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getting married shouldn't cost the earth
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| www.eco-wedding.com
getting married shouldn't cost the earth |
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The most ethical and economical option is of course be to source a second hand or remade dress. Zero impact on the environment, no its not boring and yes you can have loads of fun doing it! But while you might find exactly what you want (and something no-one else is wearing) in a vintage shop - we thought it also important to include new dresses that are ethically sourced. Luckily for us there is a growing network of designers and manufacturers who make beautiful dresses responsibly and greenly (and let us know if you've found more!). Designers Gaiahouse in the South East; Wholly Jo's (dressmaker in West London) and also Dress to Art designers comprised of: www.beckyearley.com, www.katefletcher.com and www.helenamymurray.com Fabric Suppliers - so far we have found Green Fibres and Organic Silk. The Natural Store have a link to Ethical Fabrics now - including the intreguing-sounding 'Charmeuse' a hemp / silk blend. Off The Peg? Getting married last minute, zero budget or seen something you love on the high street? Yes we love the high street and its hard not to - but are you sure that the garment has been produced ethically? If you don't know, why not ask the company what their policy is? After all, if there is a consumer demand for ethically produced 'off the peg' wedding garments, then it will be met. Shoes Hurrah, a great excuse to buy more.Terra Plana and Beyond Skin are the two we have come across so far; and let's hope this is a growing market! EXHIBITIONS:, The Crafts Council exhibition (currently touring the UK) includes green wedding wear and a useful directory of suppliers, and The Eco Design Fair is another one to watch out for. We haven't many links here yet, but hope to build them up so if you know someone we should include, let us know! And what about recycled clothes? How much do you love finding cool stuff in charity shops and vintage clothiers? Ok now imagine how much fun you could have sourcing your own unique outfit. Even if you ask a local tailor to make alterations for you - it's still going to be cheaper than buying a new dress (and it's sooo difficult to find good, new, cheap wedding dresses). There are a number of organisations who remake old clothes into new (what could be better?!) including: Junky Styling (with retail outlet on Brick Lane in London) and TRAID (Textile Recycling for Aid and International Development), "a registered charity which collects, recycles and sells second hand clothes and shoes. This diverts textile waste from landfill and the money raised helps to fund projects for some of the world’s poorest communities.". What a cool idea, we love these people. Get Ethical also have a page devoted to womanswear. Find your nearest Charity Shops or some Oxfam stores actually have bridal departments You might also try: The Dressmarket with thousands of once-worn wedding dresses for sale. Remember internet browsers render colours in different ways, so what you see might not be what you get. Try to get a good idea of the condition of the garment, and the exact sizing, before you commit your cash. AND please make time to visit actual vintage clothes shops too - small shops are going out of business, and they need your support. Obvious places to start? Ok well Steinberg & Tolkien on the Kings Road in London at the top end of the market; and the CND shop on the lower Holloway Road is good for a bargain. See also Radio Days at Lower Marsh near Waterloo Station. Around
the Country In Sheffield we love The Front Parlour on Sharrowvale Road. Let us know about your fave shops and we can add them here! We'd like to fill a whole new page with great shops.
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In
the North 