Sustainable Wedding Dresses Full of Fashion and Good for the Earth
As a wedding photographer, I've been privileged to witness countless love stories unfold. But when a couple embraces sustainable wedding choices, it adds an extra layer of depth and beauty to their journey. These weddings are a testament to the fact that love can be a force for positive change, not just in our hearts but in the world around us.
I spoke about sustainable wedding practices in this blog post here. We may not realize the impact a wedding day can have on our planet. The Green Bride Guide states that the average wedding produces 400 lbs of garbage and 63 tons of CO2. With an estimated 2.5 million weddings per year, that is about 1 billion lbs of trash and as many emissions as approximately 4 people would produce in a year, in just one single day. And those numbers are most likely on the rise when you look at what today’s weddings look like. It’s more important than ever for couples getting married to really think about the footprint of their special day. Especially when there are so many green alternatives out there.
I am passionate about sustainable wedding practice, and in this post I will share tips for eco-friendly wedding dresses.
Eco-Friendly Fabrics: Traditional wedding dresses are often made from materials like silk, which may involve the use of pesticides and harm to silkworms. Sustainable wedding dresses, on the other hand, are often made from eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton, hemp, Tencel, and recycled fabrics. These materials have a lower environmental impact and are cruelty-free.
Ethical Production: Look for wedding dress designers and brands that prioritize ethical production practices. This includes fair wages and safe working conditions for the garment workers involved in making the dresses. Ethical production also minimizes the carbon footprint of the dress.
Cruelty-Free: Vegan wedding dresses are typically free from any animal-derived materials like silk, wool, or leather. This ensures that no animals are harmed in the making of the dress. Instead, designers use synthetic alternatives or plant-based materials.
Upcycled and Vintage Dresses: Another sustainable option is to consider upcycled or vintage wedding dresses. These are pre-loved gowns that have been given a second life. Choosing a vintage dress not only reduces waste but also adds a unique, timeless element to your wedding attire.
Local and Handmade: Supporting local designers and artisans can also be a sustainable choice. Locally made dresses often have a lower carbon footprint since they don't have to travel long distances. Additionally, handmade dresses can be customized to your preferences and reduce the mass production of wedding attire.
Minimal Waste: Sustainable wedding dress designers often aim to minimize waste by using efficient cutting techniques and repurposing leftover fabric. You can inquire about a designer's waste-reduction practices when selecting your dress.
Renting and Borrowing: Consider renting a wedding dress or borrowing one from a friend or family member. This significantly reduces the environmental impact associated with manufacturing a new dress.
Longevity: Choose a wedding dress that you can wear on other occasions or have altered into a more wearable garment after the wedding. Extending the life of your dress is a sustainable choice.
Transparent Supply Chain: Look for brands that provide transparency about their supply chain and production processes. Brands that openly share information about their sustainability practices are often more committed to reducing their environmental impact.
Accessories and Footwear: Don't forget to consider sustainable accessories and footwear to complement your wedding dress. Vegan leather shoes and accessories made from sustainable materials are excellent choices.
Here are a few brands I love that support these practices:
It's easy to feel overwhelmed when planning a wedding, and trying to choose eco-friendly and sustainable practices can feel like an even bigger undertaking. However, I want to encourage you that even small adjustments can truly make a huge impact! Each decision to prioritize sustainability, whether through your wedding dress, floral choices, or decor, is a step toward a more beautiful and compassionate world. Your wedding day can be a celebration of love not just for each other but for the Earth as well. So, as you embark on this remarkable journey, remember that every conscious choice you make has the power to create a more sustainable and love-filled future. Here's to a wedding day that reflects not just your commitment to each other but also your commitment to the planet we all share.
Coral Dove Studio is based in Tennessee - Available Worldwide
We are a photography studio for creative couples, people, and brands.
We specialize in emotive film and super 8 visuals that capture your most honest moments through an artistic point of view.
If you have any more questions or would like to schedule your own session or wedding, send us an email at info@coraldove.com
