People across the globe prefer brands that offer sustainable products and services, and over 40% of people are purpose-driven consumers - as found in a new study by IBM and the National Retail Federation. Ethical events - those which combine sustainability and fair working conditions - are also on the rise.  If you are celebrating your wedding soon and you'd like to ensure all your ethical and sustainability boxes are ticked, the following tips may be of help.

Choosing Ethical Jewelry Suppliers

Jewelry always plays a key role in weddings and wedding photos, with the magic starting at the engagement stage. Couples that value ethics can ensure they aren't purchasing 'blood diamonds' in one of two possible ways. The first is to buy conflict-free diamonds for items such as engagement rings and (if desired) wedding bands. As prescribed by the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, these diamonds are not "used to finance wars against governments," they are subject to national legislation and controls, they are made by companies that commit to transparent practices, and they trade with fellow members. The second choice is that of man-made diamonds, also known as lab diamonds. Lab diamonds give off a beautiful fire, and come in a variety of colors, though they are generally lower in price than natural diamonds. Synthetic diamonds are considered ethical because they do not exploit the earth or people, and they can be made with hydroelectric energy and other eco-friendly energy sources.

A Zero-Mile Wedding Feast

The 'zero-mile' or 'zero-kilometer' food movement seeks to support local growers and suppliers in order to benefit the community and to reduce the carbon footprint caused by transporting produce along large distances. Zero-mile food can be considered part of the 'slow food' movement, which aims to prevent the disappearance of local food cultures and traditions. When looking for a venue to celebrate your wedding, narrow your list down to those that embrace a comprehensive approach to food that respects the link between people, food, politics and culture. Delight guests with treats like biodynamic wine or sustainable tequila, and boost their health and wellbeing by serving dishes made with organic ingredients.

Supporting Ethical Wedding Fashion Companies

When selecting wedding attire for the bridal party, rely on wedding fashion brands that are known for their commitment to ethical working practices and sustainable fashion. Ethical fashion companies take a wide variety of measures - including those of reducing waste across the entire supply chain, measuring greenhouse emissions, using recycled materials, upcycling materials, minimizing the use of solvent-based chemicals, and joining organizations such as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition. Just a few ethical wedding fashion brands you may wish to look into include Pure Magnolia, Miranda Bennett Studio, Wear Your Love, Leanne Marshall, and Anita Dongre.

Consumers are increasingly placing importance on ethics and sustainability when it comes to celebrating important events such as weddings. If you are getting married soon, there are many ways you can do your share to make the planet a better place for all. These include relying on ethical suppliers and serving your guests a slow food feast they will remember in years to come.