Sustainable Wedding Tips for Outdoorsy Couples Planning a Wedding in Cheshire

Sustainable Wedding Tips for Outdoorsy Couples Planning a Wedding in Cheshire

Planning a wedding is exciting, emotional, and often overwhelming. Between Pinterest boards and guest lists, it’s easy to forget that weddings can also have a big environmental impact.

The good news? You don’t need a “zero waste” wedding to make a difference. A few thoughtful choices can reduce waste, support local businesses, and help your celebration feel more connected to the place you’re marrying - especially if you’re planning a countryside tipi wedding in Cheshire or the North West.

These are the kinds of sustainable wedding ideas we often talk about with couples marrying at Swanley Meadows, our countryside wedding venue in Cheshire.

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1. Choose a venue that works with nature

Your venue is one of the biggest sustainability choices you’ll make. Look for a countryside wedding venue that:

• Cares for the surrponding landscape
• Supports wildlife and biodiversity
• Reuses and adapts existing assets
• Encourages mindful supplier choices

A venue that values its land helps your celebration sit more gently in its surroundings.

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2. Rethink single-use décor

Instead of buying items that will only be used once, consider:

• Hiring decor
• Reusing ceremony flowers later in the day
• Fabric signage or chalkboards
• Candles, foilage and seasonal flowers

Natural materials often suit countryside wedding venues beautifully.

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3. Choose local suppliers

Working with local Cheshire wedding suppliers is one of the easiest ways to reduce your wedding’s footprint.

Local suppliers mean:

• Fewer miles travelled
• Support for small business
• A better understanding of your venue and setting

At Swanley Meadows, we love seeing couples build a team from talented North West creatives(there's so many to choose from!).

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4. Be thoughtful with food

Food is one of the biggest sources of wedding waste. Small changes can help:

• Careful guest number planning
• Caterers who portion thoughtfully
• Sharing-style or family-style dining
• Exploring composting or food redistribution

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5. Rethink wedding favours

Many favours get left behind. Instead try:

• Edible local treats
• A shared donation
• Something useful guests will keep

Or skip them entirely. Your guests are honoured even to have had an invite.

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6. Lower-Impact Flowers

Ask about:

• Seasonal British flowers
• Locally grown blooms
• Dried flower elements
• Reusing arrangements

They often feel more in harmony with outdoor venues too.

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7. Travel & transport

Guest travel often has the biggest environmental impact. You can help by:

• Encouraging car sharing
• Organising shared transport
• Suggesting accommodation near your venue

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8. Aim for better, not perfect

Sustainable weddings aren’t about guilt. They’re about asking:

“What’s the better choice here?”

That mindset, layered across lots of small decisions, makes a real difference.

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Celebrations That Feel Good in Every Way

A wedding rooted in nature often feels calmer and more meaningful. If you’re planning a countryside wedding in Cheshire and would love to explore how your day can be beautiful, personal and a little more mindful of the world around you, we’re always happy to chat at Swanley Meadows. 🌿

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Read more about Swanley Meadows' work towards becoming a sustainable wedding venue here.

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With love
Jenny x

Founder, Swanley Meadows – Tipi Weddings & Events