Vintage or New, the 6 Best Places for a Sustainable Wedding Gown

From vintage to brand new, these are the 6 best places to shop for a sustainable wedding gown so that you can say yes to to an eco-friendly dress.

The 6 best places to buy a sustainable wedding gown

The fashion industry is one of the biggest contributors to the global climate crisis. Though the consumption of fast fashion is the main culprit for pollution and waste it doesn’t mean that the bridalware industry is exempt. And there is no reason why sustainability can’t be a part of your wedding theme as well.

According to a 2021 Newlywed Report, 20% of couples reported incorporating sustainable elements into their weddings in 2020. This included using recycled paper to eco-friendly food. But having a sustainable wedding dress could really be incredible. And the choices in this category are quite optimal!

How do you find a sustainable wedding gown?

But before we get to the brands lets talk about how to go about looking for a sustainable wedding dress. First of all, the definition of sustainable usually refers to products and processes that are ecologically and socially responsible. This includes how clothing and accessories are accessed, using natural or plant-based dyes, reducing water consumption and making sure the brand has healthy working conditions with fair labor conditions and ethical production methods.Here are some steps to take:

Look for Eco-Friendly Fabrics:

Look for dresses made from organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, or recycled materials.

Consider Secondhand or Vintage:

Consider purchasing a secondhand or vintage wedding dress. This is a sustainable and cost-effective option, and it can also be a unique and one-of-a-kind option.

Ask About the Production Process:

Ask the bridal shop or designer about their production process. Look for brands that prioritize sustainable and ethical practices, such as reducing waste, using eco-friendly dyes, and supporting fair labor practices.

Plan Ahead:

Sustainable wedding dresses may take longer to produce or may have limited availability, so plan ahead and give yourself enough time to find the perfect dress.

Think About the Future:

Consider the future use of your wedding dress. Look for a dress that can be worn again, repurposed, or passed down to future generations.

Where are some places to look for sustainable wedding gowns?

1. Reformation

Besides being one of the hottest brands on the market, Reformation has some prime sustainable wedding dresses and jumpsuits as well as bridal party outfits. Their site has many beautiful choices like this silk Ronda dress and for each option they tell you the individual sustainability impact of each piece of clothing including water and carbon dioxide savings.

2. Rent the Runway

Though the original idea behind Rent the Runway was partly so you wouldn’t have to repeat an outfit this brand is really driven on sustainability. You aren’t buying something you will only wear once. You are just borrowing it as are hundreds of other people. This reduces waste and saves you a lot of money. Plus they carry some incredible brands like Ramy Brook, Reem Acra, All Saints, Reformation and Ulla Johnson to name a few. Other rental alternatives are Lending Luxury and Nuuly. And while you’re at it rent a bag from Vivrelle.

3. Celia Grace

If you are looking for a sustainable brand for your wedding, Celia Grace is the epitome of that. This female-led dress company that focuses on using sustainable fabrics like organic cotton, silk, and hemp, and work with fair trade cooperatives to ensure fair wages and safe working conditions for their workers.They also donate a portion of their profits to programs that support education, health, and economic development in the communities where their dresses are made.

4. Rita Colson

Rita Colson dresses are known for their contemporary yet elegant looks and the fact that sustainability is a part of their concept makes them even more worthwhile. In addition to made to order dresses they also offer bespoke design. The Celeste dress is a particular standout.

5. Nordeen Bridal

Nordeen Bridal is another great choice especially if you are having an outside wedding that celebrates the beauty of nature. The brand takes inspiration from the earth and its exquisite landscapes and designs dresses for outside weddings in particular with a commitment to nature and preserving the environment. They have some gorgeous dresses but this pants ensemble is particularly memorable. Perfect for the after party or the main show!

6. Galvan London

This sleek label was started in 2014 with the intention to redefine evening wear for the modern day but they have also redefined bridalwear. Their ‘White Collection” was created with the intention of re-wearability. These don’t look like your typical wedding dresses and could easily be worn again and again. They are stunning so why wouldn’t you? The collection was produced individually at local London ateliers that all have sustainable working conditions or they made in micro-batches at European factories to prevent extra waste. The Mayfair Bridal Dress is a particular standout. And you could find stunning as well as consciously made wedding party and rehearsal dinner and after party dresses.

The 6 best places to buy sustainable wedding gowns