Ideas for ethical weddings

The Loyal Workshop, a kiwi founded social enterprise in Kolkata, India helps women get out of sex slavery by giving them new skills and employment as artisans. Photo / The Loyal Workshop

Julia Moore-Pilbrow, a wedding photographer, says although the wedding industry is renowned for its conspicuous consumption, an ethical ceremony is not an oxymoron. She shares some of her insider tips on how you can have a socially and environmentally responsible celebration.

Sometimes organising a wedding can feel like being on a rollercoaster ride of consumption and you're left feeling a little queasy! But it doesn't have to be. Take back the reigns and design a wedding that aligns with your values, treading with a light environmental footprint, and supporting businesses that are making a difference...

Re-use - join an online group like Facebook's 'Recycled Wedding NZ' - buy and sell everything wedding related to reduce those one off purchases that end up in cluttering your parent's garage and then landfill, and as a bonus save some dosh. And no, no one will wear that bridesmaids dress again.

Wine - source your vino from vineyards that really value sustainability. Here in New Zealand we are spoiled for choice - with companies and vineyards like Ata Rangi, Yealands, Pernod Ricard and Rippon Wines.

Food - use caterers or restaurants that are committed to using local, organic produce and serving their communities. This may take a phonecall or two, to weed out those who think this means just having a herb pot out back from those that are really committed to serving up more sustainably. Wellington caterers www.seasoned.co.nz are one example of people who go that extra mile taking their commitment to food to helping out those in need in their community, is worth every penny you spend.

Good gifts - If you're tying the knot a little later in life many of you will already have enough stuff, so skip the gift registry and pick a project you would both love to see happen and ask guests to contribute -through www.oxfam.org.nz you could start a community business or provide safe water for 1000 people. That's got to be better than the 8 salad bowls you were going to get right?

Partner up - find suppliers that support a good cause. As a wedding photographer it's not a big challenge to operate with a small footprint, but we wanted to help promote a cause bigger than just getting our bills paid, so we have teamed up with The Loyal Workshop, a kiwi founded social enterprise in Kolkata, India helping women get out of sex slavery by giving them new skills and employment.

See www.theloyalworkshop.com, www.onefourteenphotography.co.nz and www.lancepilbrowphotography.com for details.

Reduce - don't just do it because your mum or the latest bridal mag says it's a good idea. Do you really need to supply everyone with tiny plastic bags of a cutsey momentos that no one really wants?

Sustainable rags - we love ReCreate Store's simple, classic dresses that partner with community development in Cambodia - see www.recreatestore.co.nz for dresses that would definitely be worn again. Alternatively if your are looking for something truly unique consider decking out your bridal party with some of New Zealand's best and brightest sustainable designers like those featured in New Zealand Eco Fashion Week.

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