Drop dead gorgeous and Eco-conscious? Yes, please!
When Marcus and I decided to get married we wanted to challenge ourselves by taking the ‘Eco’ thing a step further. Could we pull off a ‘waste-free’ wedding? We were sure as heck going to try! So, when it came to finding a dress that meant much more than buying recycled. I had to think about everything from fabric choice, where the dress would be made, how long it would have to travel to reach me, how many times could it be worn, to whether it would it be new, pre-owned, or vintage. What would create the least amount of waste? A dress made from hemp silk that would need to be shipped halfway around the world? Or a dress made of organic cotton that was picked up locally and could be worn again and again? These were the things I took into consideration when I began the hunt for my dress.
I have to admit when I started my search I did not expect to find so many to-die for gowns. I was sooo wrong. There are loads of beautiful, and affordable dresses that are also ethical.
Some of my favorites….
Sanyukta Shrestha
Her dresses are made in England using wild hemp, wild nettle, bamboo, organic and fair trade cotton, hemp silk, soya, straw, organic silk, and recycled fabrics.
Her dresses are handcrafted using sustainable fabrics in the United States, and 5% of profits are donated to environmental causes.
Her dresses are made in Canada using organic hemp/silk, remnant fabrics, and vegetable dyed silks.
Olivia Luca
She does things a little differently. One just goes to her website and chooses the bodice, skirt and embellishments that suits them best. There are loads of Eco-conscious fabrics to pick from like, organic bamboo/cotton, organic printed cotton and linen, Hempcel* and hemp/silk charmeuse, and Fair-trade handwoven silks. Once the elements are all chosen, Olivia constructs your perfect Eco-beautiful dress!
Up next: To letterpress or not?
-Melani Rae
* 100% SBP® (Sustainable Biodegradable Product). 55% Hemp, 45% Tencel.
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Eco-friendly Bridal Bouquets
Although we are happily in the throws of summer here in Washington, DC…we know many of you are now just thinking about your bridal bouquets for your fall and winter weddings. Here are a few eco-friendly ideas!
Antique green Dutch Hydrangea is perfect for a fall wedding. Dutch farmers have some of the world’s best fair trade practices and fair wages in the cut floral world! Accented with red hypericum berries from Canada, lily grass from Florida and Vendela roses from Holland as well! (We were rooting for the Netherlands to win the World Cup - but happy they made it to the finals!)
Another fall favorite is to use fresh herbs like rosemary! Infusing rosemary, this bridal bouquet comprised of freesia and ranunculus not only gives an aromatic sensual bouquet, but one that can be dried afterwards! These flowers also do very well pressed!
This traditional bridal bouquet is filled with roses from California along with calla lilies with Holland and touches of freesia! Dry this bouquet without the calla lilies and you will have a wonderful decor item in your home!
More fresh bridal bouquets coming weekly! Stay tuned!
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Spring 2011 Issue
