SUSTAINABLE SWAPS – FAVOURS

Since the world cautiously crept out of lockdown, people have emerged much more aware of the issues facing our planet, and with a strong desire for change. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that we cannot continue as before.

It’s no secret that weddings can be hugely wasteful. Every non-recyclable item we use comes with environmentally damaging consequences. Sky Ocean Rescue reported that in 2017 British weddings alone accounted for 4,910 tonnes of plastic – to put it into perspective, that’s the equivalent of 47 Blue Whales! What’s makes matters worse is that it was completely avoidable.

We’re determined to make a difference to these scary figures, so to help you and the environment along we’ve come up with a list of more sustainable wedding favours that you and your guests will love.

Let’s get to it.

What is a wedding favour?
A wedding favour is a small gift from the married couple to their guests to show their appreciation.
The tradition of gifting wedding favours goes back centuries. Believed to have originated in Europe amongst the aristocracy, gifts known as bonbonnieres were given to guests as a display of wealth, and a sign of good luck. They were usually sugar cubes or expensive confections inside trinket boxes made of crystal, porcelain or precious stones. Later, sugared almonds were used in place of sugar cubes and are still common gifts today.

Opinions on offering wedding favours to guests vary from person to person. Some love the idea of giving gifts to their guests and others consider it a waste of money. While there is no right or wrong answer, if you choose to bestow your guests with gifts, here are some eco conscious suggestions.

SUSTAINABLE SWAPS

1. A Donation to Charity
If you’re not keen on spending money on items that may well be left behind, a donation to a charity close to your heart is a great way to do some good. I can assure you, your guests won’t feel hard done by and you will be making a real difference.

2. Tree Planting
Opting for trees to be planted on behalf of your guests is an extra special way to mark the occasion, and help offset your weddings carbon footprint. Some charities even allow you to go and plant the trees yourself! It’s great to know they will have a lasting impact for decades or more to come.

3. Mini Preserve Pots
Who doesn’t love a cute little pot of jam or marmalade? They’re small enough for your handbag or pocket, the glass jars are reusable, they have a long shelf life – even when opened – and they’re utterly delicious. You can have a go at making them yourself or call upon the services of a local jam and preserve maker. The jars can be personalised with labels and decorated with cloth tops and string.

TIP – A study conducted by Sainsbury’s suggests as many as 37% of guest don’t eat edible wedding favours. That’s a significant amount of waste, not to mention an unnecessary punch to your pocket.

4. Flower Seeds
Flower seeds make wonderful gifts. They can come in a variety of forms be it, glass test tube, packet, paper, or bomb. You can DIY them or have them made by a local craftsperson. Once planted they’ll give a beautiful display of flowers and provide food and pollen to our all-important bees and insects. What’s more is they can re-seed themselves and come back year after year. Bee-utiful!

TIP – Bigger isn’t always better. A common reason for leaving a favour behind is its size. If it doesn’t fit in a handbag or pocket it can easily be forgotten.

5. Mini Drinkables
There are plenty of distilleries around the UK providing mini bottles to consumers, however be sure to verify their eco credentials! Check out their website or drop them a phone call or email to ask. If you’re feeling fancy you could always attempt your own flavoured spirits or cordials. The bottles can be decorated with string and personalised labels.

TIP – Some venues don’t allow food or drink to be gifted as favours, so it’s worth checking to avoid disappointment.

TIP – Shop locally. You’ll reduce your carbon footprint and support the local economy. There are some wonderful creators in the UK so do a little research, you’ll be surprised how many bakeries, artists, designers and other craftspeople are nearby.

6. Bird Seed Ornaments
Give our songbirds a helping hand by bestowing gifts of bird seed ornaments upon your guests. You can either buy them ready made or easily DIY them, with only a few simple ingredients required – your local pet store owner will be able to advise you on the best seed to use for wild songbirds. You can create any shape your heart desires and finish them off with string for hanging, and a cute label. These gifts can also double up as a place name for each guest. Win-win!

TIP – If making your own bird seed ornaments, be sure to use only bird safe ingriedients. The RSPB can offer any advice you might need.

7. For The Little Ones
Children love colouring and let’s face it, they can get bored pretty quickly so why not give them some sustainable colouring books and pencils to keep them entertained. You may even catch a “grown up” having a go too!

TIP – Steer clear of plastics. I’m talking about those little plastic bottles of bubbles in particular!