From elegant slip dresses to contemporary two-pieces, these sustainable wedding dresses promise to make you – and the planet – feel good.
When it comes to choosing the dress for your big day, there is plenty to think about. Will you opt for something more eccentric or low-key? Will you stick with traditional whites or walk the aisle in something colourful? And will you be opting for something eco-friendly, or perhaps an ensemble that you can wear time and time again?
According to What About Weddings, a campaign set up to aid the wedding industry during the pandemic, the UK’s wedding sector is worth a whopping £14.7bn. That’s a lot of money – and a lot of weddings, inevitably resulting in an unsustainable cycle of plastic confetti, food waste, and single-use dresses.
How To Have an Eco-Friendly Wedding
On the brighter side, back in 2018, Bridebook.co.uk’s National Wedding Survey reported that ’39 per cent of couples considered sustainability when planning their wedding’. In addition, ’16 per cent of brides chose a wedding dress they hope to wear again, in-keeping with the millennial backlash against ‘wear-once’ fashion.’
Would you consider rewearing your wedding dress? And would you contemplate dressing in something more sustainable? From Reformation’s planet-friendly bridal collection to Valle&Vik’s champagne wedding pieces that beg to be reworn, see our pick of the best sustainable wedding dresses below.
Looking to rent your wedding dress? Check out our favourite rental and resale sites here
Sustainable Wedding Dresses To Discover Now
Vivienne Westwood
Camille Dress, £POA, viviennewestwood.com
Having long been a fan of sustainability, Vivienne Westwood’s bridal collections go the extra mile when it comes to incoporating environmentally conscious fabrics like recycled tulle and FSC-certified viscose (a vegan alternative to silk and satin). The brand’s couture team also offer a service – from alterations and bespoke finishings to dying processes and embroidery – to transform each bridal gown post-wedding to eliminate waste and give it a new life beyond the big day.
Read About Vivienne Westwood’s 2022 Bridal Made-To-Wear Collection Here
SILKED London
Slip Dress in Oyster, £480, silkedlondon.com
Simple yet sophisticated, you can do no wrong with a slip dress. This one from slow-fashion brand Silked London – featuring side slits and a tasteful cowl back – has been produced locally in London via the label’s planet-conscious and ethical production methods.
Rolling in Roses
The Addiction Dress, £POA, rollinginroses.co.uk
Looking for something a bit different? British label Rolling in Roses makes luxurious eco-friendly fabrics for brides who walk to the beat of their own drum.
Valle&Vik
Siren Slip Dress in Cloud Pink, £304, valleandvik.com
Focusing on handmade garments made from sustainable materials like 100 per cent OEKO-TEX certified silks and organic cotton, Valle&Vik create statement pieces designed to last a lifetime (and multiple trends). Think classic slip dresses in jewel-like colours, ideal for the bride who would like a pop of colour on the big day.
Luna Bride
Pure Dress, £1,890, lunabride.com
A leading name in sustainable bridalwear, Luna Bride is based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, and specialises in dresses that are cruelty-free, organic and vegan. Everything’s made in England, too.
Mary Benson
Zelda Wedding Dress, £550, marybenson.london
Designer Mary Benson and her small team make each dress by hand, from planet-friendly fabrics. When it comes to style, think boho-chic: puff sleeves, flared skirts, glittery appliqués (the stars are our favourite) and silky materials are the star of the show here.
Reformation
Brynna Two Piece, £435, thereformation.com
Bring some California cool to your wedding day with this Brynna two-piece from LA-based brand Reformation. It’s made from viscose, a man-made fibre created from sustainable wood pulp.
Leanne Marshall
Isabelle Dress, $990, leannemarshall.com
New York-based brand Leanne Marshall produces a series of romantic made-to-order gowns using sustainable textiles and natural fibers, and as little polyester as possible. Any leftover fabric, meanwhile, is recycled via recycling and reuse service FABSCRAP.
Rita Colson
Onika Wedding Dress, £POA, ritacolson.com
From London-based Rita Colson’s Light in Movement collection comes this beautiful crochet ‘Onika’ dress – ideal for beach brides or those desiring something a little unique.
