If you’re thinking of end of summer – early autumn as the time of year you’d like to get married, this beautiful late summer sustainable wedding shoot is full of inspiration to get you started.
A great team of local (to Essex) wedding suppliers, all with a passion to run their businesses more sustainably, got together to inspire couples with their creativity, skills and offerings. Set at Barnfield wedding venue in the Essex countryside, the shoot showcases stunning seasonal florals, a spectacular ceremony backdrop, eco wedding dresses, plantable stationery, a sand ceremony, and more.
You’ll find a full list of suppliers and links at the bottom of the feature, as well as a photo gallery.
It’s British Flowers Week 2024 and I am hoping to inspire you throughout this week to choose seasonal British flowers for your wedding – whatever the season (yes, even Winter!).
Today I’ll be showcasing the best of British flowers for a Winter Wedding. For the purpose of this feature, Winter is considered December, January and Febraury.
All of the wedding bouquets and floral arrangements you see created from British flowers.
Winter in the UK might seem like a tricky time of year for a beautiful wedding bouquet of British grown flowers, but I hope this post will show you its not! You just need to expand your notion of what makes a wedding bouquet a wedding bouquet (tip: it doesn’t mean roses, peonies and dahlias).
So be inspired by this variety of seasonal British winter wedding flowers – from bouquets and buttonholes of exquisite dried flowers, grasses and seedheads, to lush winter bouquets featuring hellebores, anemones, early blossoms and interesting foliage and berries.
Don’t forget to check out the Wedding Flowers category of our eco wedding directory to find our recommended suppliers.
Why should you choose seasonal British winter wedding flowers?
Tread lightly on the planet – flowers are grown mainly outdoors without need for additional light and heat; no chemicals needed to extend the flowers life once cut; and the flower farmers care and enrich the soil and land they grow on.
Reduce flower miles – flowers grown in the UK travel much shorter distances than those coming from abroad by boat or plane, some coming from as far as South America, Africa and Asia.
Character and charm – British flower farmers grow small quantities of lots of different varieties, and sometimes that aren’t uniformly straight, but this gives interest and uniqueness to the arrangements they create.
Buy local – support your local economy and community!
Bring the outdoors in – seasonal flowers really capture a moment in the British seasonal year and for a wedding I think that’s pretty special.
Because you’re a flower lover – this is about a love for flowers that look AND smell divine, something you will struggle to find in the commercial flower supply chain.
Important things to remember about seasonal British winter wedding flowers
Each of the bouquets and arrangements featured comes from a flower farmer or florist from all over the UK. It’s important to remember that different places will have different flowers available in season – what’s growing in Cornwall in summer will be different to what’s growing in Scotland.
There are also seasonal variations year to year depending on the weather. When choosing British flowers you need to release some of your expectations and be open to going with whatever is blooming best when you get married.
It’s British Flowers Week 2024 and I am hoping to inspire you throughout this week to choose seasonal British flowers for your wedding – whatever the season (yes, even Winter!).
All of the wedding bouquets and floral arrangements you see created from British flowers.
Autumn is a beautiful time of year for British grown wedding flowers – there’s still ample choice of interesting flowers, plus there’s lots of vibrant leaves and foliage, plus grasses, berries and seedheads.
Don’t forget to check out the Wedding Flowers category of our eco wedding directory to find our recommended suppliers.
Why should you choose seasonal British autumn wedding flowers?
Tread lightly on the planet – flowers are grown mainly outdoors without need for additional light and heat; no chemicals needed to extend the flowers life once cut; and the flower farmers care and enrich the soil and land they grow on.
Reduce flower miles – flowers grown in the UK travel much shorter distances than those coming from abroad by boat or plane, some coming from as far as South America, Africa and Asia.
Character and charm – British flower farmers grow small quantities of lots of different varieties, and sometimes that aren’t uniformly straight, but this gives interest and uniqueness to the arrangements they create.
Buy local – support your local economy and community!
Bring the outdoors in – seasonal flowers really capture a moment in the British seasonal year and for a wedding I think that’s pretty special.
Because you’re a flower lover – this is about a love for flowers that look AND smell divine, something you will struggle to find in the commercial flower supply chain.
Important things to remember about seasonal British autumn wedding flowers
Each of the bouquets and arrangements featured comes from a flower farmer or florist from all over the UK. It’s important to remember that different places will have different flowers available in season – what’s growing in Cornwall in summer will be different to what’s growing in Scotland.
There are also seasonal variations year to year depending on the weather. When choosing British flowers you need to release some of your expectations and be open to going with whatever is blooming best when you get married.
Choose seasonal British flowers for your Summer Wedding
It’s British Flowers Week 2024 and I am hoping to inspire you throughout this week to choose seasonal British flowers for your wedding – whatever the season (yes, even Winter!).
Yesterday I featured Seasonal British Spring Wedding Flowers, and today I’ll be showcasing the best of British flowers for a Summer Wedding. For the purpose of this feature, Summer is consider June, July and August.
All of the wedding bouquets and floral arrangements you see created from British flowers. They come in all shades of colour, and lots of different styles. There’s loads of choice of blooms, plus beautiful grasses and foliage.
Don’t forget to check out the Wedding Flowers category of our eco wedding directory to find our recommended suppliers.
Why should you choose seasonal British summer wedding flowers?
Tread lightly on the planet – flowers are grown mainly outdoors without need for additional light and heat; no chemicals needed to extend the flowers life once cut; and the flower farmers care and enrich the soil and land they grow on.
Reduce flower miles – flowers grown in the UK travel much shorter distances than those coming from abroad by boat or plane, some coming from as far as South America, Africa and Asia.
Character and charm – British flower farmers grow small quantities of lots of different varieties, and sometimes that aren’t uniformly straight, but this gives interest and uniqueness to the arrangements they create.
Buy local – support your local economy and community!
Bring the outdoors in – seasonal flowers really capture a moment in the British seasonal year and for a wedding I think that’s pretty special.
Because you’re a flower lover – this is about a love for flowers that look AND smell divine, something you will struggle to find in the commercial flower supply chain.
Important things to remember about seasonal British summer wedding flowers
Each of the bouquets and arrangements featured comes from a flower farmer or florist from all over the UK. It’s important to remember that different places will have different flowers available in season – what’s growing in Cornwall in summer will be different to what’s growing in Scotland.
There are also seasonal variations year to year depending on the weather. When choosing British flowers you need to release some of your expectations and be open to going with whatever is blooming best when you get married.
Choose seasonal British flowers for your Spring Wedding
It’s British Flowers Week 2024 and I am hoping to inspire you throughout this week to choose seasonal British flowers for your wedding – whatever the season (yes, even Winter!).
I’ll be doing a feature on each season, starting today with Spring Weddings. For the purpose of this feature, Spring is consider March, April and May.
All of the wedding bouquets and floral arrangements you see created from British flowers. What’s apparent to me is just how diverse a seasonal Spring wedding bouquet can look, it’s not just got to be pastel shades.
Don’t forget to check out the Wedding Flowers category of our eco wedding directory to find our recommended suppliers.
Why should you choose seasonal British spring wedding flowers?
Tread lightly on the planet – flowers are grown mainly outdoors without need for additional light and heat; no chemicals needed to extend the flowers life once cut; and the flower farmers care and enrich the soil and land they grow on.
Reduce flower miles – flowers grown in the UK travel much shorter distances than those coming from abroad by boat or plane, some coming from as far as South America, Africa and Asia.
Character and charm – British flower farmers grow small quantities of lots of different varieties, and sometimes that aren’t uniformly straight, but this gives interest and uniqueness to the arrangements they create.
Buy local – support your local economy and community!
Bring the outdoors in – seasonal flowers really capture a moment in the British seasonal year and for a wedding I think that’s pretty special.
Because you’re a flower lover – this is about a love for flowers that look AND smell divine, something you will struggle to find in the commercial flower supply chain.
Important things to remember about seasonal British spring wedding flowers
Each of the bouquets and arrangements featured comes from a flower farmer or florist from all over the UK. It’s important to remember that different places will have different flowers available in season – what’s growing in Cornwall in spring will be different to what’s growing in Scotland.
There are also seasonal variations year to year depending on the weather. When choosing British flowers you need to release some of your expectations and be open to going with whatever is blooming best when you get married.
Introduction to the Sister Organics sustainable wedding dress collection
Sister Organics design and make wedding dresses and bridal separates from beautiful organic and sustainable fabrics, including organic hemp silk mixes and exquisite cotton laces. We’re sharing some of our favourites from their sustainable wedding dress collection, which features their simple, timeless, feminine designs. This collection focuses on laid-back style and comfort, idea for outdoor, down-to-earth, and elopement weddings.
Natalie, the designer/maker behind Sister Organics tell us: “When I got married, there was no question that I would make my own dress. But I realised there was nothing for me in bridal shops – I hated the synthetic fabrics and strapless style with skirts full of stiff tulle that was popular at the time. I thought there has to be a better way.“
Inspiration from fabrics and the differing shapes and sizes of women’s bodies
“I usually start the design process with a new fabric that I’m excited to use. I have an obsession with fabrics and when I start a new collection, I find it very difficult to stop! I am always on the look out for new fabrics. Customers usually buy from the collection, sometimes with a small adaption to the design, which I am very happy to do. I usually also make a couple of bespoke dresses each season.”
Natalie has a passion for creating bridalwear that is flattering, comfortable, and have beautiful movement in them. She also likes to create pieces that are special enough for a wedding but can be worn again.
“I try to make my designs transient to age and accommodating to different sizes. I am very conscious that women come in all shapes and sizes and brides come in all ages and I try to design garments that are simple, flattering to the female body and have a relaxed feel to them. It’s also really important to me that the clothes are comfortable, move beautifully and feel special.
I try to create pieces which are special enough to wear for a wedding, but can be worn again after the event. I think the separates are especially good for this and most of the dresses are easily adapted by being shortened or altered slightly. Most of my dresses and skirts have pockets and are lined with organic cotton, so they are comfortable and feel fabulous to wear.”
Sister Organics is a Recommended Supplier of The Natural Wedding Company directory. Find out more about them here.
Eco credentials
Natalie tells us: “I have a love for natural fabrics – organic cottons, organic silks, linen and regularly use hemp/silk a lovely, blended fabric. Hemp is thought to be one of the most eco-friendly fabrics there is, it grows really fast without pesticides and puts nitrates back into the soil. Blended with silk it is a great weight for bridalwear, it hangs really nicely and has a beautiful shine and lustre.”
Luckily for contemporary brides it’s no longer tricky to find sustainable fabrics, and what’s more there’s lots of choice: “It’s great to find organic and sustainable fabrics much easier to source these days. There really has been a big change in the availability of these fabrics in the last 10 years or so. It’s a delight to work with some of the beautiful organic laces I use. Most of my lace dresses are lined with certified organic cotton or the hemp/silk. I am also introducing some garments made from vintage lace fabrics this year.”
As you take a look through Sister Organics sustainable wedding dress collection you’ll notice a lot of exquisite laces: “Some of the laces are organic cotton, made in France. I also use a lot of cotton lace which is made in England by a small family business, using traditional lace manufacturing methods. There’s very little fabric manufacturing left in the UK now (and people with the skills to do it), so I feel it’s important to try to support what there is (the laces are also completely gorgeous!). Lots of the laces are made with a tiny bit of synthetic, which is generally thought to be necessary to give the lace strength and stability when it’s made.”
Made to order
One of the main ways that the Sister Organics sustainable wedding dress collection maintains its eco-ethical ethos is by making all items to order: “We make everything to order, which minimises waste and over production. Customers can order by set size or by providing their own measurements. We then order the fabrics and cut and make the order, which takes 3-10 weeks, depending on the style. Like most small businesses we are naturally frugal – we re-use or re-purpose off-cuts and remnants.”
Natalie sews all of the dresses and bridal separates herself alongside another talented local dressmaker: “I work with a very talented local dressmaker who is wonderful and helps me a lot. I cut the patterns and garments and sew some of the samples and orders. My mum taught me to sew when I was a child and I later honed my skills at the London College of Fashion. I love creating and making things and have always found sewing completely immersive and almost therapeutic. Alongside the bridalwear we also make nightwear and pyjamas in pretty organic cotton prints, which works really well and helps keep us busy in the quieter season.”
Introducing the wedding dresses and bridal separates
Below you’ll find details and photos of our top 10 dresses / bridal separates from the Sister Organics sustainable wedding dress collection. If you have any questions about the collection, please contact Sister Organics directly via their contact page.
The Elodie Dress
What Sister Organics says about the Elodie wedding dress: “This long V-neck dress is handmade to order in a beautiful cotton lace fabric and lined in a tea rose coloured organic cotton jersey. [The neckline is] finished with trimming lace, fitted to a high waist band, with loose sleeves. It has an open back which buttons at the back of the neck and waistband with rouleaux loops and little covered buttons. It is lined in a soft organic cotton jersey, which makes this dress feel incredibly comfortable to wear.
Made from 95% cotton lace made by a small family business in Derbyshire, UK, and lined in organic cotton jersey.
Are you considering a proposal for your male partner this year? Are you looking for men’s ethical engagement rings?
Well it’s a leap year and so the tradition goes this is the year that women can propose. My opinion is that it doesn’t need to be a leap year to propose to your partner, whether male or female. What has been interesting though is seeing options for men’s ethical engagement rings popping up on my Instagram feed.
I thought I’d invite the ethical wedding jewellers that I work with to share what they have in the way of men’s ethical engagement rings. Some of them have also shared their thoughts and tips if you are selecting an engagement ring for a man, or are perhaps looking for a more neutral and less ‘feminine’ engagement ring design.
My top tips for men’s ethical engagement rings
Firstly, I don’t think you should be restricted by a leap year for women to propose to men. It should be something women feel free to do at any time.
Secondly, for some people engagement rings may have negative connotations of a woman being passed from ownership of one man (her father) to another (her husband). So take a moment – do you even want engagement rings? What ways are there to get ‘engaged’ without exchanging or gifting a ring if that doesn’t feel right for you?
But if you do…
Don’t be restricted by what you think an engagement ring should be!
If your partner prefers a plain band or a real statement piece, why not just have the one ring, you don’t need to have an “engagement ring” and a wedding ring. (I only had one ring – the one my husband Nick proposed with – for our wedding exchange of rings. I do now have a wedding band, but this was gifted at a later stage in our relationship, and a number of years after being married.)
That said, let’s remember the environmental impact of yet more “things”. Just because you are buying ethical rings it doesn’t need to be an excuse to buy more. If one ring suits you, great choice.
But if it is something you feel called to, then there are all kinds of ways to do this using ethically sourced precious metals and gems. So get inspired by some of our ethical wedding jewellers…
This blog feature was inspired by an Instagram post by TNWC Recommended Supplier Jacqueline & Edward.
Having partnered with Eco Wood Rings since they started out in 2011, we’ve always loved the way that their custom wedding rings offer a connection to the land and how couples can choose materials and design features that make their rings unique and personal to them.
Adding materials from special places or even treasured possessions is a hugely original way to encapsulate your love story. Eco Wood Rings have worked with a wide range of materials with personal meaning, ranging from a childhood swing to a trophy skateboard, as well as shells, sand, rocks and other materials from significant beaches, mountains and rivers around the world. You can be as wild and wonderful as you like with your ideas.
Here we look at some of the many meaningful features that can be included in an eco wood ring, along with real life customer stories showcasing beautiful (and often highly sentimental) examples. We hope that you will feel inspired to create your own unique and beautiful custom wedding rings which perfectly tell your story.
Eco Wood Rings is a Recommended Supplier of The Natural Wedding Company directory. Find out more about them here.
The Wood – choices for your unique eco wedding rings
Whilst Eco Wood Rings have their own extensive stock of woods, sustainably sourced from across the UK and world, many of their custom wedding ring designs are made using customer-supplied woods with meaning.
One wonderful example of this is Ben’s bentwood wedding ring. He decided on a Welsh ash ring (where he’s from) with inlays of willow (their surname is now Willows) and the pièce de résistance – oak, hand sourced by the Eco Wood Rings team, from a tree growing beside the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury, where he and Jess first met!
Creating an incredible confetti moment will not only fill you and your guests with pure joy on the day, but also create a lasting memory encapsulated in a single snap. We’ve got some amazing tips for you, straight from family-run flower farmers, Shropshire Petals. They’re on a mission to save the world from paper or metallic confetti, and believe in creating epic weddings without compromising sustainable values.
Shropshire Petals is a Recommended Supplier of The Natural Wedding Company directory. Find out more about them here.
Here at Shropshire Petals we are 4th generation farmers who diversified into growing flowers to make biodegradable petal confetti for weddings across the UK. We grow a variety of flowers during the summer months, including delphiniums, cornflowers, calendula, sunflowers and many more. The flowers provide food and a safe haven for insects and animals, boosting biodiversity in the area.
Once the flowers are in bloom, they’re handpicked and dried onsite to keep their beautiful colour and shape for months and even years. Our confetti is natural, dye-free and completely biodegradable, making them the perfect choice for an eco-friendly wedding.
Here’s our top tips for achieving your dream confetti moment…
When is comes to sustainable, eco-friendly weddings I always look to the seasons and the place where a wedding is to take place. This beautiful wild Welsh wedding shoot organised by Ness of TogetherNess Weddings does exactly that – she was inspired by the hedgerows and meadows in June for this wild Welsh summer wedding inspiration shoot.
“With local and seasonal in mind, I took my inspiration from hedgerows in June hoping to create a sense of hazy summer moments mixed with the bright pinks of our native flowers at this time of year. I hoped to highlight the simple yet exceptional beauty that can be created by combining the talent of local artisan business’s with what our doorstep nature has to offer.”
This wild Welsh summer wedding inspiration shoot is full of foxgloves, ferns, and natural fabrics set against a backdrop of a whitewashed chapel and a meal in a meadow.
Ness used her expert styling skills and collaborated with a small team of talented Welsh wedding suppliers and artisans to create this beautiful wedding shoot. I hope it encourages you to look to the place and season in which you are getting married for inspiration.
TogetherNess Weddings is a Recommended Supplier of The Natural Wedding Company directory. Find out more about them here.
Charlie
