Sustainable event décor for corporate events: Sustainable styling from award-winning, eco-friendly planners

Where to start?

Here are some of our top tips to help you with your sustainable, eco-friendly décor.

1) Choose reusable and rental décor

Instead of single use items, reusable or rental décor can be a brilliant way to reduce waste and cost. Some great ways to go about this are to:

• Opt for locally sourced rental companies
• Avoid disposable plastics or short life props
• Invest in timeless pieces which may be reused for other events.

In case you’re struggling to imagine what could be changed, here are some sustainable event décor ideas for events:

• Wooden signage
• Fabric backdrop
• Fabric bunting
• Biodegradable confetti using flowers or leaves
• Led lights – energy efficient uplighting
• Solar powered lights for outdoor events
• Rechargeable candles
• Paper starlights
• Bamboo plates
• Compostable utensils
• Repurposed wine bottles or vases

2) Use natural and biodegradable materials

Using natural and biodegradable materials can give an authentic and sophisticated feel. You could use materials such as linen, bamboo and wood.

3) Use seasonal and local flowers

Imported flowers have a high carbon footprint. Local florists are the way to go and there are many benefits. Seasonal and local flowers stay fresher for longer, resulting in lower transport emissions. This also encourages support for small, independent, local businesses. A great idea could be to donate them after the event or even offer them to guests as event favours – not only sustainable but cost effective and rapport building.

4) Use alternative light sources

Alternative light sources include energy efficient LED lights or solar powered lights. LED lights use 80% less energy than traditional bulbs but can still provide sufficient light for a range of scenarios, ambient or fully lit.

5) Reduce waste with proactive, smart planning

Smart planning can be as simple as avoiding ordering too much décor and material and by, digitalising invitations and signage. Using multipurpose props that can be repurposed between events is a great way to build brand identity and image with consistent décor.

6) Partner with value-aligning, sustainable suppliers

Working with vendors who share your eco-friendly values is a great way to ensure they are met. You can ask specialised suppliers about their recycling and composting policies, their sustainable sourcing of materials and waste management or donation programmes. By sticking together, you can make a bigger positive impact on the environment.

This is where we come in as the perfect solution. At CCT we prioritise sustainability and eco-conscious values so when you book with us you know we can help you. We also plant a tree every time you book. Why not partner with CCT as your sustainable event planners.

Do you want to take sustainable event décor further?

If you would like a challenge and really want to demonstrate your commitment to the planet, why not try hosting a zero waste event?

A few ideas to get you started could be digital invites, clearly labelled recycling and compost bins, encouraging guests to bring reusable cutlery or plates.

This could be a whole theme of an event. You should market it as a challenge to guests or even incorporate a small sustainability win at your event, for example: “This event saved … by using entirely reusable décor.”

You could even go as far as encouraging your guests to travel sustainably. They could travel together, walk or use public transport.This could be organised by you as the event planner or a fun challenge for your guest, where maybe they win a party favour as a result.

Conclusion

Sustainability does not mean sacrificing style and it is more than a fleeting trend, it is about protecting the planet. We need to work together because greener events means a greener future.