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Eco-Friendly Wedding Invitations for the Sustainable Bride

Your wedding day is a significant event to be celebrated, and choosing eco-friendly wedding invitations is an excellent way to make a lasting impression. In this modern age of sustainability, more and more couples are turning to eco-conscious options for their special day. There are several ways to achieve this, from using recycled paper to plantable seed paper and digital invitations, without compromising style or elegance.

By opting for eco-friendly wedding invitations, you not only reduce your carbon footprint but also make a statement about your commitment to the environment. Your guests will appreciate the thoughtfulness and beauty of your eco-conscious choice from the moment they receive their invitations.

Whether you're a nature lover, an environmentally conscious individual, or simply looking for unique ways to make your wedding stand out, this guide is for you.

The Rise of Eco-Friendly, Sustainable Weddings

In recent times, more and more couples are opting for eco-friendly weddings, realizing the significance of reducing their environmental impact. They are seeking sustainable alternatives not only for invitations but for various aspects of their weddings. The wedding industry is reflecting the rise of eco-consciousness, with vendors and designers offering eco-friendly options to cater to this growing demand.

Eco-friendly weddings are not just a reflection of the couple's values but also an opportunity to inspire their guests and create awareness about sustainability. With choosing eco-friendly wedding invitations, couples can set the tone for their wedding and showcase their commitment to making environmentally responsible choices.

We have a post dedicated to Sustainable Wedding Tips here!

Why Choose Eco-Friendly Wedding Stationery?

Wedding invitations are the first glimpse your guests get into your special day. They set the tone, create excitement, and convey the overall theme and style of your wedding. Choosing eco-friendly wedding invitations can make a positive impact on the environment while creating a memorable experience for your guests. One of the main reasons to choose eco-friendly wedding invitations is to reduce your carbon footprint. Traditional wedding invitations often use paper made from virgin materials, which contributes to deforestation and habitat destruction. With eco-friendly alternatives, such as recycled paper or plantable seed paper, you can help conserve forests and minimize your environmental impact.

Furthermore, eco-friendly wedding invitations can be just as stylish and elegant as traditional options. With advancements in design and printing techniques, you can find a wide variety of eco-friendly invitation styles to suit your wedding theme and personal taste. Whether you prefer a rustic, bohemian, or modern aesthetic, there are eco-friendly options available to match your vision.

Types of Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Wedding Invitations

There are plenty of eco-friendly wedding invitations to choose from. You can opt for traditional paper invitations or go for more innovative and unique alternatives. Either way, you'll find something that fits your style and preferences.

1. Recycled Paper Invitations: A great way to be eco-friendly when choosing wedding invitations is to opt for those made from recycled paper. These invitations are made from post-consumer waste, which helps reduce the need for new paper production and minimizes waste. You can find recycled paper invitations in various colors, textures, and finishes, making it easy to find the perfect match for your wedding theme.

2. Plantable Seed Paper Invitations: Consider an eco-friendly and unique option for your invitations by choosing plantable seed paper. This special type of paper is biodegradable and contains wildflower seeds or herbs. After the wedding, your guests can plant the invitations in their gardens or pots. As a result, the paper will decompose and the seeds will grow into lovely flowers or herbs. By using plantable paper invitations, not only can you reduce waste, but also give your guests a memory that will grow and flourish, just like your love.

3. Digital Invitations: In this digital era, sending out digital wedding invitations is a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional paper invitations. Digital invitations can be easily personalized, incorporate interactive elements, and can be shared effortlessly with guests via email or wedding websites. They eliminate the need for printing and mailing paper invitations, reducing waste and saving resources. Digital invitations are also an excellent option for couples on a tight budget or those planning a destination wedding, as they allow for easy communication and RSVP tracking.

4. Reusable Invitations: Consider choosing reusable invitations as a creative option for your wedding. Not only do they reduce waste, but they can also be used beyond the wedding day. You can repurpose them as home decor, bookmarks, or even for other special occasions. How cute would it be to send invites out on tea towels or cups?

Our Favorite Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Wedding Invitations:

1. Artifact Uprising

Materials: recycled paper, reclaimed wood, eco-friendly inks

Artifact Uprising is a company that specializes in creating high-quality photo prints, photo books, albums, cards, and calendars. They offer a variety of themes and designs to choose from, and all of their products are customizable to ensure you get the perfect end product. What sets Artifact Uprising apart is their commitment to sustainable and ethical production. They produce all of their stationery products in the USA, using eco-friendly materials such as 100% recycled paper and eco-friendly inks. This ensures that their products are not only beautiful, but also environmentally responsible.

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2. Botanical Paperworks

Materials: biodegradable seed paper made from post-consumer waste

This paper is unique, and your guests might never have seen anything like it before.

The plantable paper is an eco-friendly paper made with post-consumer materials and embedded with seeds.

When you plant the paper in a pot of soil, the seeds germinate, and the paper decomposes. All that remains are beautiful flowers or herbs.

You can choose the type of plantable paper you want, depending on your preference!

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3. Flower Seed Paper

Materials: plantable seed paper made from 100% recycled card stock

Here's a plantable paper stationary brand that offers a unique feature - a DIY wedding stationery kit. If you love doing your own printing or calligraphy, then this brand, Flower Seed Paper, is perfect for you. Additionally, they have a wide range of wedding and event supplies, such as table cards, favor boxes, confetti, and more. What I really appreciate about all the plantable paper is how organic and natural it appears. It's perfect for eco-friendly weddings and adds a touch of uniqueness to your special day.

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4. Greenvelope

There is a wonderful virtual option available to send wedding invitations in an eco-friendly way.

You can create elegant and fun personalized e-mail cards using customizable templates.

The cards come with RSVP tracking and you can even attach a details page that viewers can click on to see additional information about the event, such as maps, gift registries, and hotel information.

What's more, your purchase supports 1% for the Planet. So not only are you choosing an environmentally responsible way to send greeting cards, you're also contributing to a good cause.

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5. Minted

Materials: recycled paper, eco-friendly inks

Minted is a company that offers a variety of personalized stationery such as cards, invitations, and announcements. Their products are designed by independent artists who have created unique and stylish designs. Minted provides various customization options, including foil-stamping, to make your invites stand out. In addition to their designs, Minted is committed to using high-quality, 100% post-consumer recycled paper and eco-friendly inks in their products.

They have also switched all of their packaging to recyclable or compostable materials.

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6. Paper Culture

Materials: 100% post-consumer recycled paper, bamboo, organic cotton

Based in California, Paper Culture offers a range of eco-friendly stationery products in contemporary designs, including DIY cards (add your own photos and messages), invitations, save the date, and thank you cards.

For every order placed, Paper Culture plants a tree. They contribute to national and international arborists to plant trees all over the world, and they also plant them themselves.

They have planted over 1 million trees to date!

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7. Evite

Are you thinking of reducing the amount of physical mail you send?

Creating virtual invitations is a great option as it is not only easy but also cost-effective. Since most people have an email address, using virtual invitations can help you save money. Evite is an excellent platform for designing wedding stationery. You can also use it for other special occasions such as bachelor parties, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, and more.

Even if you plan to send physical invitations for the main event, using Evite for the smaller events can be a perfect way to save time and money.

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8. Anchal

Materials: recycled paper

These beautiful cards made of 100% recycled paper by Anchal are perfect for expressing gratitude in various occasions such as showers, weddings, and more. The cards are blank, so you can customize them for any purpose.

Anchal is a design studio with a mission to empower women all over the world. As a member of the Fair Trade Federation, Anchal works closely with artisan makers who receive a living wage for their work. The studio produces naturally-dyed textiles including bedding, apparel, accessories, and more, all of which are stunningly beautiful.

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A Guide to Renting Designer Dresses

When there is a special event on the calendar, it’s common to go shopping for something new for the occasion. While this isn’t sustainable for the Earth or your wallet, the good news is there are plenty of options to help you look and feel your best without contributing to the disposable fashion cycle. Whether shopping for a special event or just a special date night, renting designer dresses online is an easy way to save money and reduce pollution and your carbon footprint while feeling good in the clothes you wear. 

Why rent designer dresses?

For the planet.

By renting your clothes, especially when you don’t plan to wear the outfit again, it helps to minimize the environmental footprint associated with manufacturing, shipping, and disposing of clothing items. By encouraging the reuse of garments and extending their lifespan, dress rental services contribute to the reduction of textile waste and the conservation of resources. On average, renting one piece of clothing can save up to 24% water, 6% energy, and 3% CO2 emissions compared to buying a new item according to an LCA research study. This helps to combat the growing problem of fashion waste and encourages a more circular fashion cycle.

For your style.

Enjoy feeling more carefree with your closet by renting clothing that allows you to experiment with your personal style with no buyers remorse. You will have access to a wider variety for different occasions without having to invest in a large wardrobe of pieces you rarely wear. If you tend to avoid trying new trends or are wanting to be more creative with your wardrobe without the risk, clothing rental services are a great option for this. You don’t have to worry about feeling wasteful when the dress is longer in style, if you change your mind or if you only need the dress for a single special event because it will still have use after you are finished with it.

For your budget.

Renting dresses typically means spending a fraction of the cost compared to the cost of purchasing new items. Instead of spending money on a dress you may only wear once, renting it allows access to designer dresses for a fraction of the price. Rental services also eliminate impulse spending and more conscious consumption. With sales and promotions removed from the equation of purchases, there are no impulse buys you regret just because it was a good deal. When you rent clothes, you also don't have to worry about any costs the garment requires such as dry cleaning or repairs. Rental services typically handle these tasks as part of their service, which will save you money and time. 

The rise of rented fashion

If you are noticing a surge in clothing rental options, its because the business model is on the rise. The clothing rental market is estimated to reach 1.77 billion this year with continuous and consistent rise expected through 2029, Mordor Intelligence reports. As many people are realizing the impact of fast fashion but not wanting to sacrifice their wardrobe, rented fashion is becoming more popular. Constantly changing your wardrobe has been fueled by social media and the constant bombardment of trendy shopping hauls. However, it has also increased the appeal for clothing rental services because they provide an easy solution for evolving your style without the commitment.

Our Favorite Online Dress Rental Shops:

1. Armoire

Armoire offers monthly subscription plans that allow you to keep items for 30 days before returning.

The company offers free shipping, free dry cleaning, and free monthly personal styling with a stylist.

If you are an unlimited member, you can send back any items that aren’t a good fit for new options right away. Size availability ranges from sizes 0R through 24W and also include maternity.

The clothing options vary from semi-formal style to everyday casual clothing so you can rent more than just designer dresses.

Designers in their inventory include Adrianna Papell, Diane Von Furstenberg, Lilly Pulitzer, and more!  

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2. Rent The Runway

Rent The Runway offers flexible designer dress rental options with both monthly subscription plans and one-time dress rentals.

With a large inventory of sizes, styles, and designers, you are likely to find something perfect and ready to wear for every occasion.

Rent the Runway offers sizes 00US through 22US along with maternity sizes. Dry cleaning services are included in the rental fee and there are also a variety of accessories, bags, and sunglasses available to complete the look. Designers in the Rent The Runway repertoire include Herve Leger, Rebecca Minkoff, Gucci, and Badgley Mischka.

One of the major perks of Rent The Runway is the company offers one free backup size with every one-time rental so if you are unsure of sizing or between sizes, you are more likely to have the perfect fit, with no extra charge. Rent The Runway also provides a lot of information and reporting about their efforts to increase sustainability within their own business and through their rental service, you can read more about it on their sustainability page.

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3. Nuuly

Nuuly offers a monthly subscription plan for six items.

The monthly fee includes free shipping and free dry cleaning for all items. Size availability includes XS through XL, with some brands offering petite and plus sizes depending on the style.

Designers featured in the Nuuly “closet” include Anna Sui, Halston, and Ronny Kobo along with many other small labels. Nuuly does not currently have high-end or couture designers in their inventory but there are a lot of options for wedding guest dresses, brunch or luncheon events, and dresses perfect for your next vacation.

Nuuly is a popular choice if you are looking for a unique piece as they have specific collaborations with designers that are only available through Nuuly.

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4. Haverdash

Haverdash offers more casual dress styles for a no commitment monthly subscription.

While the designers are smaller labels and boutique brands, there is a lot of variety and size options are often available in all dress styles.

Haverdash offers the option to switch out your three styles all month long so while you can only have three at a time, you have unlimited rotations.

If you only need a dress for a special event, you can return it and select another item to enjoy the rest of the month with your other two selections.

Size availability includes XS through XL and availability varies between brands and styles. Brands available in the Haverdash closet include Nicole Miller, Rebecca Minkoff, Vince, and Line and Dot.

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5. Nova Octo

Nova Octoo offers trendy and fashion-forward designer dresses that will suit any occasion you have coming up. Their website is a breeze to shop with filters that let you sort by designer, occasion, body shape, and dress style. If you’re unsure what you are looking for or want to experiment with something new, virtual styling appointments with their staff stylist are available. 

Size availability ranges from sizes 0US through 16US and the company is hoping to expand size ranges as the company grows.

Novo Octo also offers accessory rental, which you can pick to complement your dress rental. Designers featured in their inventory include Oscar de la Renta, Monique Lhuillier, Dolce and Gabbana, Marchesa, and many more!

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6. Janet Mandell

Janet Mandell offers four-day rentals for high fashion and unique dresses. If you are looking for dresses along the style of what you see on the red carpet, Janet Mandell usually has a similar look or dress by the same designer. Styles by designers like Alexander McQueen, Balmain, Carolina Herrera, Celine, Christian Dior, and Elie Saab are just a few of the large design house names. Due to the quality of designer dresses in their inventory, the selection is more limited because not all dress styles are available in all sizes.

Usually, just one size is available per dress. However, you can shop by size and easily see all the options that might work and further narrow your search by designer, occasion, and color. Janet Mandell also has a variety of casual clothing, accessories, handbags, and shoes if you want to rent a complete look.

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7. Borrow by The Ensemble

Borrow by The Ensemble has designer dresses for every event and occasion. With styles from brands like BCBGMAXAZRIA, Aiden Mattox, Dress the Population and Adrianna Papell. Dresses are available to rent per item for 14 days with an optional extension period. Initial shipping and return shipping are both free along with free dry cleaning and there are no additional fees for garment wear and tear. Size availability ranges from XXS through XL or 0 through 14 depending on the designer and style.

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Additional options for renting designer dresses

Le Ora, Tulerie and By Rotation are community-based rental services where you can borrow dresses and other items from people’s personal closets. All lenders and renters go through an application process to verify their information before being allowed to lend or rent items. This makes the process much more intimate and personal but allows you to find one-of-a-kind or vintage items that most larger companies wouldn’t have in their inventory.

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About the Author

Karmen Flores is a creative entrepreneur based in Michigan. Karmen shares all about plant-based, sustainable, intentional living on her blog, Karmen Collective. From recommendations for all things plant-based to tips for living more sustainably, Karmen makes living with intention less intimidating and more accessible. You can connect with Karmen on Instagram @karmencollective and at www.karmencollective.com

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Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. This post is also sponsored in part by AGAATI. We only ever add brands & products we truly believe in. Thank you for supporting the brands who are making the fashion industry a better place!

sustainable brands making party, cocktail and formal dresses

Do you have a special event or a wedding to attend soon? We’ve brought together the best sustainable brands making stunning dresses and gowns for you on your evening out!

Why choose a sustainable formal dress?

Many formal evening dresses you find today are made from synthetics to give an appearance of silk or look more expensive than they actually are. They also use a lot of sequins and beadings made from plastic, which makes them even more challenging to decompose over time. Finding a sustainable and ethical formal gown is definitely harder to do, but a few brands are working to change this - and of course, you can always purchase second-hand!

Understanding the impact of fast fashion on the environment

Fast fashion has revolutionized the way we consume clothing. With its low prices and rapid turnover, it's tempting to constantly update our wardrobes. However, this fast-paced industry comes at a high cost to the environment. The production of fast fashion garments contributes to pollution, deforestation, and the depletion of natural resources. Additionally, the disposal of these cheaply made clothes leads to overflowing landfills and further damage to our planet. As consumers, we have the power to break this cycle by choosing sustainable alternatives.

The importance of Sustainably made formal dresses

Formal attire is often associated with special occasions and milestones in our lives. It is a reflection of our personal style and can make a lasting impression. By choosing ethically made formal dresses, we not only look good but also support brands that prioritize sustainability. Formal dresses crafted with care have a smaller environmental footprint compared to mass-produced alternatives. They are made to last, reducing the need for constant replacements, and are often created using eco-friendly materials and processes. Investing in a sustainable formal dress means making a statement that transcends fashion trends and aligns with our values.

Benefits of choosing a Sustainable formal dress

Opting for sustainably made formal dresses offers numerous benefits. Firstly, these dresses are typically made from high-quality materials that ensure longevity. They are designed to withstand the test of time and maintain their elegance, so you can wear them for multiple occasions without worrying about wear and tear. Secondly, by supporting ethical fashion brands, you are contributing to the well-being of garment workers. These brands prioritize fair wages and safe working conditions, ensuring that the people behind your dress are treated with dignity. Lastly, choosing ethically made formal dresses allows you to showcase your personal style while being a responsible consumer. You can hold your head high, knowing that your outfit represents your commitment to sustainability and positively impacts the fashion industry.

How to identify sustainably made formal dresses

Identifying sustainably made formal dresses can be a daunting task, but there are key indicators to look out for. Firstly, check if the brand is transparent about its supply chain. Ethical brands often provide information about the materials used, the production process, and the working conditions of their employees. Look for certifications such as Fair Trade or GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) as they indicate a commitment to ethical practices. Additionally, consider the durability of the dress. Sustainably & ethically made formal dresses are designed to last, with attention to detail and quality craftsmanship. Finally, research the brand's values and mission. If they prioritize sustainability and social responsibility, chances are their formal dresses align with those principles.

Typically, for a garment to be considered ‘sustainable,’ it should be eco-friendly, ethically made, lasting, and accessible. Of course, we could make a long list of what a sustainable garment should be, but these are the key characteristics I look for when deciding on my purchase. To better break it down, here is a simple checklist at the end of this post. Also, look for eco-friendly fabrics like organic and recycled fibers - these brands listed below use conscious materials to create stunning designs. We understand no brand is perfect, but we are thankful to find several that are considering the planet and people when creating sustainable formal dresses and gowns!

now, our top picks for sustainable cocktail & formal dresses:

1. AGAATI

Price | $120-1,500

AGAATI designs are thoughtfully produced with a zero waste philosophy. The makers are trained to reduce {& recycle/upcycle} waste while pattern making, cutting and sewing. They make it a point to have as little waste as possible, and with what they do have, they think of creative ways to reuse. AGAATI uses natural fibers & non-toxic dyes for all of their pieces. Biodegradable fibers like cotton, silk & wool are the most popular choices for the designs, & handwoven textiles are used for at least half of them. 

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2. Made Trade

Price | $34-298

Made Trade is home to hundreds of ethical and sustainable brands, and they have a great collection of special occasion dresses for all different sizes.

With Made Trade, you are able to easily shop your values since each product clearly indicates what you are supporting!

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3. Amour Vert

Price | $32-278

If you are looking for great little black dresses, Amour Vert is the place to start. They have some really sweet and sophisticated silk dresses, as well.

A classic favorite in sustainable fashion, Amour Vert makes 97% of their clothing right here in the US. This brand uses a lot of beautiful, sustainable fabrics like TENCEL, Organic Cotton, Certified Silk, Ethical Wool & Hemp. Even their packaging is eco-friendly & compostable!

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4. Sezane

Price | $190-265

Sézane is a sustainable brand based in Paris that crafts high-quality clothing and accessories for women who want to wear their pieces year after year. As someone who owns a few of their dresses, I can tell you the quality is some of the best within my closet!

Sézane is a B Corp, and it has recycled over 13,000 clothes so far thanks to its recycling program.

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5. Whimsy & Row

Price | $62-278

Founded in 2014, Whimsy & Row is a lifestyle brand creating clothing, accessories and home goods for eco-conscious women. The company has a few models of long, elegant dresses that could be worn to formal events. They are all made from a blend of Tencel and cupro, making them look and feel like silk. Hypoallergenic and thermo-regulating, this cool fabric is made in a closed-loop system using cotton fibers that are usually thrown away. The brand produces its products with only upcycled, locally sourced and low-impact materials.

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6. Daughters of India

Daughters of India is a slow, sustainably handmade fashion label.

Through supporting Indian artisans and women in the workplace, they work to bridge the gap between artisan and consumer, preserve generational traditions, and encourage women's empowerment.

They also pride themselves on creating sustainably handmade garments embodying comfort, femininity, and versatility. 

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7. Transcend

Inspired by the colors and textures of India’s shopping bazaars, Transcend’s dresses and separates are handmade and embroidered by artisans out of eco-conscious fabrics like organic cotton and linen.

Founder and Designer Nazia Siddiqui wanted to make high-quality embroidery and prints accessible to women through timeless silhouettes.

These pieces are designed to last, with an incredible attention to detail—one dress can take up to 70 hours to make!

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8. Reformation

Price | $44-498

Reformation specializes in selling sustainably-made clothing and shoes for women. In addition, the brand creates dresses for any special occasion, including weddings and proms. Their dresses are produced using silk, Tencel, viscose, organic cotton & more. For most pieces, you get to see how much water was saved and how many carbon emissions were avoided during production. Reformation is climate-neutral certified and a member of Textile Exchange, the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, and the Fair Labor Association. 

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9. Cleobella

At Cleobella, sustainability and ethical practices are the core of their brand, and they work with local artisans and small factories, creating jobs and sustainable incomes worldwide.

Every piece is ethically handmade, and helps preserve traditional heritage techniques. In addition, they love to use eco-friendly fabrics like GOTS Organic Cotton, Ecovero, Linen & Hemp!

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10. Stella McCartney

Price | $657-8,500

I drool over these dresses. Stella McCartney is definitely on the pricier side of things, but I would LOVE to wear one of their dresses one day.

While this is the more luxurious side of fashion, Stella McCartney is very serious about sustainability. They work hard to source some of the best fabrics for their collections, and they hold a high standard of ethics for manufacturing. This is something I wish we would see more of in luxury fashion!

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11. Christy Dawn

Price | $198-498

Christy Dawn is the place to go if you are looking for a more casual, bohemian-style dress!

They have so many different designs to choose from and are very transparent about their pricing and manufacturing. I just love all of their unique prints & silhouettes.

Christy Dawn also carries extending sizing up to 3X and petite sizes.

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Conclusion: Embracing sustainable fashion for a better future

In conclusion, sustainable fashion is a powerful way to make a statement with your formal attire. By choosing ethically made formal dresses, you can express your style while supporting brands that prioritize sustainability. The impact of fast fashion on the environment is undeniable, but through conscious consumer choices, we can drive change in the fashion industry. Look for brands that are transparent about their practices and prioritize fair wages and safe working conditions. Promote sustainable fashion by styling your outfit in a way that showcases your commitment to the planet. Support sustainable fashion brands and spread the word about their ethically made formal dresses. Together, we can create a future where style and sustainability go hand in hand.

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What to do with Old Wedding Dresses

For countless people, the day of their wedding is a day they look forward to for years. It's a great occasion to celebrate your relationship and spouse with your family and friends and, of course, to have a good time with everyone you hold dear.  

For many of us, it is also the perfect occasion to go big and bold with our outfits by wearing something we wouldn't normally wear in our everyday life. After all, most of us wouldn't show up at the grocery store in a tuxedo. 

The same goes for wedding dresses. Often these dresses aren't just any dress to those who wear them, but a cherished memento that can hold a lot of memories and mean a lot to the wearer. If you bought one for your wedding, chances are your wedding gown is the most lavish, elaborate garment you have ever owned.  

Why you might want to give your old wedding dress a new life

Given all the sentimental meaning this type of dress can have for those who choose to wear it on their wedding day, it’s easy to see how simply storing it in a closet might feel like an underwhelming end for the dress we wore on one of the most memorable days of our life. 

Plus, we have all heard that the most sustainable thing we can do when it comes to our clothes is to wear them as much as we can, and while wearing a wedding gown in our everyday life may not be precisely feasible, we can still reuse it and repurpose it. 

Doing that won't only lower the environmental impact of the gown, but it will also allow us to cherish the dress we wore on such a special day and the fond memories it holds. We might not often get to spend a day laughing and celebrating with all we love, but we might get to remember that day by giving a new life to our beloved wedding dress and bringing it into our everyday life. 

1. Dye it and re-wear it 

While there are many more budget-friendly options for wedding dresses, such as choosing a hand-me-down wedding dress or purchasing a second-hand one, wedding dresses tend to be quite an investment. That's why it makes perfect sense both environmentally and financially to wear it if that is something we are comfortable with and suits our personal style. 

This option may be perfect for those who chose a dress closer to a special occasion or even an everyday dress rather than a classic wedding gown. It is, in fact, way easier to adapt a wedding dress for day-to-day wear if it doesn't have a full skirt and a structured or heavily decorated top. If that's you, you can take your dress from reception dinner to dinner with your besties appropriate with just a few touch-ups. 

If you went with the classic white or off-white for your wedding dress, dyeing the dress might be a great idea to make your wedding dress more wearable outside the wedding hall.

To turn this alteration into a fun and sustainable activity, you might want to look into dyeing your dress using plants and flowers that are locally available to you. That will make the result more sustainable and more unique.

2. Donate it 

Your wedding dress has already accompanied you during a meaningful and memorable day. To give even more meaning to your wedding dress, even after your wedding day is over, you can choose to donate it. 

By donating your dress, you will allow your dress to make someone else happy on their wedding day and support a charitable cause. In fact, by mindfully parting from your old wedding dress, you can contribute to various causes, such as supporting brides who cannot afford a new gown, funding cancer research, or closing the gender gap in technology. 

Several organizations in the United States, like Brides for a Cause and Brides Against Breast Cancer, sell second-hand wedding dresses and donate their profits to charities and other good causes. 

Such organizations are only great places to buy your wedding if you still need to, but if you have purchased your dress already, they give you a great chance to provide even more meaning to the wedding dress you bought. 

Just remember that there tend to be limits on how old the donated dresses can be, so you might want to decide if and to which organization you'd like to donate your wedding dress before your wedding day.   

3. Pass it down

Passing down one's wedding dress is a beautiful way to start a beautiful family tradition or keep it going and allows a younger loved one to feel more connected to you and your family history. Passing the dress down can be a great option for those who got married many moons ago and whose dresses might not be fit anymore for the other options we have listed here. 

While a vintage dress might be an excellent fit for some, the loved one you are passing it down to might want to alter the dress to make it more modern, in addition to taking care of the cleaning and minor repairs it might need.

To ensure this is a happy step in getting ready for a happy occasion, ensure that the loved one you want to pass the dress down to is genuinely pleased getting married in a hand-me-down dress and that you are both comfortable with the eventual alterations.  

No worries, if you can't take care of that yourself, a good dry-cleaner and a talented sewist can give back your wedding dress all the luster it had on your special day. 

Bonus points, getting your old wedding dress ready for its next wedding might be a great bonding experience for your and the wedding dress's next wearer.  

4. Create keepsakes

Many people treasure the tradition of keeping a wedding dress as a visual reminder of their special day. Making keepsakes out of your wedding dress enables you to relive the unforgettable moments of your big day and leave irreplaceable heirlooms for the future generations of your family.

You have many options to preserve the beauty and significance of your wedding dress by turning it into a keepsake. These one-of-a-kind creations, which range from customizing the dress into anything from a quilt or cushion to tableware, serve as daily reminders of the happiness you and your loved ones felt on your wedding day.

5. Sell it    

Selling your wedding dress is an excellent option for those on a budget to give their wedding dress a new life. As wedding dresses can be a considerable expense for many, selling them can easily offset part of the cost of the dress you fell in love with.  

You can sell your old wedding dress on specialized platforms like Still White and Nearly Newlywed and on more generalist clothing resale apps like Vinted or Depop.  

Remember that when it comes to selling a wedding dress, a seller should go through the same checklist as those selling regular clothes, so make sure that your dress is clean, be honest about its conditions, and make sure to provide the pictures, info, and measurements prospective buyers might need.     

6. Repurpose your wedding dress into other items

Repurposing your wedding dress into other garments is a fantastic way to take your wedding dress into your everyday life, even if your wedding dress is fairy-tale-ready.  

A skilled professional can help you in this task to ensure you can save as much of the dress as possible while making one or more garments that are warble and to your taste.  

By taking apart your wedding dress, you can turn the structured top part into a corset-style top to wear with anything from jeans to other dresses. 

The skirt can be de-puffed and shortened, and the layers you take out can be repurposed as petticoats to wear under other dresses and skirts to give them form and volume. You can also save the bodice and remove the sleeves to add them to a sleeveless dress. 

Alternatively, you can even use the fabric to make a beautiful dressing gown which can even become a beautiful familiar heirloom. 

7. Rent it out

If you want to keep the dress in its original form and don't want to part from it forever, renting it out can be a terrific option. 

You can rent it out locally to you or via services like By Rotation, the platform allowing users to lend their clothing and accessories by simply listing their fashion items on the app. You can then approve or deny requests and ship the dress to your renter of choice. 

8. Display it

If there is one characteristic wedding dresses are known for is their beauty, so why not display such a gorgeous item in your home? This is an easy, hassle-free option to turn your wedding dress into a memento of your special day.

If you wish to display your dress, you can either frame it and hang it on the wall or place it on a mannequin. Either way, you'll get to see your wedding dress's unadulterated beauty in your everyday life, adding a touch of magic to the mundane.  

 9. Wear it on special anniversaries

Another excellent option for those who want to keep their wedding dress just as it is is to wear it on special anniversaries. 

If that tickles your fancy, it is of the utmost importance that the dress is kept in tip-top shape in the years you won't be wearing it. So make sure to get your dress cleaned adequately after your wedding day and avoid covering it with the standard plastic bags they wrap clothing in at the dry cleaner as those could cause yellowing in the long run, and opt for a breathable garment bag. 

Also, make sure to take the dress out periodically to intervene as soon as possible if any damage has occurred.  

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About the Author

Roberta Fabbrocino is a journalist specialized in climate change and sustainability-related topics. Her articles have been published in several international eco-publications. Roberta also works as a content writer for sustainable companies.

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Image: Taylor & Hart

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only ever add brands & products we truly believe in. This post is also sponsored in part by Valley Rose and Gardens of the Sun. Thank you for supporting the brands who are making the fashion industry a better place!

Ethical Engagement & Wedding Rings

Purchasing an engagement ring or a wedding band is a challenging task. There are many different jewelers and designs, making for a daunting process. And for many women today, where their diamonds come from is an essential aspect of the ring. Every jeweler we have listed here has high ethical standards for what, how & where their rings are produced. These rings are as sustainable as a wedding ring can get, from lab-grown diamonds to recycled metals. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that they are GORGEOUS!

What is an ethical engagement ring?

An ethical engagement ring has been made using fair labor and is made of materials that have also been sourced fairly. Unfortunately, the diamond industry is full of corruption and has extreme working conditions, forced labor, and child labor. The brands listed here do not partake in those activities and go above & beyond to see the jewelry industry more sustainable in the future.

What is a sustainable engagement ring?

A sustainable engagement ring is ideal because it looks at the ethics of how it is produced AND how it affects the planet. Now that we have found a way to create diamonds, we don’t have as high of a need to dig for more. Enough gold and silver are circulating, so we can easily recycle them to create new jewelry. Sustainable engagement rings can be made from eco-friendly materials like man-made diamonds, fair-mined diamonds (which hold strict regulations on who and how the diamond is mined), and vintage and recycled materials.

Our Top picks for Sustainable, ethical engagement & wedding rings:

1) Valley Rose

Price | $420 - 2990

If you are looking for something unique, yet stunning, you must check out these hand-crafted pieces by Northern California-based designer, Brittany Groshong. Valley Rose designs are each made with a technique called lost-wax casting, which is where they create an original model hand carved in wax. They use the highest quality and ethical materials like Fairmined gold and ethical gemstones including recycled diamonds and SCS certified sustainably rated grown diamonds. The collection is inspired by the mystery and beauty of the cosmos.

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2) Gardens of the Sun

Price | $69 - 4399

This is your brand if you want a genuinely transparent (& exquisite) engagement ring! A Certified B-Corp brand, Gardens of the Sun was created by Meri Geraldine, who had a strong love for jewelry but wanted 100% ethical jewelry to wear. Their guilt-free line of bridal rings is mercury-free, doesn’t endanger forests and wildlife, and supports artisanal miners and makers. Plus, if you love color and something different than the usual wedding band, you will find this here - & they offer custom rings!

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3) AUrate New York

Price | $160-3,000

If you are looking for a more affordable option for a wedding band or engagement ring, AUrate New York is a great jeweler to check out. They are based in NY, and employ 7th generation jewelers to create their beautiful pieces. From recycled gold to high-grade pearls, their materials are all sustainably-sourced. They have an in-home try on program, but if you live in New York, they have 3 locations for you to visit so you can see all the beauty up-close and personal!

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4) Holden

Price | $240 - 3999

Holden’s gorgeous rings are custom-made to order (meaning no wasteful excess inventory!) using 100% recycled gold and ethical lab-grown diamonds. They’re Climate Neutral Certified, which means they measure and offset 100% of their carbon emissions. Not only that, but they offer free shipping, resizing, and returns (they melt down returns to make new rings—how cool is that?). What sets this company apart even more is that their entire collection is gender-neutral and they donate 1% of sales to The Trevor Project!

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5) Plum Diamonds

Price | $590 - 12000

Another lab-grown diamond jewelry company, Plum Diamonds, was founded by female-led industry veterans and creates responsible luxury wedding jewelry for the modern couple. They offer an intuitive e-commerce customization process that brings a human touch to the digital experience of shopping for your engagement and wedding rings. Sustainability and ethics are at the core of their brand, and their diamonds are rated the highest in quality, clarity, and color.

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6) Miadonna

This is actually the brand we went with for our wedding bands. I fell in love with the Paris Vintage Stackable Band. It went perfect with my vintage Pearl engagement ring! Travis went for the Canyon Men’s Wedding Band, but in a 8mm Satin Hammer Yellow Gold. They both turned out absolutely beautiful, and we couldn’t be happier. MiaDonna uses only lab-grown diamonds and recycled metals to create all of their collections. They even have an in-home try on service if you are undecided!

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7) Taylor & Hart

Price | $1050-14,994

Based in the U.K., Taylor & Hart believes ethical sourcing should be something expected from them rather than setting themselves apart from others. Their diamonds are free of conflict & always ethically sourced whether it is mined or lab-grown. They only partner with diamond producing countries who are part of the Kimberly Process - an organization created to end & prevent the trade of conflict diamonds. You are able to also customize your ring, & can even add some beautiful colored stones in the design.

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8) Aether Diamonds

Price | $689-39,898

Aether Diamonds is the first jewelry company to actually use carbon that’s captured from the air to grow its diamonds! Aether is on a mission to become a completely carbon neutral company by 2023, but until then, you can still feel confident knowing that every diamond they sell has a positive impact on the environment. Not only do they carry gorgeous engagement and wedding rings, but also earrings, necklaces, and bracelets that come in both classic and modern designs. You can even order a completely customized piece for something even more unique.

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9) Clean Origin

With 100% lab-created diamonds, you can be sure your engagement and wedding ring is free from any conflict and is easier on the planet. Clean Origin, based in the US, uses only recycled metals and lab-grown diamonds to create their beautiful collections. They also offer free shipping, a 100 Day Return Policy, Free Resizing AND a Lifetime Manufacturers’ Warranty. You can choose from over 200 different engagement rings, over 50 wedding rings or you can choose to build your own!

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10) Vrai

Price | $745-2,500

Their diamonds are the world’s only diamonds produced with zero carbon footprint: Certified Carbon Neutral(R). By choosing one of their rings, you are helping save 250 tons of earth removed to mine a carat of diamond, 120 gallons of water used to mine a carat of diamond & 143 lbs of carbon dioxide emitted to extract a carat of diamond. Can you believe it?! Their collection of engagement and wedding rings is over 50, and filled with very classic, timeless designs.

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11) Catbird

Price | $294-14k

Catbird has been creating ethical jewelry since 2004. They work almost entirely with recycled gold and diamonds, make everything in their Brooklyn studio with a minimum carbon footprint, and always consider their impact every step of the way. If you love colors or stones other than diamonds, we highly recommend checking out Catbird’s selection!

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WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.

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