This is the second installment we are doing on the “green wedding” movement. Hopefully you enjoyed our first blog , Who new GREEN could be so Yummy?. This time I would like to take the opportunity to talk about your bridal fashion. There are a lot of designers making green gowns, and are relatively affordable (between $600-$2,000). Most designers are literally taking materials directly from the earth. Making their designs from natural materials like; hemp silk, recycled cotton, vintage lace, and bamboo which can be used for structure and to make various fabrics. What a great way to help decrease our carbon footprints. Who knew being eco-chic could be so beautiful!

Does the “green gown” fit your style and budget?

One of the designer sites I came across was threadheadcreations. They don’t have a wide variety, but the dresses available are beautiful. If you are looking for more of a charismatic romantic feel, these are your dresses ladies. Plus, throughout the month of March they are offering and online sale…$100-$300 reduction on original prices. Another designer site I found that I really liked was lunarlife. They are out of South Africa, but are available for online shipping. There may be a currency adjustment necessary but their designs are amazing as well. All natural fibers, pigments , and dyes. For you brides with sensitive skin, but still want color, these sites may be worth checking out!

Budget friendly alternatives, used?

If the idea of buying a green dress isn’t your style or maybe doesn’t fit you budget, there are other ways you can still be “green”. Check out a consignment or secondhand store. They may have lightly used gowns for sale. Check the bridal stores is your area, some may rent gowns for the day and just charge for alterations. Another option to try is a vintage clothing store. Most cities have a few, but buyer beware you will be responsible for cleaning your gowns after purchase. Another potential setback with vintage gowns is sizing. Most range from size 2-10, so it may not work for all body types. You can also borrow a dress. Use your mother’s, sister’s, or a friend’s. If they don’t mind, see if they are agreeable to letting you make alterations. You can use their dress as a shell. Take it to a good seamstress and create your own bridal design!

Don’t forget about the wedding party!

There are a number of ways to go green for your wedding day. You have the same options to choose for your wedding party. The girls can find organic design, rent, or go secondhand. Your groom and groomsman might want to opt for rentals, but organic cotton suites are available as well (I was unsuccessful in finding tuxes though!). If you decide you would like to purchase a new gown, not made of organic materials, you can donate or sell it after your wedding. Any of these options you choose, you are still being eco-chic!

Check online for bridal stores in your area who might carry some organic designs. You might be surprised how many boutiques are carrying green designer lines. Don’t exclude secondhand or vintage design shops. Some of my favorite articles of clothing have come from these shops, there are so many unique finds! Don’t limit your shopping to just your dress, you can find green options for all your bridal fashion needs from jewelry and shoes, to veils and handbags. Take the girls with you and devote a day to shopping. You can tell the ball-and-chain “it’s research!”.

Images from ecostyleguide.squarespace.com, moodboard.typepad.com, and threadheadcreations.com

This entry was posted on Friday, March 12th, 2010 at 9:31 am and is filed under Green. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.