When I founded The Red Rose Cake Co., my goal was to create wedding cakes that felt personal, joyful, and deeply meaningful. But as my business grew, I began asking myself a new question:
How can I make my cakes as kind to the planet as they are beautiful to look at?
Sustainability has become a guiding principle in my work — not as a marketing buzzword, but as a genuine commitment. Many of my couples care deeply about their environmental impact, from the food they serve to the florals they choose. It only feels right that their wedding cake should reflect those same values.
Here’s how I’m bringing sustainability into every recipe, ribbon, and buttercream swirl.
1. Sustainable Ingredients for Luxurious Flavours
Being a sustainable baker starts with what goes into the mixing bowl. I source as many ingredients as possible from local, ethical suppliers — free-range eggs, British butter and dairy free options, locally milled flour, (a difficult one) and seasonal fruits.
Not only does this reduce food miles, but it also supports other small businesses in my community. For the ingredients that can’t be sourced nearby, like chocolate and vanilla, I choose fair-trade, ethically produced options to ensure everyone in the process is treated fairly.
It’s a small change that adds a lot of goodness — in every sense of the word.
2. Reducing Food Waste in the Kitchen
Waste is one of the biggest challenges in any bakery, but it’s also where creativity shines. I’ve developed a few mindful habits that help me minimise waste:
- Planning bakes carefully so ingredients are used efficiently
- Repurposing offcuts for taster boxes or testing new flavours
- Composting fruit peels, eggshells, and other scraps
- Freezing leftover buttercream for future use
Every crumb counts, and I’ve found that mindful baking not only saves waste — it saves time, money, and energy too.
3. Eco-Friendly Cake Packaging
At The Red Rose Cake Co., I believe sustainability should look beautiful too. That’s why I’ve replaced single-use plastics with recyclable or compostable packaging, and I use sustainable taster boxes for samples. The tissue paper is a recycled option ad I try to limit the use of ribbons on the cakes unless they are made of recycled materials
The presentation still feels luxurious and elegant, but without unnecessary waste — proof that eco-friendly can still be high-end
4. Energy-Efficient Baking Practices
Sustainability in baking isn’t just about ingredients — it’s about energy, too. I use energy-efficient appliances, batch bake wherever possible, and am in the process of trying to replace the lights with LED lighting throughout.
By scheduling my baking days strategically, I minimise oven use and reduce electricity consumption — simple but effective changes that really add up over time.
5. Inspiring Sustainable Weddings
More and more couples are embracing eco-luxe weddings, choosing local florist growers, vintage décor, and sustainable menus. I love being part of that story.
Some of my favourite ideas include:
- Using fresh, locally grown flowers for decoration instead of imported blooms
- Recommending a “day-after” cake party to share leftovers with family and friends
It’s all about celebrating love consciously — and joyfully.
6. Luxury Meets Sustainability
Sustainability doesn’t mean compromise. Every cake I design is still bespoke, elegant, and full of personality — but now, it carries an extra layer of meaning.
For my couples, that’s incredibly special. They know their wedding cake isn’t just delicious — it’s designed with care for people, planet, and future celebrations to come.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a sustainable baker is a journey — one that evolves as new ideas and technologies emerge. But every small step feels like a win. Because if love is worth celebrating, so is the planet we share.
If you’re planning an eco-friendly wedding and want a cake that’s both luxurious and sustainable, I’d love to chat.
Get in touch to start designing your dream eco-luxe wedding cake today.
