How to Choose a Sustainable Wedding Dress

Nowadays, being environmentally conscious is a top priority for many people. A wedding dress is often considered one of the most unsustainable purchases one can make because it is a costly investment for a gown that is only worn once and left to gather dust in the back of a closet. 

Here are 8 reasons why you should consider a sustainable wedding dress for your big day:

1. Thrift your dress

You can find gently used and discounted wedding dresses on various websites and consignment shops. Buying a pre-owned dress is a sustainable option that reduces waste and emissions generated by new dresses. Wedding dresses are ideal for thrift purchases since they are typically only worn once. Stillwhite, Poshmark, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay, to name a few and are great online marketplaces to find your dream dress, and local thrift stores also offer a good selection. It may take some time, but the effort is worth it!

2. Rent it

Renting a wedding dress is another sustainable option. Bridal boutiques and online platforms offer rental services with reasonable prices and rental periods. It's recommended to rent by weeks instead of days and to rent tuxes as a group to get a free rental. Men's Warehouse is a quality option for tuxedo rentals.

3. Consider upcycling or repurposing

To make your wedding attire more sustainable, consider borrowing a dress, upcycling or repurposing a family heirloom or vintage gown. Skilled seamstresses can transform an outdated dress into a modern and unique design that fits your style perfectly. These options not only reduce waste but also add a personal touch to your wedding attire, while aligning with your values and creating a more environmentally friendly celebration.

4. Make your own dress

If you have a talent for sewing, or know someone who does, consider fashioning your garments – especially for the flower girls. With countless affordable and straightforward patterns available, and adorable fabric frequently on sale, the possibilities are endless.

5. Shop discontinued fabrics

Fabric stores and big fashion houses offer end-of-season fabrics and embellishments, such as silk ribbons and beaded flowers, at a discounted price to dress up clothing and accessories. These items are often considered dead-stock and will be discontinued and end up in landfills. Choose sustainable fabrics such as organic cotton, linen, hemp, and bamboo. These fabrics are grown without harmful chemicals and are biodegradable.

6. Find a seamstress who sews as a home-based business

People who do this are regularly cheaper, and can work around any scheduling difficulties you may have. Ask for recommendations; you may be surprised how easy it can be to find someone who can do anything from light alterations to complete dress fabrication right in your backyard.

7. Make your veil

Making something pretty by hand-sewing is easy and can save money. If worried, one can seek help from a friend who knows how to sew. You can also find many helpful videos on YouTube.

8. Choose Local or Made in the USA

Shopping locally for dresses and accessories is a sustainable choice, as it reduces the carbon footprint and supports the local economy. Buying local also means finding unique, stylish creations while helping neighbors make a living instead of large corporations. The community bond created by supporting local artisans cannot be replicated by big or international corporations.

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Thank you for reading!