We're here to give you some good news - it is possible to pull together a sustainable bridal shower or kitchen tea event that doesn't create huge amounts of waste destined for landfill!
Check out these easy tips to help you host an eco friendly bridal shower to remember.
Tip 1: Forgo the balloons
One of the most impactful decisions you can make for the planet is to stop using balloons as a decorative element for your events.
Balloons have been identified as being among the top three most harmful pollutants threatening marine wildlife, in the same league as plastic bags and bottles.
Many balloon manufacturers have noticed the trend away from balloons and are starting to claim that they produce 'eco friendly balloons'. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as an eco friendly balloon. Even if the balloon is made from 'biodegradable latex' (as some companies claim), they are still a single use decorative element that cannot be reused. What's more, when balloons pop, they become small pieces of brightly coloured plastic that can look like food and are often ingested by wildlife. Even if these pieces of plastic do eventually biodegrade, the issue is that the damage to the planet is done before this actually happens.
There are so many alternatives to balloons that are truly sustainable and eco friendly. Read on to see some of our favourite alternatives to balloons to celebrate sustainably.
Tip 2: Accent your bridal event space with fresh flowers
Look beyond the party aisle and make a trip to the florist or flower market for your decorative elements. Nothing screams 'bridal shower' quite like arrangements of beautiful pink and white roses along the table.
Of course, if you're looking to reduce your carbon footprint as much as possible, choose flowers that have been locally grown. Australian natives are always a great choice for a sustainable bridal shower!
We can't forget the best part about using flowers to decorate your bridal shower - if you're looking to provide a small gift to guests, you can bring along some scissors and pink ribbon and create small bunches of the flowers to give to the bridal shower guests as they leave, so that they can enjoy them at home. Taking 'choose to reuse' to the next level!
Image Source: marthastewart.com
Tip 3: Choose reusable 'bride to be' bunting
Instead of single-use streamers or balloons, why not opt for reusable bunting? Bunting not only looks great, but can be sustainable, too! If you're looking to avoid single-use decorations, there are so many fabric-based bunting options out there that can be used again and again.
Alternatively, if you're looking for something cheap and cheerful, paper-based bunting might be your best bet. For extra brownie points, opt for bride-to-be bunting made from recycled paper or thin recycled board.
TIP 4: Hosting at home? Use beeswax wraps and food covers
Are you hosting a bridal shower or kitchen tea in the home? To keep your event as sustainable as possible, try to avoid using cling wrap to cover snacks and treats for your guests while waiting for them to arrive. Instead, use some reusable beeswax wraps!
Beeswax wraps are an eco friendly alternative to cling wrap. Rather than being used once and then thrown away, beeswax wraps can be used again and again. Once your wrap has reached the end of its life you can compost it, or dig a hole in your backyard and bury it.
Bee Green Wraps have an awesome starter pack of beeswax wraps which contains four wraps in different sizes - small, medium, large & extra large, which means you'll be sorted for all of the different treats and platters you put out for your guests.
Shop the Bee Green Wraps range here
Reusable food covers are another great plastic-free solution for your bridal shower or kitchen tea event. Fabric food covers are perfect for covering over bowls, platters or plates to keep away from bugs and the weather. They can also be used to cover over the end of a block of cheese or a piece of fruit.
Reusable Food Cover Set - Flower Fantasy - $39.95
Tip 5: In lieu of gifts, ask your guests to make a small donation to a charity of the bride's choice:
Years ago, a bridal shower or kitchen tea was seen to be an opportunity for people to provide presents to a bride-to-be to furnish her new home. These days, most brides-to-be have already established their own home and have all the kitchen items they could possibly need. If you are a bride-to-be in this situation, consider asking guests to provide a small donation to a specified charity rather than giving you a gift. The donation will go to a good cause and you will be helping to reduce the level of waste generated by your home through limiting your consumption of material items.
If you are throwing a bridal shower for someone else, make sure you check with the bride before taking this step!
Tip 6: Go for reusable crockery, napery and mealware
To boost the sustainability factor at your bridal shower, where you can, try to avoid using disposable dishes, straws, cups and napkins for serving food and drinks. They’re incredibly wasteful and contribute greatly to landfill. Try reusable options instead - some of our favourites are below:
- Reusable Straws (Steel, Silicone or Bamboo): The Simple Sustainable Store
- Reusable Plates, Bowls and Cups: Way & Farer
- Linen Napkins: I Love Linen
Reusable Stainless Steel Straws (Pink) - $4.00 each
If you're worried about damaging your crockery, never fear - there are some disposable options that are slightly better. Biopak have a range of sugarcane plates and bowls which are certified home compostable and carbon neutral.
If you use this option, you need to make sure you actually have the ability to compost the items at home, otherwise they will be added to landfill just like plastic plates.