Wedding Apparel

Earth-Friendly New Apparel

First let’s take a look at what you’ll find in many standard wedding shops today. Off-the-rack wedding clothes are often manufactured overseas in developing countries where environmental regulations and labor laws may be weak or inadequately enforced. Many are made of petroleum-based synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon, or wood-based fabrics like rayon and acetone that require excessive amounts of water and chemicals to extract usable fibers from trees in the manufacturing process.

So what are some earth-friendly fabric alternatives for new wedding apparel? Think natural fibers! Silk, hemp, linen, organic cotton, and wool - in their natural colors, tinted with nontoxic dyes, or lightened without chlorine - are all good choices. Check out the links below for more information:

• The Hemp Industries Association offers information about this naturally pest-resistant plant that is grown without pesticides, as well as a directory of hemp clothing stores and other items.
• The Sustainable Cotton Project provides information on the benefits of organic cotton, and the International Organic Cotton Directory offers a searchable directory for finding organic cotton products.
• Fine wool is an elegant alternative to synthetics for suiting fabric. Although sheep are not killed in the shearing process, you may wish to read the Vegan Society’s position on wool to decide whether it is right for you.
• Co-op America’s WoodWise Clothing discussion weighs Tencel’s ecological benefits and challenges.

What do you do if you find a great gown in an earth-friendly fabric, but you can’t be sure about the working conditions where it was made? “Shop with a conscience” by referring to Sweatshop Watch’s Sweatfree Shopping Guide or “discover the good, the bad and the ugly behind the products you buy” by searching a company name on the Responsible Shopper Web site.

Reuse & Recycle - Lovingly Worn Apparel

Now let’s take a look at the second approach to selecting wedding apparel, reusing wedding garments that have been lovingly worn. This approach uses products that were previously manufactured, so new resources are not exploited.

The most nostalgic means of reuse is the handing down of a wedding gown from a previous generation. To wear your mother’s or grandmother’s wedding dress is the ultimate in family tradition - if it works out. If the size is right and the style is acceptable, it’s a meaningful affirmation of the strength of family ties. But sometimes it just doesn’t work out. You may not be built like your female predecessors. Or let’s face it –your mom’s ‘80s fashion may not be the look that you envision for your new millennium bridal gown! You might also consider borrowing wedding attire from other family members and friends.

There are lots of other sources for high quality previously worn bridal wear. Many of them are shops operated by charity organizations, so you can be sure that your purchases are going further to benefit worthy causes. One such organization is The Bridal Garden, a not for profit resale bridal boutique run by Sheltering Arms Childrens Service in New York. Another is Making Memories where sales of donated bridal gowns benefit the Breast Cancer Foundation. Several “Brides Against Breast Cancer” events are scheduled at various locations throughout the U.S. in 2006.

If you’re short on funds and need some help yourself, many communities have programs that loan out formal wear for special occasions. An example is Cinderella’s Trunk in Bothell, Washington, where donated wedding and prom wear is available to those who would otherwise be unable to attend formal events due to financial constraints. An initial deposit is required, but once the garments are returned the deposit is refunded and the only charge is a $5.00 dry cleaning fee. Many such organizations exist, so check your local directory for resources in your area.

Second hand and thrift stores are a great resource for gently worn formal wear, and searching can be a tremendous adventure. If you have the time to hunt them down, one-of-a-kind treasures abound at remarkably low prices. If you don’t have a lot of time to look around, check out antique and vintage shops in your area that carry clothing and accessories. These may be a bit pricier, but they may also offer some exceptional items that you will not find anywhere else.

For men’s formal wear, reuse is very common through the practice of tuxedo rentals. Be sure to ask about the rental company’s dry cleaning practices. Many have onsite facilities, but smaller companies may send garments out for cleaning. If your rental firm can’t confirm that they use nontoxic, environmentally friendly cleaning solvents, ask for a discount if you have garments cleaned at an eco-friendly establishment before returning them. Search for GreenEarth Cleaners or independent local companies in your area. In Canada, check out the Canadian Centre for Pollution Prevention’s directory for green dry cleaners.