The demand for “green weddings” is increasing – not only to reduce wedding waste, but also to save money. We unveil the most popular sustainable wedding trends on Pinterest for the year ahead – that could help save both the planet and your bank account!

The most popular sustainable wedding trends of 2022

As the world becomes more aware of its own environmental impact, it’s no wonder sustainable weddings have grown in popularity over the years. The alternative can also be a lot cheaper and help make your wedding more affordable and eco-friendly.

A new study by money.co.uk has unveiled the most popular sustainable wedding trends on Pinterest for 2022 by looking at the most pinned images on Pinterest related to sustainable wedding search trends over the past year. Here are the results of the most sustainable wedding trends for the coming year.

Diamonds grown in the laboratory

This sustainable wedding ring was the most pinned item found in the study. Not only are lab grown diamonds more eco-friendly, but they are also on average 40-50% cheaper than mine-raised diamonds, immediately reducing the cost of your wedding.

Over the last 12 months, searches for “lab-grown diamond ring” have increased by 86% and specific searches for “lab-grown diamond engagement ring” have increased by 179%.

Other sustainable options found in our study are conflict-free rings, ethical rings, and vintage rings—all of which are far better for the environment and typically cheaper.

The most popular type of sustainable ring was a lab grown diamond with a recycled metal band, followed by vintage style pear cut alexandrite rings, bubble and breath bands and morganite diamonds.

Biodegradable leaf cuttings – an alternative to confetti

Searches for “biodegradable confetti” have increased by 123% over the last 12 months, specifically for “biodegradable confetti for weddings” which has increased by 222%.

While showering the newlyweds in colorful confetti may seem fun, it can actually be harmful to the environment and take nearly 1,000 years to break down, according to some experts. This trendy alternative requires only a hole punch (which you can buy for just £1) and leaves, making it the most popular and sustainable confetti alternative, as well as one of the cheapest.

Other sustainable and popular options for 2022 instead of confetti included birdseed, lavender, flower buds and petals.

Glassware and plants for sustainable wedding gifts

Jars with popcorn kernels performed best in the study for sustainable wedding favors; Glassware is a great sustainable material as it is fully recyclable, making it a perfect eco-friendly option for wedding favors.

But if that doesn’t appeal to you, why not offer reusable vintage glasses to take home after the wedding – or shot glasses?

Another great environmental option is plants. Plants that dominated the most sustainable wedding favors included sunflower seeds, a small potted plant, and a small plant in a shot glass.

Other strong searches included jars with popcorn kernels, vintage reusable jars, and personalized mugs.

Sustainable decorations

Dried flowers were the most sustainable wedding decoration to get the most pinning, and searches for “wedding dried bouquets” have increased by 50% over the past year. These are a far cheaper option as well as being environmentally friendly as they save water and energy and are biodegradable.

Ideas like using tree stumps or logs as cake stands came second in the Pinterest study, with flowers in recycled glass bottles third.

Overall, searches for “sustainable wedding decorations” have increased by 35% in the last 12 months. All of these options could help reduce the amount of money spent on your wedding by recycling existing bottles or drying your own flowers and help reduce wedding-related waste.

Other sustainable searches included biodegradable confetti, wedding dress, suit and bridesmaid dress rentals, and plantable wedding invitations.

Money.co.uk is a UK-based price comparison website launched in 2008. It compares financial products such as credit cards, savings deposits and mortgages.

More eco-friendly wedding tips

Some questions to think about when you and your partner are planning an eco-friendly wedding are: do we really need this? Can we rent or borrow it? What is it made of? where will it end To help you plan, we list more sustainable wedding tips below.

Wear a sustainable wedding dress

Could you ask a friend to make your dress? Or choose a fun style that doesn’t look too bridal, which means you can wear it again.

Other options might include renting a dress or buying one from an eco wedding dress designer like Luna Bride or Indie Bride. Find sustainable fabrics at Offset Warehouse.

Eco-friendly wedding invitations

Electronic invitations are the best way to keep things sustainable – try Paperless Post or Paperless Wedding for easier management and avoiding paper waste.

If you want real invitations, try recycled paper, which is easily recyclable (no glitter!) or recycled wildflower seed paper, which can be planted.

Eco-friendly wedding gifts

Set up a wedding list where people can contribute to honeymoon activities or donate to a charity through sites like Buy Our Honeymoon and Patchwork.

Eco-friendly wedding decorations

Choose a venue that is already decorated year-round, such as hotels or restaurants, such as fairy lights, candles in jars, and flowers that are already set up.

Look for UK grown flowers, preferably without pesticides like Organic Blooms which are UK grown and certified organic! Use natural, foraged, or used decor as much as possible.

Eco-friendly wedding venues

Try to choose a venue or caterer that serves mostly British, seasonal produce and uses no plastic, replacing plastic straws with cardboard alternatives and only dispensing them on request.

Talk to caterers beforehand about your waste reduction plans and see if they can accommodate you by things like composting leftovers, storing leftovers, working with a charity that collects food waste, and eliminating cling film.

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