ethicalweddings.com

Now the confetti has settled after The Great Big Green Wedding Fayre last month, we thought it was about time we caught up with the Fayre’s organisers, Jemma and Amanda, to find out how it all went.  Jemma tells their story…

Amanda and I were thrilled with the response to our request for green wedding suppliers when we first decided to host The Great Big Green Wedding Fayre.

We couldn’t believe the wealth of different green businesses that jumped on board, everything from pedal-powered rickshaws and beautifully crafted jewellery, to vintage tea parties and classical musicians.

The weekend was everything we hoped it would be – relaxed, informative and different.

Visitors were treated to catwalk bridal shows with dresses by Oxfam Bridal, ‘Worn Once with Love’ and Aliz Vintage – a great mix of different styles with fabulously low price tags and sound ethics.

Our couples also enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of our Vintage Tea Room, dressed for the occasion with vintage china, care of the girls at Pebble in The Pond and seasonal flowers from Felicity Morgan.

With a little help from our two cake exhibitors, Fleur Ashley and Little Cake Heaven, guests sat down to free afternoon tea and cake- scrumptious treats and an endless supply of tea and coffee.   It’s little wonder guests lingered here making notes and discussing plans.

We were lucky enough to have CRED fair trade fine jewellers exhibiting with us, and founder Greg Valerio gave fascinating presentations each day on their pioneering story.  CRED are an inspiration to green customers and fellow businesses alike.

Meanwhile, The Natural Wedding Company was on hand offering advice on planning a DIY wedding – founder Charlie Burton provided lots of handy hints on bringing together friends and family to help create a very special ‘homemade’ celebration.

Visitors took advantage of the pampering sessions provided freely by The Body Shop at Home, and each visitor took home a goody bag filled with info and offers from green businesses – along with a delicious Green & Black’s wedding favour.  Yum!

We had a fantastic response from visitors, who were thrilled with the range of products and  services which could make their celebration a green one:

“Very good, nice mix of exhibitors and all the providers were very nice to talk to. The jewellery and accessories were brilliant and gave me lots of ideas. The talk from the CRED director was fantastic, it really highlighted how my choices for one day make a massive difference.  I also really enjoyed meeting the humanist celebrant, and think we will be booking her for our blessing. Thanks very much for all your hard work putting it together, it exceeded my expectations and we had a really lovely day.”
Melanie, Salford.

“[There were] plenty of exhibitors covering all areas of a wedding. Very different but very friendly and welcoming – a lot of wedding fairs can be quite ‘snobby’.  I loved the Oxfam wedding dresses. We had a fab time at the event and got loads of ideas for our wedding. Thank you so much. x”
Sarah, Huddersfield.

What’s next?
Our friends Katie and Kate, from Ethical Weddings and Greenfinder, will be hosting their Eco Chic Wedding and Home Show again in 2010 for those of you interested in meeting more green exhibitors.

As for us, The Big Green Wedding website will continue to run until January 2010, a handy resource showing images of the show and details of all exhibitors.  Amanda and I are now focusing on our eco stationery business, GreenLeaf Press for a while, but look out for another Great Big Green Wedding event in the future.

We would like to thank all of our great green exhibitors and friends for helping us to deliver a very clear message – that being green doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality or style and you don’t have to blow the budget!

Thanks Jemma! It sounds like a good time was had by all. We’re looking forward to your next event already.

Katie