Wedding signage and stationery is more meaningful when used purposefully. In the past, we have designed many weddings without the use of paper goods or signage for this very reason, when we do display signs in our events, we make sure that they are intentional, inspirational and earth friendly.

eco-friendly ways to incorporate unique signage into your wedding or event

KHADI PAPER

Khadi cotton rag paper is handmade in India, but can be sourced in local stationery shops that specialise in arts and crafts. The beauty of working with this paper is how unique each piece is, not one sheet is identical to the other which adds character and raw beauty. Khadi paper is typically found in a shade of off-white (like the menu card in the top right image), but I was lucky enough to come across these black earth colours which are tinted with the native plant de-nar from the Himalayan forests of Eastern Bhutan, a sustainable and renewable resource.

WOODEN SIGNAGE

Wood is timeless, versatile and multifunctional. The great thing about using reclaimed wood for a welcome sign or seating plan is that you can use both sides of it. The centre image on the triangular piece was used first as a seating plan and the other side was filled with beautiful words that the bride and groom had said about each other and was a little surprise for them on their wedding day. The top left image was once a kitchen cabinet door, but in that wedding was used to greet the guests with words by the brides favourite poet. All the personalised wooden signage used in our events is taken home by our couples and given another life, another purpose.

PLACE SETTINGS

There is so much room for play when creating place settings. In the past we have used old ceramics, stones, leaves, cotton rag paper with splashes of watercolour, fruit, you name it! The most important thing is to have a talented calligrapher and to choose materials that align with the rest of the decor and colour palette.

TEXTILES

Anyone who has worked with me, will tell you how much I love to add textures into my designs. Linen is my favourite fabric because it hangs so gracefully and looks amazing beneath typed lettering or calligraphy. The sign in the left image is poetry by Rumi and was used as the backdrop of a bohemian lounge area for an intimate outdoor wedding. And the linen sign was a seating plan for an elegant wedding in Barcelona. Both were easily rolled up and packed into the luggage of the bride and groom to be taken home afterwards.

NEON

Renting or buying Neon can be quite the investment, they are delicate, awkward, heavy and not always suitable for outdoor use. I have a local manufacturer who custom designs neon signs for our events, which means we get to decide on the exact size, colour, font and background making it a unique detail and a beautiful backdrop once the sun sets. The best part about buying neon for your wedding is that you get to hang it up in your home afterwards - what a keepsake.

SUSTAINABLE WEDDING TIPS

If you can’t find it in nature, in a second hand boutique or for hire, then only buy it if you can find another purpose for it after your event. Nothing is worth buying for such a short lifespan.