Using sustainable fabric is a huge trend in the fashion world right now, and wedding fashion is no exception

Using sustainable fabric is a huge trend in the fashion world right now, and wedding fashion is no exception.  Materials like organic cotton, bamboo, hemp, and soy blend fabric have a lower impact on the environment than traditional formal wear fabric, and they look and feel just as great – if not better!

At Olivia Luca, you can create a custom-designed gown to your exact specifications using eco-friendly materials like fair trade hand-woven silk shantung, organic linen, and hemp silk charmeuse. With Olivia Luca’s online Design Studio, you can create a one-of-a-kind dress that’s perfect for your wedding day.  The sketches shown above represent just a few of literally hundreds of different options.  I had so much fun pairing the different styles and colors and fabrics, it almost makes me want to get married again (don’t tell my hubby I said that)! Photos by: bryllupsfotografn.dk

Cover Your Shoulders

Using sustainable materials isn’t the only way to go green on your big day.  Opting for dresses made with salvaged vintage materials is also easy on Mother Earth.  There are heaps of unused and barely-used vintage fabric and clothing items just waiting for someone to make something beautiful out of them – why not your wedding gown?

The stunning, one-of-a-kind gown pictured above puts a unique spin on the “something old” tradition – it is made from 100% reclaimed vintage fabric scraps in shades of white, cream, and pale blush pink.  The colors and the silhouette are so chic and romantic!  The dress is completely handmade by Tawny Holt, the designer behind the couture fashion label Amour sans Anguish.  All of Tawny’s bespoke creations are made of fabric recycled from vintage garments that might otherwise go to waste.  You will definitely make a statement in a gown like this!

Another eco-friendly shopping tip: channel your inner Carrie Bradshaw and opt for a vintage or pre-owned gown.  Most of them have been worn only once or never been worn, and buying used can help you save some green while going green!  Plus, when you purchase a vintage wedding gown, you know you are going stand out from the crowd.  Look for timeless pieces that express your personal style.  Choose a 30s gown for old-school glamour, a 50s frock for classic femininity, or a 70s style for boho chic.

I found this 1950s era tea-length princess dress at the online boutique Posh Girl Vintage.  This is the perfect dress for dancing the night away!  Layer upon layer of chiffon and tulle fabric give the dress a flirty, feminine silhouette that is guaranteed to make you feel like the belle of the ball.  The shorter tea length gives it an unexpected, modern twist.

Look for fab vintage bridal pieces at your local thrift and consignment stores, or do a quick web search to find tons of amazing vintage boutiques online.  Also check out eBay for a huge selection of pre-owned wedding dresses at bargain prices.

To see more options for eco-friendly wedding fashion, check out Portovert.com – they have a whole list of green gown resources on the web.