Find Stylish, Sustainable Bridesmaid Dresses
The 35 Must-Rent Wedding Guest Dresses for Fall by Rent the Runway
Ethical and sustainable bridesmaid dresses and options that are stylish and approachable.
As a bride, sharing your personal commitments to sustainability with your bridesmaids can be a meaningful and playful way to get them involved in your special day. Considering a more sustainable approach to finding those bridesmaid dresses is a wonderful way to incorporate eco-friendly choices into your wedding and share your ethos with them. From vintage finds that tell stories of eras past to dresses crafted from ethically sourced fabrics, there is a wide range of playful approaches to explore. While there is no perfect option, by making more mindful choices, couples can be creative with their wedding party attire choices and also align with their values!
When considering the sustainability of dresses it is always best to find something pre-existing.
Renting, consignment, thrift, or vintage are great ways to explore this!
Rebridal, Pre-loved dresses from LA
Renting & Reuse
Rentable Dresses: Consider renting dresses for your bridesmaids. There are many companies that specialize in renting formalwear, which can significantly reduce the environmental impact compared to buying new dresses. Plus you get to try something new without the guilt of only wearing it once. Bonus!
Some great rental options include Rent the Runway, Revu, NUULY, Poshare.
Vintage or Thrifted Dresses: Encourage your bridesmaids to shop for vintage or second-hand dresses. This not only promotes sustainability but also adds a unique and personalized touch to each bridesmaid's outfit.
Explore your local resale or consignment options, or search online at places like thredUP, Poshmark, ReBridal, PreOwnedWeddingDresses, and Borrowing Magnolia.
Mix & Matched Shop Revu Bridesmaid Rental
Sustainable Styling Options
How you style your wedding party can be just as important to what they are wearing. Use your creativity to showcase the personal style of your wedding party and give some freedom to let them make choices that are best for them and their budget.
Mix and Match Styles: Allow your bridesmaids to choose their own dresses in a specific color palette or fabric type. This gives them more freedom to select a dress they already own or find a new one they love and are likely to wear again.
Accessories as Focal Point: Consider placing more emphasis on accessories like jewelry, shoes, and hairpieces, allowing bridesmaids to wear their own dresses or choose from their existing wardrobe.
Minimalist Design: Choose simple, timeless designs that can be worn for various occasions. Choose knee length instead of floor length, and avoid trendy styles that may quickly go out of fashion.
Whimsy + Row Bridesmaid Collections
Support Sustainable Brands & Designers
If renting or shopping preloved isn’t in the timeline, then finding ways to include sustainable brands is a stylish way to support ethical and small businesses. When buying new consider the material sourcing, who made the dress, and if there are ways to support local designers along the way.
Natural and Organic Fabrics: If you decide to buy new, choose dresses made from natural, organic, or sustainable fabrics like organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, or Tencel. These materials have a lower environmental impact compared to conventional or synthetic fabrics.
Some of our favorite brand options include Whimsy & Row, Grace Loves Lace, Christy Dawn, Reformation, Bastet Noir, Loud Bodies, Symbology, Velvety, and Rewritten.
Local and Artisanal Designers: Support local and artisanal designers who create handmade dresses. Small batch production reduces the carbon footprint associated with shipping but also supports small businesses.
Custom-Made Dresses: If budget allows, consider having dresses custom-made for each bridesmaid. This ensures a perfect fit and allows you to select more sustainable fabrics and production methods by working with a local designer or seamstress. Plus, it is a fun activity to engage your bridesmaids in before the wedding!
Remember to consider the budget and experience of your bridesmaids. Communicate with them throughout and involve them in the decision-making process. This way, you can ensure that they feel comfortable, included, and happy with the dress options you choose together!
