Sustainable wedding dresses
If you’re a bride who has been recently engaged and are interested in zero waste, this dress guide has various options that I had considered for my own wedding, plus a few more! Check the video above for more visuals (description box on YouTube has links for the dresses shown), otherwise read on below for seven options for a more sustainable wedding dress.
*These principles can also be applied for your wedding shoes, and formal wear for those special events every year, because how many times have we all purchased a fancy outfit, only to wear it once or twice?
Borrow
Any chance your friend or sibling just got married and have a dress they no longer need? If you don’t want to look exactly the same as the person you’re borrowing from, considering getting a separate bridal piece such as a topper to make the look different. This works great on strapless dresses, but below are some pieces for inspiration.
Rent
There’s a good chance you won’t be wearing your wedding dress more than once. This is the most ideal option if you want to approach your wedding minimally, and avoid the clutter. You may be able to find a local boutique that rents out wedding dresses, but here are a few online options I’ve found.
The Black Tux - Tuxedos, shoes and accessories
Happily Ever Borrowed - Bridal separates, jewelry and accessories
Poshare - Bridal and bridesmaid dresses, and accessories
Rent the Runway - Bridal and bridesmaid dresses, and accessories
Buy used
There are a variety of websites that sell used wedding dresses and accessories if you’re unable to borrow or rent, and are a more affordable option than buying new. Some of these dresses may also be unworn, so you may score a lucky deal.
Borrowing Magnolia - Buy and sell used wedding dresses of all styles
Etsy - Find vintage wedding dresses from shops such as Maggie May Bridal
Nearly Newlywed - Buy and sell used wedding dresses, rings and accessories
Once Wed - Buy used wedding dresses, find ideas and vendors for your wedding
Poshmark - Purchase and sell all types of used clothing including wedding dresses for the bride and party
Preowned Wedding Dresses - Dress the bride, bridesmaids, mother of the bride, and flower girl with used pieces
Still White - Buy and sell used wedding gowns from a large selection of designers
Tradesy - Purchase and sell any type of clothing, and find a dedicated section of this site for weddings
Buy new, but sustainable
Consider the following brands for sustainable wedding dress options if you’re looking to buy new.
Celia Grace - Natural fabrics and beautiful dresses with a social mission
Christy Dawn - Boho chic dresses made with deadstock fabrics
Pure Magnolia - Eco friendly and vintage fabric dresses and separates
Reformation - Deadstock fabrics and sustainably made dresses for the bridal party and guests
The Cotton Bride - Versatile pieces made of all natural fabrics
Wear Your Love - Feminine dresses made from organic cotton and bamboo fabrics
Make your own
Are you an expert at sewing or have a family member or friend that is? Consider making your own, and sourcing some sustainable fabrics to make your wedding dress (cotton, linen, silk are some great options). Find some inspiration from people like With Wendy, one of my favorite YouTubers. She’s made her own wedding dress, and you can also get inspired by her various videos below.
Wedding Dress - Wonderful dress with a full skirt and strappy top
Prom Dress - Could also be used for bridesmaid or bridal gown with different color
Wrap Dress - Perfect for engagement shoots or elevate the look with different fabrics
Bodycon Dress - Make this dress floor length for a stunning minimalist gown
Make it multifunctional
Consider remaking your wedding dress so it can be used for everyday wear. You could also consider getting separate bridal pieces to be put together as your outfit for your special day, but then can be reused for everyday wear for more normal occasions.
Sell for someone else to wear again
If you want that wedding dress off your hands, consider buying a more traditional, timeless style that has higher potential to be worn again. The ‘Buy used’ section of this guide not only lists places you can buy used wedding dresses, but you can also sell on those sites too. If you have a dress from decades ago, you can also try to sell it at a local vintage shop - there may still be brides out there that want to go for a vintage look, and will alter the dress to have a more modern feel!
