Green is the New White: Wedding Attire Shopping for the Eco-Conscious Consumer

Make a statement with environmentally-friendly bridal attire

By Michelle Bolyn

Photo by James Christianson/courtesy Forte Events

If you're an eco-conscious bride having a green wedding and you want your wedding dress to reflect this, you have many options. Some options cost more than others, but you can definitely find an environmentally friendly wedding gown to wear on your big day. Your groom can find a green tuxedo or suit using the same advice.

Family and Friends

Ask your friends and family members if you can look at and possibly borrow their wedding dresses. Do any of them look like your style? Reusing a wedding dress is inexpensive and environmentally friendly.

Previously Worn Gown

You can find previously worn wedding gowns at thrift stores and consignments. There are also websites, such as preownedweddingdresses.com and oncewed.com, that specialize in discounted pre-owned designer wedding dresses.

Sustainable Materials

If you don't want a pre-worn dress, but still want to wear something that is environmentally friendly, look for a dress made with sustainable materials. A sustainable material (also called a sustainable resource) is an item whose production is supported indefinitely by nature. Wear a wedding dress made from sustainable materials such as hemp, organic cotton and bamboo.

Wear It Again

Purchase a wedding dress that you'll wear again. This means you won't be wearing a bright white ball gown embellished with crystal and beading, but you can find beautiful dresses that will be suitable for other special occasions.

Donate the Dress

After you get married, donate your wedding dress to an organization, such as Brides Against Breast Cancer or the Bridal Garden. This way you can feel good about wearing a designer dress.

The Green Groom

Don't forget the groom when it comes to eco-friendly wedding attire. A green tuxedo is likely going to be more expensive, but if you can afford it, look for one made with organic wool or organic cotton. And get his tux handmade from a local designer, rather than buying one that was manufactured by a massive facility overseas.