White Dress, Green Wedding: Eco-Friendly Wedding Dress Ideas

An eco-friendly bride wonders how to incorporate her philosophy into her wedding dress style

I’m delighted that more and more bridal couples incorporate their eco-friendly philosophies into their weddings. Couples continue to come up with new and novel ways to express that preference.

A Hudson Valley bride asks: “Both my fiancé and I feel very strongly about preserving the earth for generations to come. Being eco-friendly for us is a mantra and a way of living. I’m having trouble incorporating this philosophy in attire for our wedding. Can you help?”

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The Wedding Guru says: I commend you on your efforts! A good place to start is to shop for a gown made from sustainable materials such as hemp, peace silk, organic cotton, bamboo, other silk blends, or vintage fabrics.

More of today’s designers produce gowns that fit that bill. Minna creates ethical, handmade wedding dresses out of vintage and certified organic fibers using sustainable techniques, like zero-waste cutting and local manufacturing. Celia Grace dresses are made from hand-woven silk and dyed using safe, nontoxic formulas. The makers of each dress are paid fair wages, work in safe and fair conditions, and are given benefits like paid maternity leave. (Celia Grace is currently applying for fair trade recognition, too.) Plus, for every dress sold, a water filter is donated to a family in need in Cambodia.

Another option: wear an heirloom gown, one that has been handed down in your family. Have it refitted to your body shape. There may be a friend whose gown might suit you and who’d be happy to allow you to borrow it. (If you do, have the gown cleaned. If you alter it — with permission — return it to its original size, if your friend would like you to do so.)

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After your wedding, why not continue your philosophy? Offer the gown to someone else to wear. Or consider remaking it into a cocktail dress or christening gown.

» More about green weddings
» More from The Wedding Guru
» Submit a question to the Wedding Guru
» Hudson Valley Weddings 2013

 

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