Vegan weddings are on the rise! 2019 was the year that veganism went mainstream, meaning 2020 saw the most popular Veganuary yet! No longer the niche subculture of days gone by, research suggests that environmental concerns are largely responsible for fuelling the vegan lifestyle movement. More people are striving to make ethical choices and reduce their carbon footprint.
If you google planning a vegan wedding, you might be thinking it’s all about the catering. Maybe you’re worried about the dramas associated with providing a plant-powered menu for carnivorous guests. So, it’s easy to overlook the fact that the term ‘vegan’ isn’t simply a descriptive for food. It’s a way of living which seeks to exclude—as far as is possible—all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose.
Feature photo by Holly Jo Whitehall Photography
A vegan wedding is about more than the catering
A vegan wedding is as much about finding eco-conscious venues, cruelty free bridal wear, fairly-traded jewellery, ethically sourced flowers and compassionate gifts, as it is about the wedding banquet. It’s now even possible to source vegan wedding planners, photographers, musicians and celebrants.
We chatted to one such supplier, tribe member, Lisa Flahant of Celebrant in Cornwall:
“Although I don’t badge myself as a vegan celebrant, I find that a lot of my clients are looking for green, ethical and eco options. Most of the ceremonies I lead are outdoors in very natural settings, with many environmental considerations. Also, as the decision to have a celebrant-led wedding ceremony is still quite unconventional, it’s never a surprise to me to learn that many of my clients are vegan! It’s always a delight to discover I will be working alongside couples with whom I share core values.”
Spotlight on Jake & Kathy's Vegan Wedding...
“My clients Jake and Kathy opted for an outdoor location which produced its own green solar and wind energy. Along with a natural water supply of pure Cornish spring-water, they recycled everything through compost bins and eco compost loos. The couple made the most of the venue’s own organic produce, including home grown flowers which were used for the bouquet and table decorations, alongside non-beeswax candles.
The fabulous Keralan banquet was a wonderful vegan wedding supper – but certainly not the focus of the wedding! As a couple, Kathy and Jake try to live their life in the most compassionate, ethical way they can, and their wedding day truly reflected that. It was such a pleasure to get to know them and feel we were absolutely on the same page . This is the best position to be in when writing and delivering a highly personal and bespoke wedding ceremony for a couple.”
like-minded vegan wedding suppliers- find your tribe!
Lisa says she is often asked whether she will work for non-vegan couples, to which she responds enthusiastically:
“Of course! I understand we don’t all have the same outlook on life. But I do draw the line at some things. I choose not perform ceremonies in locations which exploit animals, such as zoos or dairy farms or hunting lodges. It wouldn’t be appropriate for me to include a butterfly or dove release as part of a ceremony, nor would I agree to working alongside a company which train animals to deliver rings. Those are the ethical choices I make, and although it might mean that I’m not suited to a few clients, that sits more comfortably with me than compromising my outlook on life.”
From this chat, you can see why so many couples planning their vegan wedding are now thinking beyond the food. They’re choosing to surround themselves with like-minded suppliers, whether it’s a photographer, hairdresser or wedding planner.
Here's some Ethical & vegan wedding ideas from our Awesome supplier tribe members:
Charlotte Laurie Designs- Recycled Wedding Bouquets
Charlotte Laurie creates bespoke, alternative wedding bouquets from primarily felt and buttons. They can be made from recycled materials AND they last forever! Your vegan wedding bouquet can be waste free!
BexBrides- Ethical & Upcycled Bridalwear
BexBrides creates beautiful up-cycled wedding dresses and re-vamped vintage. She can magic up your perfect gown with zero environmental impact! You should see her dip-dye gowns and veils, they’re stunning!
CrzyBest - Eco-Friendly Silversmith
Claire from CrzyBest crafts alternative & bespoke bouquets, buttonholes, accessories and jewellery using a variety of silver and copper wires, Swarovski crystals, semi-precious stones and tiny precious metal sculptures. She has a strong ‘zero plastic’ policy!
The Wellbeing Farm
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The Wellbeing Farm is a bespoke wedding venue with a difference, set in spectacular countryside. It was transformed from a neglected hill farm in 2013 into a perfect, quirky wedding venue. Their vegan menu is to die for! Their head chef has sourced natural and local ingredients to offer a wide range of vegan and gluten free options. Instead of just offering one bland vegan option, they offer a range of options in every menu! Their head chef says “Dietaries are VIP’s!”
Tiny Sarah- Vegan Cake Fabulousness!
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