeliers; gorgeous lace doilies made into floaty dreamcatchers in all sizes; mis-matched candle holders make gorgeous boho table décor. Couples can hire the re-purposed options but also may enjoy collecting their own décor pieces which can always go back to the charity shop after the event to help support their chosen charity.

6.       Use local. Wherever a couple chooses for their wedding day there will likely be suppliers in that area. Using local suppliers cuts down on your carbon footprint by reducing mileage, especially important for suppliers who will be making more than one trip to set up and clear down venue décor. The other advantage will be that the suppliers are likely to know each other and have worked together before, and have local knowledge and recommendations.

7.       Become eco-friendly savvy. Last but not least when making your wedding choices. There is a big difference between ‘compostable’ and ‘bio-degradable’. Do a little research before you start contacting suppliers so that you know what to ask, what you want and, what you don’t want.

These tips relate to my business but there are many more tips and advice about your venue, flowers, food, favours, confetti etc., I could go on and on! I know if you have read this far you have committed to an eco-friendly wedding, so thank you, and please leave any comments or other ideas as I would love to hear them.

Wedding Suppliers Collaborate...and make magic...

Of course I love the creating side of my business the most, so when I started to make a range of long macramé table runners I knew I needed someone to style and photograph them to get the best shots! So I sent a cheeky message to Chloe Kennedy who I have worked with a couple of times and I so admire her talent and style – and sense of humour, and tea drinking abilities, but that’s another story! Fast forward a week and I am posting off macramé table runners, napkin rings, chandelier and bunting, and then just waiting for her to work her magic.

Well, here is her magic…

A stunning dessert and cake table, with oh so pretty tempting treats, beautiful vintage plates and cake forks, all set off with hand painted napkins and my macramé table runner.

A gorgeous dining table in a beautiful garden using the freshest of colour schemes. A ‘fine art’ style that has combined vintage glass with modern macramé and tableware, and it looks stunning!

Wedding trends are ‘your day, your way’. A wedding planner will take any stress out of co-ordinating suppliers to give you your dream wedding, combining styles that you love to give you your unique and perfect day.

Below are the suppliers used, and photographer was Naomi Kenton. Links are Instagram, but contact me if you need an alternative contact for anyone.

Photographer: @naomi.kenton.photography

Styling and Planning: @kennedy_Weddings_events_

Decor hire: @kennedy_event_hire_

Venue: @midelney_manor

Calligraphy: @mirabellemakery

Stationery: @makemedigitaluk

Cakes: @angels_kitchen

Macrame: @knotagainjill

Florals: @goldfinch_floralstudio

Lollipops: @lolly_pops_london

Embroidered napkins: @theembroiderednapkincompany

Hand painted napkins: @aylinwhitedesigns

Floral Canopy: @floralfabrications

Napkin vines: @elsaroseboutique

Hand carved eggshells: @hatchfullyyours

Special thanks: @_ethan_kennedy_jennings_





How to Boho your wedding with macramé

In the South West of England we have beautiful beaches, countryside, woodlands and venues and they all make perfect wedding settings! I am going to show you some boho inspiration in this blog and I hope it will help you to make plans for your own amazing boho wedding.

I also want to remind you that macramé is perfect for your eco-conscious wedding. With Knot again Jill you have a hire option or you may decide to have something custom made for yourself -this can then become a piece of decor in your own home to remind you of your day.

The first thought of many is a macramé backdrop, this can be for the ceremony itself, or behind the top table or simply a photo backdrop. However it’s used it gives a stunning focus to the couple and yet doesn’t detract from whichever setting its in.

Another popular option is macramé table runners, they look amazing on natural wood and trestle tables and blend perfectly with so many rustic, vintage or boho table styles. They can also be used on food tables to blend your theme, including the cake table or stand.

Macramé jars, used for candles or flowers, really enhance food and cake displays, and can be placed literally anywhere! (Obviously if real candles are used then suitable care must be taken regarding surrounding items and decor)

Depending on the venue I love the trend of something suspended over the table, or from the ceiling or even trees for a woodland / forest setting. This can be macramé ‘chandeliers’, plant hangers or maybe large floaty dream catchers - this is one time that I love a ‘gentle breeze’!

Another current favourite are macrame chair backs - either just for the couple or additionally for the guest chairs. They really pop, taking a basic chair to something boho and pretty.

All of the above are in my hire collection - so what might you need to buy? Well personally I love a bouquet wrap! I make these to order as everyone’s bouquet is different, some using thicker stemmed foliage than others and there is also the option to have a bouquet wrap in a colour to suit your theme. What I particularly love is that you can use your bouquet wrap afterwards as a wall hanging in your home - what better way to remember your special day, every day!

If you want to share your macramé love with your wedding guests then macramé favours are another idea. These can be keyrings, zip pulls, or maybe napkin rings - again these can be made in wedding theme colours and also used as place name holders, and of course can be seasonal inspired to further tie in with your theme.

I hope this has given you some inspiration, if you are reading this in the UK then please get in touch to discuss your ideas further - I would love to share your enthusiasm and excitement for your special day!

Credits:

I have been fortunate to work with some amazing suppliers, and some of the photos above have been taken by amazing photographers and set up by amazing suppliers! I must apologize to them as its my first blog and I should have tagged them in, I promise I will do better from now on!

If anyone wants further details about any of these photos please please ask me - I am always keen to pass on details of suppliers, there is so much incredible talent that needs to be shared!