By: Holly Perrier of Perrier Planning, WPICC, CWD
Define your eco-conscious mission
What environmentally friendly practice do you want to showcase in your shoot? Veganism? Upcycled décor items? Sustainable fabrics? Locally grown flowers and food? Flower-free design inspiration?
Create a statement piece
Every shoot needs a “wow” factor. Decide that right away. It could be a huge greenery wall, a flower installation coming out of a vintage car, a tablespace with an overflow of dreamy orchids, or a showcase arch. Show your audience (future couples) what you are capable of and be creative.
Connect with earth-conscious vendors
Start by finding a venue that has eco-conscious practices or a scenic spot in nature. To make your shoot eco-friendly you must find a florist who can source locally grown flowers, and they must be able to create arrangements and installations without using floral foam. You will also need a stationery artist who can source eco-conscious papers and a cake artist who locally sources their ingredients or makes vegan cakes. When sourcing a décor company, look for one that supplies linens in eco-conscious materials. An ethical jeweller is important too. You should source locally made wedding items (veil, ring box, favours), and ethically made outfits for your models too. And don’t forget to find a cruelty free and/or vegan hair and makeup team too.
Create a shoot day waste management plan (which sounds boring, but it’s super easy)
- When you send out your contract to all the vendors collaborating with you, make sure to include tips on how to keep the shoot day eco-friendly.
- Ask for plastic-free deliveries on the day of the editorial shoot.
- Ask all vendors to bring reusable water cups and mugs on the shoot day. Explain in the contract that you are trying to reduce waste. Then it’s on you to make sure there is a water source at the shoot so vendors stay hydrated. I usually have a box of hot tea and coffee for vendors, too.
- Providing a lunch? Make sure to have the food delivered in eco-conscious packaging.
- If you are having any type of food displayed in the editorial, remember to bring Tupperware containers to bring any leftover food home with you.
Wedding Pros:
Photographer: Sammie Chan ~ Venue: UNTITLED by Flaunt Boutique ~ Stylist / Planner / Designer: Perrier Planning Inc. ~ Floral Designer: Thyme Studio ~ Dress Boutique: Lea-Ann Belter ~ Cake Designer: Kate Frasch ~ Makeup Artist: UNTITLED by Flaunt Boutique ~ Hair Stylist: UNTITLED by Flaunt Boutique
~ Mens Formalwear: Andrew’s Formals ~ Rentals: The Event Rental Group
~ Stationery: Olumis Calligraphy ~ Accessories / Decor: Special Event Rentals ~ Ring: Meg Lizabet Jewellery ~ Crowns, Accessories and Crowns: The Loved One ~ Ring Boxes: The Nova Boxes
~Wine & Food Pairing: The Crimson Table
Holly Perrier, WPICC, CWD
Holly is the owner of Perrier Planning Inc. – an eco-conscious wedding and event planning company – that has branch locations in Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary. Perrier Planning aims to make the most important events in their clients’ lives as memorable and enjoyable as possible while taking the time to drastically lower their event’s carbon footprint. Holly currently lives in Alberta with her fiancé and two dogs, and travels to Toronto and Vancouver several times a year.
Photography by Brooke Mos. Photography Makeup by Lindsay MacLean
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