Alternatives to expensive wedding gowns are not only good for you, but also send a strong message to big business that you won’t spend the equivalent of a house deposit or a honeymoon, on one dress that you are likely only going to wear once. It’s unsure why wedding gowns are so expensive, they are handmade but most are not made from ethical or organic materials. Here are some alternative ideas.
- If buying new, Yorkshire’s Rolling in Roses (above) offers handmade gowns with delicate features in a vegan alternative to silk, made from oranges! Each dress has a wrist loop to carry a train gracefully, and ribbon tabs (to tie up for dancing).
- For pre-loved dresses, you can buy and sell at Still White or Bridal Reloved (check out local dress agencies too).
Just buy a nice organic dress, and then you can wear it again and again. This organic cotton broderie dress by People Tree is really nice for everyday wear, and also would be suitable for a wedding.
Buy nice vegan bridal shoes from Beyond Skin. These are ethically made and will last years for other occasions, and although expensive, there are regular sale bargains.
Where to Donate Wedding Gowns
You can donate used wedding gowns to Gift of a Wedding, and these are used to give a bride with terminal illness a special day. Or look up charities like Cherished Gowns who unpick donated gowns, then make them into free burial gowns for angel babies, in Heaven.
