Behind every elegant sustainable wedding is a team of artisans whose work often goes unnoticed.
While eco-friendly celebrations are commonly associated with inexpensive materials, industry experts say it is the craftsmanship, rather than the cost of bamboo, palm leaves, or other natural elements, that defines the beauty, value, and uniqueness of sustainable wedding decor.
‘I think that’s the stereotype. When people think of inexpensive materials, they assume they’re always cheaper. But the craftsmanship required to transform those materials into something luxurious is part of the equation,’ Teddy Manuel, one of the country’s pioneering and most sought-after event stylists, told the BusinessMirror during Wedding Conversations held on July 15 at the AC Hotel by Marriott Manila in Ortigas Center, Pasig City.
Manuel explained that sustainable design goes far beyond simply arranging raw materials. Bamboo, palm leaves, or cogon cannot be used as decor without careful planning, artistic vision, and countless hours of skilled work to elevate them into elegant wedding installations.
He shared that one of his recent bamboo installations had already taken a week to complete, with the extensive labor contributing significantly to its overall value.
‘It’s not about the materials you use, but how you execute them and the labor behind them, the craftsmanship and the artistry,’ he said.
Manuel added that the value of these installations often extends beyond the wedding itself. Although they are temporary by nature, many pieces can be repurposed or donated after the event.
Decorative elements may find new life in galleries, homes, or community projects, allowing the craftsmanship to continue serving a purpose while reducing waste and supporting more sustainable celebrations.
The discussion formed part of Marriott International Philippines’ launch of ‘Where Love Takes You,’ which it described as its first wedding campaign in the country. Introduced in partnership with the ‘Let’s Celebrate’ expo, the initiative aims to showcase the group’s portfolio of hotels while promoting the Philippines as a destination for weddings and celebrations.
The campaign culminated over the weekend at the Let’s Celebrate Expo held at SPACE at One Ayala in Makati City, where leading event planners and designers, including Manuel, Gideon Hermosa, and Michael Ruiz, unveiled immersive installations demonstrating how sustainable materials and thoughtful design can be transformed into refined event settings.