At Worton Hall, sustainability isn’t just something we talk about, it’s woven into everything we do. Our values are deeply rooted in the land and wildlife that surround us, and we take great pride in creating a space where nature can truly thrive. From nurturing wildflowers and native plants to providing safe habitats for birds, bats, and pollinators, we are passionate about protecting and enhancing the natural beauty of our park. Much of our land is carefully conserved, including areas of special scientific interest, and we’re committed to giving back to the environment through tree planting, organic farming, and mindful land management. We love the idea that couples celebrating here become part of this story, contributing to a place that’s being actively protected for generations to come.
We also believe that sustainable choices should be part of the everyday experience at Worton Hall. Our entire site is powered by renewable energy, from our biomass boiler and solar panels to our green energy provider, and we are always looking for ways to expand these efforts. We encourage greener travel by offering EV charging points and cycle-friendly paths across the park. Even behind the scenes, we carefully manage waste, purify water on-site, and convert food waste into renewable energy. The park itself is a haven for wildlife with protected zones where public access is limited to preserve the habitat and the flow of nature. Couples and their guests can enjoy the peaceful beauty of the space knowing they’re celebrating somewhere that truly respects and protects the natural world.
With this in mind, we thought we’d share 5 eco-friendly wedding ideas to help with your wedding planning.
Bio-degradable Confetti and Flowers:
Florals are a great place to start when trying to make your wedding more eco-friendly, bio-degradable confetti being one of the most popular additions we’ve seen. At Worton Hall, we only allow biodegradable confetti to be used outside to avoid polluting the environment.
You can also create more sustainable flowers and bouquets by choosing seasonal British blooms to avoid them being shipped from abroad. No matter the time of year, you’re sure to find beautiful English flowers in bloom. It’s always a good idea to chat with your florist who may be able to come up with sustainable ideas as well. Dried flowers are another fantastic option as they have a longer lifespan, the perfect keepsake too!
For those extra green-figured couples, you can take this a step further and grow your own wedding flowers. Alternatively you can collect petals year round and dry them for your confetti.
Which ever you choose don’t forget about preservation options such as pressing and storing in resin so you can keep your wedding flowers forever. You could also donate your flowers to care homes or hospitals if you’d like to… possibilities are endless!
Organise group transport
Travel is a huge factor in planning a sustainable wedding. Some guests will ultimately have to travel further than others making it difficult to offset. Encouraging guest to travel using more green transport such as trains and buses is one way but another we love is setting up some lift share groups for guests all in one location.
On the day your ceremony might be in a different place to your reception, lift sharing and asking anyone if they have a spare seat in there car is hassle free but if you wanted a more green option then hiring something like a vintage bus is a great idea!
Make Your Own Re-Usable Decorations
DIY at weddings is an ever growing trend, whether its about cutting costs, creating something more personal or opting for greener options. We’ve seen so many fun, eco-friendly options such as reusing bottles and using potted plants for guests to take home afterwards. A classic is placing some fairy lights into an old bottle for a dazzling effect. Other fun options we’ve seen over the years are creating a wedding day collage from your printed photos and stationary, incorporating your hobbies into centrepieces like using medals from marathons, Lego models and and even garlands made from photos of the couples lives.
Sustainable Caterers
One of the hardest wedding planning decisions can be choosing the right caterer and choosing a eco-conscious caterer can make a meaningful difference. Sustainable caterers focus on sourcing seasonal, locally grown ingredients, often working with nearby suppliers to reduce food miles and supporting the local economy. Many also prioritize organic produce, plant-based menus, and ethically sourced meat and seafood, helping to minimize the event's environmental footprint. Make sure you check out our recommended caterers who have adopted sustainable practices here.
Opting for plated dinners can also help avoid excess food in comparison to a buffet, however if you do go for a buffet, speak to your caterer about saving those leftovers!
Attire:
When it comes to wedding fashion, making sustainable choices can have a big impact without compromising on style. Brides, grooms, and guests alike can embrace eco-friendly options such as renting outfits, choosing pre-loved or vintage wedding attire, or selecting pieces made from sustainable, ethically sourced fabrics. Many modern designers now offer gowns and suits crafted from organic cotton, recycled materials, or low-impact textiles, providing stylish alternatives that are kinder to the planet. Supporting local or independent designers also reduces the environmental costs associated with shipping and mass production. For an added sustainable touch, consider re-wearing or repurposing wedding outfits for future events, giving those special garments a longer life beyond your big day.