Posts in Wedding & Formal Events
11 Ethical Jewelers Making Sustainable Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands for the Conscious Bride
 

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

related reading you may also enjoy:

 
Wedding & Formal Events, Jewelry & AccessoriesEditor Comments
15 Sustainable Wedding Gifts Eco-Conscious Couples Will Love
 

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. Thank you for supporting the brands who are making the world a better place!

Sustainable Wedding Gifts & Ideas for Your Registry

Weddings are always a memorable event, whether that is for the bride and groom or their friends and family. They are the ideal moment for you to show how much you love your newlywed friends and how much you wish them happiness.

 One easy way to show them you care is by gifting them a meaningful, high-quality present they will cherish for years - something that will serve them for their new life as husband and wife.  

 But if the bride and groom are eco-conscious, or if you simply want to purchase things with a lower environmental footprint, why don’t you choose a well-made, sustainable gift for them?  

 You can find an eco-friendly version of almost anything and everything these days! It means that you can easily purchase something that won’t hurt the environment and that you can feel good about gifting to your friends. 

 Of course, you cannot go wrong by picking something on the couple’s wedding registry. However, if you prefer to buy something else or an extra present, we have compiled a list of 15 sustainable wedding gifts that eco-conscious couples will love! 

WHAT MAKES A WEDDING GIFT SUSTAINABLE?

What makes a wedding gift sustainable depends on the item itself, but generally, choose presents made with eco-friendly materials and those that received an eco-certification, such as Fairtrade, GOTS or OEKO-TEX Standard 100. 

 Buy from brands that are known to pay their workers fairly and provide safe and healthy working conditions. A wedding gift is also often sustainable when it is handcrafted, and it should always be high-quality.

WHAT ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIALS SHOULD YOU SEARCH FOR?

Again, the materials will depend on what you are buying, but try to look for natural and biodegradable materials, like linen, hemp, cork or organic cotton. 

 Recycled ones are another sustainable option since old materials are being upcycled and turned into new products. For instance, you could choose recycled polyester, reclaimed wood or recycled glass. 

 As a general rule, avoid synthetic materials or fabrics when they are not recycled because they are made from oil, which is one of the most polluting industries in the world.  

NOW, OUR TOP PICKS FOR THOUGHTFUL, SUSTAINABLE WEDDING GIFTS 

1) Towels from Anact

Materials: Hemp, Organic Cotton

Price: $60

Surprise your favorite newlywed couple by gifting them two towel sets from Anact!

The towel set includes a bath towel, a hand towel and a wash towel, and each is made from hemp and organic cotton. 

Hemp towels are not only a more unique gift, but they are also very sustainable and practical. They dry quickly and are biostatic and ultra-absorbent.

Hemp also needs a lot less water and pesticides to grow compared to cotton, and it has a smaller environmental footprint than synthetic fabrics. 

Anact’s towels are carbon-neutral, so you can feel good about your gift: the brand offsets the carbon footprint from the extraction of raw materials and the production process for this product. By doing so, it contributes to planting trees in a forest in Northern New Jersey.

2) Bedding Set from Under the Canopy

Materials: Organic Cotton

Price: $76-118

This bedding set that includes a duvet cover and two shams is an ideal gift for newlywed couples. Made of 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton, the sateen duvet set from Under The Canopy is extremely soft, well-made and naturally wrinkle-resistant. It has a 300 thread count and a more compact weave, making it a high-quality bedding set that will last for years.

The duvet cover also features a 9-button bottom closure and corner ties to keep the duvet insert in place. 

This set is OEKO-TEX Made In Green certified, meaning that it has been tested for harmful substances and made in a more sustainable and ethical way. 

To reduce plastic waste, the brand sends its bedding set in a reusable, organic cotton bag, which is ideal for a gift!

3) Bathrobes from Coyuchi

Materials: Organic Cotton

Price: $148

The unisex Air Weight organic robe sold by Cuyochi will make anyone super cozy and comfy after a long, warm shower or bath. 

It is made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton that was grown and woven in India.

Very soft and featuring double belt loops, the robe is designed to dry quickly thanks to its absorbent weave.  

Cuyochi’s bathrobe is Fair Trade and Made Safe certified, and the brand donates 1% of its sales to 1% For The Planet. This unisex model is perfect for a couple, and if you purchase two, you get 15% off! 

You even get to see how much water is saved, how many emissions are avoided, and how much land is farmed without pesticides to produce this organic cotton robe compared to if it was made of conventional cotton.

4) Cookware set from Caraway

Materials: Ceramic, Aluminum, Stainless Steel 

Price: $395

This complete cookware set from Caraway includes two pans, two pots, their respective lids, and a practical storage solution to keep them organized in the kitchen. 

Each piece is ceramic-coated, has an aluminum core and stainless steel handles. A true staple for healthy cooking, the Caraway cookware set is non-toxic and free of harmful materials like PTFEs, PFAs, PFOA or heavy metals. 

The pots and pans can be used on induction, gas and electric stovetops, and they are oven-safe up to 550°F. 

Ceramic cookware is naturally non-stick, which means that you need less oil for cooking. Caraway’s set also releases up to 60% less CO2 emissions during the production process compared to traditional non-stick cookware.

5) Dutch Oven from Our Place

Materials: Ceramic, Aluminum 

Price: $132

The Perfect Pot from Our Place is more than just a dutch oven: it is a multipurpose pot designed to replace a stockpot, a saucepot, a dutch oven, a steamer, a roasting rack, and other specialized cookware. Like a true kitchen must-have, it does everything a person may need, from boiling to roasting, baking to crisping. Available in seven colors, it features an integrated spoon rest, a built-in strainer and a removable roasting rack. 

Not only is it compatible with all cooktops, but the Perfect Pot is also very lightweight as it weighs a third the weight of traditional dutch ovens! 

 Its body is made from aluminum to allow for quick and even heat distribution, and the coating is made of ceramic, meaning that it is free of toxic materials.

6) Kitchen Knife Set from Ozeri

Materials: Stainless Steel

Price: $40

This 6-piece Japanese knife set with its rotating knife block and tablet holder from Ozeri is the perfect gift for your newlywed friends if they love cooking. 

The set includes a chef knife, a bread knife, a utility knife, a slicing knife and a paring knife. Each one is handcrafted, made of Japanese 420J2 grade stainless steel in an elegant satin finish. 

They feature ergonomic stainless steel handles that make chopping veggies very easy and comfortable, providing stability and control. The knives are highly resistant to stains, odors, tarnishing and rust. 

The whole Ozeri set comes with a beautiful, sustainably-sourced rotating knife block made of acacia wood. The block also doubles as a tablet holder, which is very practical for people who regularly look for recipes on their phones or tablets.

7) Wine Glass Set from Shades of Green

Materials: Recycled Glass 

Price: $68 (set of 4)

The recycled wine glasses from Be Home Décor on Shades of Green's website are a meaningful gift for all wine lovers that also care about their environmental impact. Made from 100% recycled soda bottle glass, they come as a set of four glasses. These hand-blown glasses are made in Bolivia, and they are dishwasher and microwave safe.

With their beautiful shades of blue, they are a wonderful addition to any dining table! 

The company that sells them is a small family-owned business and makes more than 90% of its glassware out of recycled glass. It has taken many steps to become more sustainable, from its materials to how its products are produced.

8) Table Cloth from Minna

Materials: Cotton

Price: $165

The Stacks tablecloth from Minna is a neutral, yet beautifully designed tablecloth that is perfect to use for special occasions. Available in blue-gray or cream, it is also a lovely piece to decorate a table on a daily basis. The tablecloth is ethically made using 100% cotton and is dyed with eco-friendly, non-toxic colors. It is handwoven by a family-run workshop in Mexico, and it gets softer and more absorbent with every wash. 

Minna is a certified B Corporation, which means that the brand meets the highest standards for social and environmental performance. Its products are sustainably made, and the company works with small artisans who have mastered traditional techniques for generations.

9) Serving Board from Newly Goods

Materials: Reclaimed Wood

Price: $78

A good serving board is an important staple to have when someone has company over. From bread to cheese to hors d’oeuvres, it makes everything look so much better! The Di Lusso serving board sold by Newly on Made Trade’s website is an elegant piece that will embellish any dinner table. It is hand-milled and fashioned from reclaimed wood, so all the serving boards have small details that make them even more unique.

The serving board is made in the United States and shipped in 100% recycled packaging. 

Made Trade donates 1% of each purchase to 1% For The Planet. It is also climate-neutral certified, meaning that it offsets its entire carbon footprint (from the production process to the delivery). 

10) Throw Blanket from Anchal

Materials: Organic Cotton

Price: $298

Throw blankets are a gift that everyone loves receiving: they make everything immediately super cozy and welcoming! Who doesn’t like a beautiful, soft throw blanket?!

The Prism quilt throw from Anchal has a modern design featuring prism-inspired geometric stitchwork. It is made with six layers of 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton, and it has the hand-stitched signature of the maker.

The throw blanket is Fair Trade and made by a woman artisan in India. 

Purchasing a wedding gift from Anchal means that you are supporting a non-profit organization. The brand works with small artisans who left the commercial sex trade and helps them be more independent. 

Thanks to Anchal, those artisans now have the means to invest in their health and their children’s education, and they can live a safer and healthier life.  

11) Handwoven Basket from Obakki

Materials: Palm

Price: $118

This large woven palm basket from Obakki is a beautiful wedding gift that can be used both as a storage solution and a decor item. 

Thanks to this sturdy and large basket, your newlywed friends will be able to tuck away their throw blankets, store their knick-knacks out of the way, or simply use it as a laundry hamper.  

The Obakki basket has black and natural stripes, and it is made with sustainably-sourced palm and colored using natural dyes. The palm is hand-braided and sewn together by weavers in Mexico. 

These talented artisans use traditional skills and techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation. Each Obakki item they create is handcrafted in limited quantities to make sure they are unique, well-made and sustainable.

12) Rug from Kiliim

Materials: Wool, Cotton

Price: $95

This Bricks wool rug sold by Kiliim on Made Trade’s website will give any home a cozy, comfortable and home-like feel. Made of wool with a cotton base, it is a piece of art in itself! 

This rug is handcrafted by artisans in Egypt who use traditional kilim weaving techniques.

The cotton used is premium Egyptian cotton that is sourced from local markets in Cairo.

The colored wool yarn is spun from upcycled remnants from local carpet factories that would have otherwise thrown them away.    

The Kiliim rug is Fair Trade, meaning that the artisans who made it are paid a living wage and work in safe conditions. As mentioned previously, all Made Trade orders are carbon-neutral and the brand is a member of 1% For The Planet.

13) Organic Kitchen Herbs Growing Kit from Gardener’s

Price: $60

For couples who love gardening or simply try to live more sustainably, why not give them a gardening kit with some organic seeds as a wedding gift? This would be a more unique and personalized present, and any gardener would be very excited to receive it! This galvanized organic kitchen herbs growing kit from Gardener’s is easy to use and ideal for people who love adding a few aromatic herbs to their homemade meals. 

The kit includes five galvanized steel pots with drainage holes, a leak-proof tray, five packets of organic seeds, a mini trowel and an organic seed starting mix. 

Whether your friends prefer to grow their herbs in a garden, in their kitchen, or on their windowsill, they will be able to pick some fresh organic thyme, basil, parsley, dill or cilantro at all times.

14) Composting Bin from Subpod

Materials: Polypropylene

Price: $150

If your friends who are getting married are into sustainability, they would probably love to get a composting system like the Subpod Mini! 

The Subpod Mini is an in-garden composting system and worm farm that only requires five-minute weekly maintenance.

It is a great system for both first-time composters and more advanced gardeners. 

The Subpod Mini is pest-proof and smell-free: its ventilation system disperses odors before we can even smell them. It comes with a food-grade, stainless steel aerator, a natural jute worm blanket and a practical composting guide. 

With this composting system, your newlywed friends will not only divert their food scraps from landfills, but they will also improve the quality of their soil, and thus, will be able to grow healthy veggies in their garden. 

15) Luggage Set from Paravel

Materials: Recycled Polycarbonate, Aluminum

Price: $825

What better wedding gift than a luggage set to encourage your favorite couple to go on many adventures and trips together? 

The Aviator luggage set from Paravel includes a carry-on and a bigger checked suitcase. Both feature 360° frictionless carbon steel bearing wheels, a telescopic handle, interior pockets, an accessories pouch, an interior compression board, side handles and a TSA-approved lock.  

The suitcases are made with recycled materials: the exteriors are produced using recycled polycarbonate, while the waterproof interiors are made from a total of 36 recycled water bottles. The brand also uses aircraft-grade recycled aluminum for the handles as well as recycled zippers.  

Not only are the materials sustainable, but the Aviator suitcases are also carbon-neutral: Paravel offsets the carbon emissions from the production process and shipping! 

About the Author

Eva Astoul is a French freelance writer, specializing in content related to sustainability, simple living, and a growth-focused healthy lifestyle. She runs her own blog, Green With Less, to inspire people to live a more minimalist and sustainable life.

MAKE SURE TO PIN THE PHOTO BELOW TO SAVE THIS POST FOR LATER!

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.

RELATED READING YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:

 
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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. We only ever add brands & products we truly believe in. Thank you for supporting the brands who are making the world a better place!

The Best Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Wedding Tips

Planning a wedding is an exciting but overwhelming time in your life. While it is a joyous time celebrating with all your closest friends and family, it can be hard to make sustainable choices for a crowd. Did you know the typical wedding creates about 400 pounds of garbage?* Yes, as a result of one single day and with approximately 2.5 million weddings occurring in the United States each year, that is a lot of waste going into landfills.

So how do you plan for the special day you’ve always envisioned while also respecting the planet and not losing your sanity with all the details?

Most waste typically occurs from wedding decor for the venue and from food waste. To limit the amount of waste from decorations, look for a venue that fits your vision without needing a ton of styling. Whether inside or outside, it can be worth it to find a space that matches the aesthetic of your day, without requiring lots of decorations. If you do need additional decor, try using rental services instead of buying decor to limit the amount of waste created. This will cut down on things you need to purchase and single-use items. If rental services don’t have what you’re looking for, check your local thrift shops or resale websites. Brides are often trying to offload leftover and reusable decor, which will be more Earth-friendly than buying it brand new.  

To help minimize food waste, be sure you provide guests ample time to rsvp so you can provide an accurate guest count to your caterer. Additionally, selecting a caterer that specializes in local and seasonal menu offerings can help ensure a smaller carbon footprint and support your local communities. You can also contact your local food banks to find out how your leftover food can be put to good use. Most only accept non-perishable donations, but depending on your food and local organizations, it could be a good way to help those in need. 

Natalie, the founder of Sustainably Chic, rescheduled their wedding 3 times during the pandemic. They used Minted’s recycled paper for their change of dates. Their final date ended up being 4.22.22.

Sustainable Wedding Invitations

Wedding invitations may seem like they can be wasteful as it’s likely more paper waste will be thrown out. However, many brides are opting to make their invitations virtual to be more efficient and reduce waste and cost, but if you don’t want to forego traditional invitations altogether, don’t worry because there are still options! You can find invitations that use sustainable materials and inks that are eco-conscious. Check out the following companies for sustainable wedding invitations!

  1. Minted 

Minted has gorgeous premade designs or you can work with an independent designer for your unique style. Most invitations are available on sustainable 100% post-consumer waste, FSC-certified paper and manufactured using a carbon-neutral process with wind power. Minted also has other select wedding paper goods so you can cross off more items on your to-do list in one stop.  

2. Artifact Uprising 

A company best known for its photo albums and printing, Artifact Uprising also offers 100% post-consumer waste cards and stationery. While Artifact Uprising doesn’t currently offer full invitation suites, there are save the dates, thank you cards, and beautiful photo album options that utilize sustainable paper.

3. The Knot 

A common resource for brides, The Knot, offers many of its invitation styles on 100% post-consumer waste paper. So if you are already working with The Knot or it is more convenient for your wedding planning, you still have easy access to a sustainable option.

4. Botanical Paperworks 

Specializing in seed paper, Botanical Paperworks creates biodegradable paper products of all kinds for weddings and events. Seed paper is made from post-consumer materials and wildflower, herb, or vegetable seeds that can be planted in a pot or into the ground. From wedding invitations and place cards to confetti, seed paper is approved to be planted in many countries and does not contain any invasive species. You can also order seed paper by the sheet if you plan to print your invitations locally.

5. Paper Culture 

All Paper Culture products are created from sustainable materials like 100% post-consumer recycled paper or bamboo. Paper Culture actively offsets the carbon footprint with carbon credits and plants a tree with every order to help restore areas needing reforestation. Paper Culture offers free designer assistance or if you have a creative eye, you can upload your own design to print on one of the sustainable materials offered. 

6. Greenvelope 

If you are looking for a virtual invitation, Greenvelope is known for saving couples time, money and trees! Each invitation opens with a sleek animation and provides guests all the details with clickable links to make their experience easy and excited for your day. Greenvelope also makes it easy to track RSVPs, collect addresses, and includes dozens of templates and personalization options.

Sustainable Wedding Jewelry

Picking out your wedding jewelry can be a major expense for your wallet and the planet. It is becoming more well known that traditional diamond mining can be unsafe for workers and is very destructive to the environment. The easiest way to make your wedding jewelry more sustainable is to select lab-grown gemstones or diamonds from reputable sustainable jewelry companies. Lab-created stones offer the same beauty as conventional stones but are instead created in a lab using cutting-edge technology replicating the natural process. With a shorter supply and production chain, jewelry made with lab-created stones are also less expensive. It’s a win-win for everyone! Check out these sustainable wedding jewelry companies specializing in ethical engagement and wedding rings!

  1. Clean Origin 

Clean Origin ensures their hand-picked selections are ethical and gorgeous. Available in a variety of shapes and colors, Clean Origin specializes in lab-created diamonds and only sells stones that are independently verified and graded for quality using the same scientific standards applied to mined diamonds. In addition, clean Origin offers free resizing, lifetime protection, and financing options. With dozens of jewelry styles and designs available, the Clean Origin mission is to provide diamonds without compromise.

2. VRAI ​​

VRAI creates diamonds that require zero mining and zero carbon emissions, as the company is Carbon Neutral Certified. VRAI allows you also to design your own engagement ring, and all pieces are made with recycled solid gold. VRAI diamonds are graded by GIA Certified Gemologists and are backed by a full lifetime warranty. Additionally, all packaging is made from 100% recyclable, compostable or reusable materials. Aside from rings, VRAI carries a variety of jewelry like necklaces, bracelets and earrings.

3. Aurate New York 

Aurate is based in New York and strives to change the jewelry industry. Aurate uses only sustainably sourced materials, all gold is 100% recycled, and pearls and precious gems are sourced from family-run establishments supporting local communities. You can choose between lab-grown or conflict-free diamonds, depending on your preference. Since there are no import taxes, no unnecessary middlemen, and pieces are made-to-order, Aurate jewelry is much more affordable than conventional jewelry. 

4) Miadonna

This is actually the brand Natalie & Travis went with for their wedding bands. Natalie fell in love with the Paris Vintage Stackable Band. It went perfectly with her vintage Pearl engagement ring! Travis went for the Canyon Men’s Wedding Band but in an 8mm Satin Hammer Yellow Gold. They both turned out absolutely beautiful, and they 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!

for your wedding gown, visit this post - here - & also find more engagement ring options - here -

Wedding Registry Tips

When putting together your wedding registry, think twice before scanning just any kitchen gadget or knick-knack you don’t have. Once you make a list of items, you and your partner actually need, look for companies that make these items in a sustainable way. This is a great way to expose others to more sustainable options and fill your home with items you genuinely love. If you already have the items you need, consider a honeymoon fund instead, where your guests can contribute to making your first trip as newlyweds memorable! Check out the list below for some sustainable registry resources!

  1. Made Trade Registry 

For ethical and sustainable goods, Made Trade is your one-stop shop! Shopping with Made Trade guarantees you will support artisans and small businesses instead of corporate chains. Made Trade has everything from furniture to home goods and operates just like a standard gift registry at a big box store.

2. Everlastly 

Everlastly is a conscious registry service for couples. They use what they call their Evergrade system and break down the sustainability for each item. While not all items on their website are fully sustainable, it does provide you with the information to decide accordingly. Everlastly also offers cash registries so you can start a home or honeymoon fund to go with your itemized registry.

3. HoneyFund 

If you and your partner already have the items you need for your home, allow guests to make a donation toward your honeymoon using HoneyFund. This lets friends and family give the gift of an experience you’ll never forget. Spend some time looking up activities, restaurants, or hotels in your destination that you both want to try and create a customized list of experiences that guests can choose from. This helps them feel part of your celebration and learn more about your exciting adventure ahead.

4. The Good Beginning 

If you’d prefer guests to donate to a charity in your honor instead, The Good Beginning allows you to set up a charity registry for guests to make their donations. This still provides guests with a registry experience while supporting your wishes.

Sustainably Chic Founder, Natalie & Her Beautiful Bridesmaids

Wedding Party Gift Ideas

When thinking of thank you gifts for your wedding party, consider covering the cost of hair or makeup services, tuxedo rental, tailoring costs, or other expenses that come up when being a part of the wedding. If you want to provide them with a physical gift as a token to remember the day, look for companies that fully support your sustainability mission. Here are some ideas for sustainable wedding party gifts!

  1. Prosperity Candle 

Prosperity Candles are made with all-natural soy and coconut waxes with pure cotton and wood wicks. The fragrances are made with essential oils without dyes. Prosperity Candle is B Corp Certified, and all ingredients are made in the United States. All packaging can be repurposed or recycled, and once your candle is complete, you can reuse the jar. 

2. Ana Luisa 

If you’d like to gift jewelry to your wedding party, Ana Luisa makes ethical jewelry your bridesmaids can wear on your wedding day and every day after. They offer engraving if you’d like to personalize a piece and have a variety of styles, so you will be able to find something to match everyone’s personality. Ana Luisa is Climate Neutral Certified, Carbon Neutral Certified, and only works with certified partners that also maintain strict ethical work environments.

3. cozy earth

If you want to gift your girls cute sleep or loungewear, Cozy Earth has several options made from soft, bamboo. It’s the classic ‘get ready’ look for the morning of the wedding. Plus, they pride themselves on the responsible production of all their products!

We recommend using Wrappr (use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC for 20% off) instead of buying disposable wrapping paper. This brand has been inspired by the Japanese art of Furoshiki, which is over 1200 years old. Their organic cotton gift wraps come in many different prints (& sizes) anyone would be excited to receive a gift in! Since the recipient will get to use the fabric again, it’s like giving two gifts at once.

“I gifted my bridesmaids candles from Prosperity Candle wrapped by reusable fabric from Wrappr, along with vintage tea cups and toiletries (for the wedding weekend) placed in old jars. I also let them pick whatever dress they wanted to wear in hopes they could use it again in the future. I truly have the best friends in the world & they looked absolutely stunning.” - Natalie, founder of Sustainably Chic

Wedding Ceremony & Reception Tips

There are many parts of a traditional wedding day that you can choose to skip like favors, expensive florals or confetti send-offs. However, if you don’t want to miss out on certain traditions, there are still sustainable ways to celebrate!

In lieu of traditional wedding favors, opt for an edible gift like personalized cookies, popcorn for a late night snack after dancing or something plantable like a seed packet that your local pollinators love. You could also provide guests with the recipe to the specialty wedding cocktail you served with a sweet note from you and your partner. In lieu of favors completely, some couples use this money to make a charity donation to their favorite cause, usually in honor of a loved one who has passed and unable to attend.

Wedding flowers are expensive no matter what season you get married, although it does help to select varieties native to your area and in bloom during your wedding season. 

After your event, don’t let your flowers go to waste. You can donate arrangements to a local senior center or hospital. This will be sure to bring more people joy, don’t forget to call ahead and find out any specific protocols for drop off and arrange ahead of time.If you don’t have time to deliver, consider gifting your flower arrangements to the venue staff or guests so they can continue to be enjoyed after your special day.

Instead of fresh flower arrangements, look into some alternative options like wood, faux or dried flower arrangements. These arrangements will last a long time and can be kept as a keepsake for you, your wedding party or any one else you want to gift them to after your event.

Finally, avoid plastic or foil confetti, rice, or other earth contaminants if you are planning a formal exit. Using biodegradable materials will prevent any littering and ensure animals don’t mistakenly eat something harmful. There is plantable paper and biodegradable confetti available or create your own from paper scraps. An alternative option would be to use strips of upcycled fabrics tied to wooden dowels for guests to wave as you make your exit as newlyweds. These look great in photos and you can reuse them at another event or let guests keep them.

Tips from the Founder of Sustainably Chic, Natalie Kay Costello

“Since we just had our wedding 4.22.22 (after it was rescheduled 3 times), I wanted to share some of the sustainable wins we had planning this 125+ person wedding! I will write a more in-depth post on our wedding, but I wanted to include a few of my favorite things here.

More Candles, Less Flowers

We did have flowers at our wedding, but it was minimal for the space. Instead, I wanted things to be more romantic, so we used many candles on the tables. Since I was a young girl, I’ve loved the Phantom of the Opera and found the perfect candelabras at a local antique store which instantly reminded me of the musical. We have been lugging them around to 3 different homes since having canceled our original wedding date 4.18.20. I can not believe how beautiful they were with a mixture of dried and fresh florals.

ReUse Before Buying New

From my wardrobe to our cake knife, we tried to use what we had - not just from a budget standpoint, but because we knew this event only happened once; why buy something new if we can avoid it? Our cake knife was from my parent’s wedding, my getting ready outfit was a vintage Victoria Secret robe and my great grandmother’s slip, my ceremony dress was a sample dress off the rack, my reception dress was made from my mother’s wedding gown (which she also made herself), and we went with a wedding planner who stocks up on decor to be reused at multiple weddings. My niece even used the basket I had used as a flower girl when I was a little!

Glassware & Buffet Style

We had every intention of staying plastic-free, but we ran out of glasses towards the end of the wedding and had to switch to plastic. We were also unaware we had to let the caterer know we wanted to keep all the food leftover at the buffet, so only part of it was packed for us at the end. So learn from my mistakes - over OVER order on glassware (because we did over-order) and let them know you want to keep ALL the leftover food.

Of course, not everything was sustainable about our wedding, and I would never tell anyone to stress it. It’s one of the best days of your life, and if there is something that will add significant value to your day, then you should do it <3”

About the Author

Karmen Flores is a creative entrepreneur based in Michigan. Karmen shares all about plant-based and 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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a guide to eco-friendly, sustainable wedding gowns

Ah, the wedding dress. It’s an outfit a lot of people think about for years and years, a piece of clothing meant to be sentimental and spectacular, a heap of fabric made for your big day. As someone recently engaged, let me tell you that the wedding dress thoughts have only become more pressing than ever before. I’m not just fantasizing as a little girl or pinning cute photos anymore; I’m on the hunt for my *actual* wedding dress! And it’s a lot more complicated than I thought it would be.

My original plan was to alter my mom’s wedding dress. I’ve always loved her wedding photos, and she was totally on board with me taking the fabric and creating something totally new. Plus, it would’ve taken care of my “something old!” But when we pulled it out of the fancy, sealed box it had been resting in for 25 years, those dreams came crashing down. The dress looks like my mom got in a spaghetti fight at her wedding - and they didn’t even serve spaghetti! Tiny old stains tend to become much more obvious when they have a quarter of a century to set in. Her defense? “It was a party, I had a good time!”

Ok, mom. Valid. But now, my quest for the wedding dress of my dream begins anew. But the laundry list seems a bit daunting: ethical production, sustainable material, custom alterations, potentially locally made to try it on, something I might only wear once, the list goes on. And to me, it’s an important list. It has me rethinking the “traditional” expectations for a wedding dress and even wondering where those traditions come from.

A Brief History of the Wedding Dress

Wedding dresses are actually a pretty modern tradition in the scope of human existence. They’ve been around for less time than wedding rings, actual wedding ceremonies, and way less time than the concept of marriage. And the traditional white dress that comes to mind for a lot of us is actually a Western practice. Many Eastern brides wear significant colors, like red, on their wedding day. 

And here’s a kicker: it wasn’t until the middle of the 19th century that wedding dresses became a “wear once” garment. Even the wealthiest of brides would repurpose her dress, dyeing or altering it to use as her new Sunday best outfit. In fact, “even Queen Victoria repurposed her own wedding dress and veil for subsequent use.” Yes, Queen. It was also Queen Victoria’s 1840 wedding that turns the tide toward white wedding dresses in Western culture, with the dispersal of images and photographs influencing the trend.

After those famous nuptials, the reign of the white wedding dress began.

If you want to dive deeper, I found this JSTOR Daily article fascinating. 

Thanks for the history lesson, but what about dresses in the present?

Learning the history of wedding dresses really opened me up to get creative with my options. Plus, sustainability is predicted as a 2022 wedding trend. Women have worn dresses and garments with significant colors or meaning, they’ve repurposed gowns and veils to be worn again, and they’ve used what’s on hand to make something grand. They’ve done all of these things, so why can’t I?

Here Are a Few Ideas for Getting Creative With Your Wedding Dress

  1. Find something that won’t sit in an airtight box for the rest of its life. Think of something that could work if you hemmed it short. Depending on the material and style, you could even dye it.

  2. You can take an “untraditional” route and nix the white. The Pantone color of 2022 is Very Peri, a vibrant periwinkle color, or you could go for a white dress still, but one dappled with florals. It’s really whatever your heart desires.

  3. Think about a “transitional dress,” or something that will be versatile on your wedding day and beyond. If you have a two-piece dress, you can swap the formal skirt out for pants to dance the night away. Later, you could wear the top out for your 1-year anniversary, or whenever. The key part of this idea is finding pieces you’ll use more than once.

  4. Accessorize. Invest in a simple gown that can be worn other ways, but spice it up and make it special for the big day. Add a cape or dramatic gloves or a layer of fabric worn over the dress. Go big on the jewelry or the flowers or the shoes. You can get creative with it!

  5. If you’re big on customizable items, do the research and find a local seamstress that can bring your vision to life. That way, you can prioritize your materials, like “Peace Silk” for a cruelty-free option or organic cotton, Fairtrade certified silk, linen, cashmere, cotton, bamboo - the list goes on! This site provides a crazy amount of info on materials and their impacts.

Love it! But Where Do I Start?

The actual finding and purchasing of the dress can get stressful. I’ve already been there, done that, and I don’t recommend it! Try to reframe the search in your mind as something positive. A creative project, a treasure hunt, or simply a way to find something truly special to you. Take these suggestions for a spin:

  1. If your mom’s dress isn’t an option, maybe reach out to an aunt, grandmother, or your future mother-in-law! Ask your family members and friends to see who would part with their dress. 

  2. Go thrifting! The classic, long, white dress isn’t for everybody, but you can probably find some of those in your hunt too. Colored dresses, jumpsuits, full suits, you name it - your wedding “dress” is whatever *you* want it to be. 

  3. “But what if my daughter wants to wear my wedding gown?” Totally! Make sure you invest in the material now - get something high-quality and durable so you’re not let down in the future when it doesn’t look up to par. And take a lesson from my mom and try not to spill if the goal is preservation - ha!

  4. If you’re planning to shop at local bridal boutiques, keep an eye out for the terms “made to order” and “micro-batch”. And if you’re a sample size, take advantage of your local shops. Plus, you may even be able to get a discount for buying “off the rack.” No harm in asking.

  5. If you’re a two-birds-one-stone kind of person, consider renting your dress. That way, you don’t have to worry about splurging on something that’s only worn once, and you check off your “something borrowed”!

    If secondhand shopping is your Thing, try these shops:

Stillwhite

You can shop from a huge collection of gently-used wedding dresses on Stillwhite, and they make it easy to filter according to size, price, designer, silhouette shape, and more. And then, when you’re finished, you can resell the dress on the site so it can find another home. (Or, if you get a dress from another shop, you can still resell it on Stillwhite to make some of your money back!) So, not only is Stillwhite on a mission to increase the circularity of wedding dresses, but they also donate 1% of revenue to environmental non-profits. Plus, all the dresses purchased through Stillwhite have saved $20 million!

Etsy

While slightly overwhelming in quantity, Etsy is a carbon-neutral company that supports artists around the world!

Shop secondhand/vintage, or even find a custom-made dress.

Sift through for shops that have great customer communication so you can really get detailed in the chat.

Rent the Runway

A perk of renting a dress is that you can go all out with a style you would never wear again because someone else will be able to wear it after you! Rent the Runway offers monthly memberships and one-time rentals. If you go for a monthly subscription, you could also rent your bridal shower, bachelorette party, and rehearsal dinner outfits, too! For the one-time renting option, you choose a 4- or 8-day span of time to rent the item. If you’re worried about trying styles on, you could always do a one-time rent months earlier for ease of mind, then rent again - it would still probably be cheaper than most bridal boutiques!

Pre-Owned Wedding Dresses

This company has been in the business of secondhand wedding gowns since 2004.

Similar to secondhand shopping apps like Poshmark or Depop, you can scroll through both sites to find your dream gown!

Also, if you end up finding a local seller, you can get in touch with them about potentially trying the dress on!

Borrowing Magnolia

It’s all about options when you’re looking for “the one” (the dress version)!

Borrowing Magnolia has been connecting buyers and sellers since 2014.

Their site even features a “Dress Estimate Calculator” for brides looking to sell their dresses and figure out what the listing price should be. 

Nearly Newlywed

Nearly Newlywed is a secondhand dress brand founded on transparency: the first office space for this company was the founder, Jackie’s, living room! After finding her wedding dress secondhand, then having another bride buy it from her, and then *another* bride after that, Jackie realized that there were women out there who needed a platform to connect and put their gowns to good use. This site also provides risk-free returns for 5 business days after you get the dress, which helps a bit with peace of mind.

KYHA Studios

With a mission of slowing down the fashion cycle, KYHA Studios’ utilizes a made-to-order model to reduce waste and prevent deadstock. Fostering craftsmanship with ethical labor practices employing highly-skilled artisans, the brand’s signature beaded designs are crafted in-house over a 12-18 month period. Celebrating diversity and fostering inclusivity, KYHA Studios caters to sizes 00-18 and offers an invisible tulle color range to suit different skin tones. Their new sustainable initiative, Renew, further encourages circularity by offering a space for eco and budget-conscious customers to shop statement gowns for less. 

P.S. A great personal option for these secondhand sites is off-setting your shipping costs (unless it’s Etsy, which does so automatically). I use this site a lot.

Or Get a New Dress from a Sustainable Brand

If you’re set on a designer gown, but want to keep sustainability in mind, check out these brands:

Reformation

Reformation is one of the more well-known sustainable fashion brands on this list because they offer a plethora of styles, not just bridal.

They are a certified carbon neutral company and are working to be climate positive by 2025.

RefRecylcing gives customers the options of circularity and RefScale is their transparent calculator that shows the company’s impact compared to others. Huge perk: most of their options are less than $500!

Christy Dawn

We are just in awe of Christy Dawn’s new Bridal Collection! It is absolutely stunning and made with regenerative silk. From $2500-3000, their prices are very reasonable for bridal wear, and you are getting a truly sustainable and ethical gown. Christy Dawn is a very transparent brand that takes pride in creating clothing that is both good to the planet and people!

Fite Fashion

Fite Fashion is incredibly transparent, which is always a good sign. They openly discuss their circularity, working conditions, packaging, waste management, and more on their website - and bonus, it’s actually easy to find! This company was founded in 2018 and is located in the Northeastern U.S. and only uses deadstock, fair-trade, certified, organic, and low-impact dyed fabrics to create its pieces. They are big on creating “transitional” pieces that can be re-worn in multiple ways. 

Nordeen Bridal

The pieces from this brand are made to order and are hand-sewn in NYC or LA. They have a list of each company they work with within these cities, the materials that are used, and their company’s certifications (GOTS for all materials and production, Seri.Co for silk, and RWS for wool). Nordeen places importance on the ability to have interchangeable pieces that you can reuse and re-wear for many years to come, not just the night of your wedding. They offer gowns, attachments, layers, and separates.

Wear Your Love

All Wear Your Love dresses are made by hand with comfort-focused materials in Northern California. It is also a direct-to-consumer company and makes each dress to the custom order.

They have a made-to-measure model on their website so that the gown you order is fitted solely for you.

You can order swatches of the material to make sure they fit your vision, and all of their dresses can be made vegan.

Leanne Marshall

All production of Leanne Marshall gowns happens in NYC where they are hand-sewn one by one in order to create less waste. The fabric waste they do create is recycled through the program FABSCARP. Each gown on their site has a detailed materials list, and most of their gowns are made with silk and natural materials.

One perk of this more well-known bridal brand is that, depending on where you’re located, you may be able to go try some of these gowns on!

Lastly, here are some brides that have inspired me lately!

  1. @JessMarlo took scissors to her dress and danced the night away in the new-length gown!

  2. @TheBlendedBeauty rented her gown and all her accessories! If you’re in Georgia, look into Laine London.

  3. @ReLauren used her mother-in-law’s dress and worked with a local tailor to bring her vision to life. 

  4. @OatMilkLottie provided this great post on how she found an inclusive brand for her dress.

  5. @SustainablyChic used her mother’s wedding dress to make a reception dress.

About the Author:

Paige Annelayne is a freelance writer and digital media specialist currently based in Alabama, who loves to cook, learn about intersectional sustainability, and read a lot of books. Her cat, Gnocchi, her plants, and a good cup of matcha bring her joy. You can connect with Paige on Instagram @vitality.blog and at www.vtltyblog.com

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Where to find beautiful, sustainable bridesmaid dresses? 

For every newly engaged couple, wedding planning is a huge, never-ending list of tasks that can become daunting and overwhelming if we don’t know what we are doing. Although this period is often very exciting, there are so many things that need to be taken care of before the special day!

Choosing the right bridesmaid dresses is particularly difficult, as they need to work for your wedding theme and be liked by all the bridesmaids. And if you throw sustainability into the mix, the task becomes even more complicated. 

Thankfully, there are more and more options for sustainable bridesmaid dresses on the market, so it does not mean you need to ignore your values when planning your wedding. 

This article will teach you how to choose more sustainable dresses for your bridesmaids, and where they can be found. That way, your wedding (too) can be as sustainable as possible! 

How to choose sustainable bridesmaid dresses?

The number one priority you should have if you want to choose eco-friendly dresses is to pick ones that your bridesmaids will be able to wear over and over again. Not just for your wedding, but on multiple other occasions! Because no matter how sustainable a dress is, if it is only going to be worn once, it is extremely wasteful. 

The best way to ensure your bridesmaids will wear their dresses again in the future is to let them choose whatever dress they want to wear. This is what Natalie, Sustainably Chic founder, did at her wedding and all her bridesmaids looked absolutely beautiful! 

And why not ask your girlfriends if they already have a bridesmaid dress in their closets? They may have already attended a wedding or another formal event in the past, which means that they could reuse their dress this time again. 

If you have a specific theme for your wedding, discuss it with your girlfriends to see if they already have something that would work. If they don’t, give them a few guidelines and let them pick their dresses according to their taste. 

If you prefer choosing the dresses, ask your bridesmaids about the colors and styles they like, and pick accordingly. And do not forget to consider their body shapes to make sure the dresses will be flattering and that they will fit perfectly. 

What’s more, if your bridesmaids need a new dress for your wedding, choose ones made using eco-friendly fabrics, such as organic cotton, Tencel, linen, recycled polyester, or deadstock fabrics.  

The quality of the dress is another important factor to take into account to make sure it will last for years and will not fall apart quickly.

The dresses must make each of your bridesmaids feel confident and amazing. They need to complement their silhouettes and be comfortable to wear at the same time. If they feel good in them, your friends will be more likely to reuse them in the future! 

When picking the dresses, also do not forget to be conscious of everyone’s budget. Buying a new bridesmaid dress can be a big expense for many, not to mention all the other costs of attending a wedding.

This is another reason why I think letting your girlfriends choose their dresses is a great idea. It means that not only they will be able to pick a dress they will absolutely love, but they will also be in control of how much they will spend on their dress. They will have more control over the price and buying a dress won’t have to be a big financial burden for them. 

Finally, consider letting your bridesmaids choose their footwear and accessories as well. They all probably already own a nice pair of heels or beautiful earrings and necklaces. It would be an additional expense for them to buy new shoes and jewelry, and it would not be sustainable to do so. 

Letting them pick their own accessories and shoes will allow them to express their personality, and it will make each of them truly unique. Plus, it is one less thing you need to worry about before your wedding day! 

Where to shop for eco-friendly bridesmaid dresses?

Once you have decided whether you want to let your girlfriends pick their bridesmaid dresses or if you prefer choosing the specific models in advance, you need to know where to find them. 

The dresses in your bridesmaids’ closets 

As mentioned earlier, the most sustainable dresses are the ones your friends already have in their closets. If you do not mind a more mismatched look at your wedding or if you gave your bridesmaids a few guidelines and they have exactly what you want at home, why don’t they reuse what they already have? 

Allowing them to wear dresses they bought in the past is awesome for preventing waste as they are reusing something that was collecting dust in a closet. 

It also means that they do not need to purchase a new dress, thus not contributing to the demand for new dresses to be produced and saving a lot of money in the process. 

All the bridesmaids could also swap their dresses if they wish to refresh their looks and do not want to always wear the same thing at weddings.

Rental services

As bridesmaid dresses are usually only worn once, or a couple of times at best, renting them can be a great option that is not only more sustainable but also more budget-friendly!

Since you can rent a formal dress at a fraction of the retail price, it means that you can afford more high-end, designer pieces that you would otherwise not be able to choose. And this option is better if your bridesmaids have a limited budget and you do not want them to break the bank for your wedding. 

Check if you have a local renting shop in your area or visit an online store that rents dresses and formalwear. There are many websites available in the United States, but our favorite one is Rent The Runway. 

It is a membership-based website that has a huge selection of flattering bridesmaid dresses, available in sizes 0 to 22. You get to choose between a large variety of colors, styles, and lengths, and it even has some dresses for pregnant women. 

Second-hand stores or online websites 

Even though it is a bit harder to find exactly what you are looking for, buying second-hand is another sustainable alternative to purchasing new dresses. 

Many women sell their bridesmaid dresses because they don’t see themselves wearing them again in the future. Thus, you can find beautiful dresses in perfect condition that have only been worn once and that are sold at a more affordable price. 

Choosing second-hand dresses is extremely eco-friendly as you are giving a new life to dresses that would have probably never been worn again, and you end up saving a lot of money at the same time. 

Of course, finding the exact models and styles you want might be a bit more tricky if you look on the second-hand market, but you might find some cool, unique pieces, so do not ignore this option. 

You may have a local resale shop in your area, but if it is not the case, consider looking for bridesmaid dresses on eBay, Poshmark or Facebook Marketplace. You can also find your dream dresses on specialized websites like Once Wed or Pre Owned Wedding Dresses.  

Ethical & sustainable brands 

If you still could not find the ideal bridesmaid dresses or if you want all your bridesmaids to have the same dress, you will probably have to buy them from an online shop. 

Unfortunately, not all brands are created equal and the majority of bridesmaid dresses on the market are made unsustainably and unethically, and their quality could be better. 

But there are a couple of eco-friendly brands that decided to change the situation, which means that you can now pick beautiful bridesmaid dresses that will not harm the planet. 

Here is our selection of ethical brands selling sustainably-made bridesmaid dresses!

1) Whimsy & Row

Materials: Tencel, Cupro, ECOVERA Viscose, Viscose Lenzing 

Price: $102-248

Whimsy & Row is a California-based fashion brand that creates clothing using low-impact fabrics only. It has different models of dresses that can easily be worn as bridesmaid dresses at a wedding. 

The brand sells a beautiful wrap dress made of a blend of ECOVERA viscose and viscose Lenzing, which are both more eco-friendly types of viscose. You also get to choose between a few other models produced in a silky Tencel-cupro fabric.

Whimsy & Row is a carbon-neutral company that makes its clothes in limited quantities and upcycles its fabric scraps to avoid unnecessary waste. It also produces everything within a few miles from its office to minimize its carbon footprint. 

2) Christy Dawn

Materials: Deadstock Fabrics, Organic Cotton, Regenerative Cotton 

Price: $109-384

Christy Dawn is a sustainable clothing brand offering a great selection of dresses that can be worn by bridesmaids at weddings. Each piece has some elegant details that make it even more beautiful, such as little bows, floral prints, or butterfly sleeves. 

We particularly love the Quinn dress with its fitted silhouette and ruffles at the shoulders, bodice, and hem. It also has a detachable tie that you can wear around your waist or as a hair accessory. 

Christy Dawn’s dresses are either made from organic cotton, regenerative cotton, or deadstock fabrics that would have otherwise been discarded. 

3) Reformation

Materials: Linen, Silk, Viscose 

Price: $218-698

Reformation has an incredible collection of dresses that can be worn as bridesmaid dresses or at any other formal event. You can choose between various styles, necklines, sleeves, lengths and colors. 

Some dresses feature cool details such as waist ties, high slits, open backs, or ruffle-edged straps. Many dresses also have a floral print that makes the whole outfit even more feminine and elegant. 

Reformation’s dresses are created in different fabrics, including linen, silk and viscose made from sustainably-sourced wood pulp. The company has been carbon-neutral since 2015, and it cuts and sews over 50% of its clothing locally, in Los Angeles. 

4) Bastet Noir

Materials: Discarded Fabrics, Silk, Cotton 

Price: $99-239

Bastet Noir is a zero-waste brand specialized in the creation of all kinds of dresses, from bridal and bridesmaid dresses to party and shirt dresses.

All the bridesmaid dresses are incredibly beautiful, and they can be customized to your preferences. They are made to order specifically to clients’ measurements, and you can even choose a specific color or altered design. 

Bastet Noir’s dresses are made from discarded materials and produced by a cooperative of women single parents in Macedonia. 

The brand is very transparent about the costs of each step of the production process, and its profits are reinvested in the makers’ small businesses.

5) Loud Bodies

Materials: Tencel, Organic Cotton, Linen, Ecovero Viscose, Cotton

Price: $60-295

Loud Bodies is a size-inclusive, woman-owned brand with a mission to prove that style has no size. The brand sells various styles of dresses designed for special occasions, each featuring very unique and feminine details. 

With options for every budget, Loud Bodies creates its dresses using sustainable materials such as organic cotton, linen, Tencel and Ecovero viscose.

The fabrics are also certified OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and dyed with non-toxic dyes. 

All the clothes are produced in a small atelier in Romania and then shipped in packaging made out of recycled materials. 

We also love that Loud Bodies keeps all its fabric scraps, turns them into pillows and donates them to dog shelters! 

6) Symbology

Materials: Modal, Viscose, Cotton

Price: $98-218

Symbology is an ethical fashion brand creating clothing for women that have sizes ranging from XS to 3X. It has several collections of bridesmaid dresses, each in a different color: you can choose between dresses in shades of red, blue, green and blush. 

Almost all of them are midi or maxi dresses that feature unique patterns that remind us of the natural world.

Each dress is designed to be flattering to a wide range of body shapes and sizes. 

Symbology’s bridesmaid dresses are handcrafted in small batches by women artisans in developing countries. The makers use traditional techniques such as embroidery, block printing and tie-dye to create beautiful designs. 

7) GUARDI

Materials: Deadstock Fabrics, Organic Silk, Organic Cotton, Recycled Polyester, Organic Modal, Organic Bamboo

Price: $98-227

GUARDI is a female-owned brand that creates vintage-inspired designs blended with easy-to-wear shapes for women who love wearing bold and luxurious clothing. 

Most of its dresses are one-of-a-kind pieces that can be worn by bridesmaids at weddings.

They feature elegant details like tulip skirts, long sleeves, high necklines, lace, and waist ties. 

GUARDI’s pieces are made from organic, recycled, or deadstock fabrics. They are produced in limited quantities using artisan techniques in a family-run factory in Europe. The brand also reuses its cut-off fabrics to create small garments to avoid waste and give them a new life. 

8) Velvety

Materials: Linen, Tencel

Price: $103-180

Velvety is an Australian online store selling all kinds of clothes for men and women, as well as accessories and beauty products.

It has a large variety of elegant dresses sold by ethical fashion brands like Nich, Mantaikotai, and Tasi Travels.

The dresses are either made of Tencel or linen, two extremely sustainable fabrics.

You get to choose between various mini, midi and maxi dresses available in more than 20 colors. 

Velvety’s dresses have a romantic feel and lovely detailing like belts, ruffles or buttons, and some even have practical pockets. 

The brand donates a portion of its yearly profits to organizations specialized in animal rescue like Big Sky Sanctuary. 

About the Author

Eva Astoul is a French freelance writer, specializing in content related to sustainability, simple living, and a growth-focused healthy lifestyle. She runs her own blog, Green With Less, to inspire people to live a more minimalist and sustainable life.

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