Let’s chat about the most iconic wedding topic... the wedding dress. In today’s article, we are sharing our top 5 tips to help you find the perfect gown while limiting environmental damages and respecting your sustainable values.
Covid-19 has influenced many couples to opt for an intimate wedding party. In fact, the latest studies have shown that many brides-to-be have had to rethink their wedding gown choice, by including more sustainable and durable dresses for their special day.
Grace Loves Lace’s market study has confirmed that on average, 53% of brides are considering ethical and sustainably sourced materials as a main choice driver. For those who are looking for a traditional dress, vintage is another increasingly popular option for environmentally conscious brides.
Whether you are looking for a brand new or second-hand wedding dress, the choice of your precious gown is a crucial decision to make. How do we stay sustainable when choosing the perfect wedding dress? Discover our five best tips below.
Green Weddings: 5 tips on How to choose a Sustainable Wedding Dress
Eco-friendly gowns start with recycled fabrics
Eco-friendly wedding dress designers tend to use recycled fabrics, as part of their design. These fabrics usually come from various sources such as older dresses, fabric off cuts or from synthetic fabrics such as plastic bottles.
For example, Grace Loves Lace introduced Lumi - this stunning gown is handmade from 96% recycled materials. It is such a pleasure to know that you can wear a beautifully constructed wedding gown while looking amazing on your wedding day and respecting your sustainable values.
1. The Fabrics' origin matters
Eco-responsible designers are paying high attention to the origin of the fabrics. While some of the nicest textile industries in Europe have shrunk over the last decades, manufacturing conditions and quality of fabrics have been improving in Asian or Middle Eastern countries. In fact, these countries have a lot of natural resources that allow them to make excellent quality textiles at lower prices.
Depending on the type of fabric you are looking for, you should be looking from various sources based on their specialties. You may want a fabric from France when it comes to lace production and consider Italy as an option for silk. Other luxury fabrics such as chiffon, velvet or satin could be produced in India.
2. Rational use of fabric
Eco-friendly designers are most likely to use a rational amount of fabric during the making process.
While the origin and quality of fabric are essential, using a ton of fabrics to optimize the cut of your dress is not optimal from an eco-friendly perspective.
When choosing your type of gown, considering the dress silhouette is an important matter when it comes to use of fabrics. For example, a Ball Room or A-line wedding gown requires more fabric (depending on the length of the train) than choosing a Mermaid Wedding Gown.
3. Second-hand and vintage wedding dresses
Your wedding gown is the masterpiece of your wedding. However, some brides may not be too sure about investing a large amount of money into a dress that they are going to wear for only one day.
For those who admire tradition, vintage is also an economic option for the eco-conscious brides. You could ask your mother or grandmother to take their gown out of the box for your wedding day. You can also buy or rent a wedding dress that has already been used before. Many brides are reselling their wedding dresses. There is a growing offer within the occasion-wear industry. If having a second-hand gown is an option for you, you might want to consider a dress that was made from sustainable materials.
There is always a way to make some alterations to your dress to make it unique and increase its value.
4. Choosing an eco-friendly brand
To avoid any unpleasant surprises, you may consider choosing a brand that specializes in sustainable wedding gowns. Some designers might even come with an extensive selection. Nowadays, there are so many options to consider when it comes to being sustainable on your wedding day. You can find a brand that sells beautiful, ethical bridal dresses to your taste, your budget, and your ethical values.
Grace Loves Lace in Atlanta
If you are looking for an eco-friendly brand in Atlanta, we have no doubt you’ll find the perfect dress to compliment your style, body shape and wedding type at Grace Loves Lace.
The Grace Loves Lace Atlanta showroom experience will not disappoint you. Our hand-crafted gowns are created from premium laces and silks and ethically made with the Grace Loves Lace woman in mind. Our stylists will be honored to be part of this special experience and will make sure that you find THE perfect sustainable wedding dress.
