Where to find a sustainable wedding dress?
There is a group of people who probably have suffered more or less in silence the last year. All of us who have for several months been planning and looking forward to our weddings have been forced to re-think or delay this special day. Some might have had close ceremonies for only a few in a Covid19 safe setting while others have decided to wait. Regardless if you’re are planning a wedding or not, the wedding dress has for decades been a source of inspiration and admiration. It has historically been one of the most important ingredients on a wedding and the women’s dress is normally a big topic of conversation before, at and after the wedding. The way some women emotionally care about their weddings even has a name; “Bridezilla”. If you do a Google search of the meaning, you will find plenty of answers but we are very found of “a bride who’s behaviour or actions are seen as demandable and unreasonable”. The behaviour have even become a television show, not to mentioned “Yes to the Dress” show. Check out this YouTube channel which have millions of followers.
In other words, the wedding dress seems to be quite important for many of us.
But a dress with that much garment doesn’t come without an impact on nature, climate or people. So is there any way you can find a sustainable produced dress?
Our perspective is that the question should instead be; do you truly need a newly-produced dress that you’re only going to wear for one day? Or are you planning to keep on using or upcycing your wedding dress afterwards?
The most sustainable thing you can do is to rent, buy one remade/upcycled or of deadstock, or buy one second handed. Of course there are dresses out there that might have a lower impact and/or being climate compensated, but the truth is, we truly need to rethink why producing something new for one costumer for only be worn during one day?
So here are some tips of places in Stockholm and we would love to get your recommendations in the commentfield!
Bröllopsbruket (Stockholm, Göteborg, Malmö, Linköping och Umeå)
This place sells plenty of pre-loved wedding dresses in all sizes. I’ve been visiting their place twice in Stockholm with two months in between and there were plenty of new dresses despite being in the middle of the winter. The supply really depends on when previous bides decide to let their wedding dress go to find a new owner. The good thing is that you can also sell your wedding dress here. There’s plenty of wedding brands, some more exclusive than others. Of course there’s only one of each so if you’re not sure, it might be gone until next time. But it’s better to be sorry than safe in this case. You want to be absolutely sure when choosing your dress.
Wedding dresses and festive clothing for rental. There’s less options here but a higher demand on some of the most popular dresses. If you want something more modern or fairytale inspired, this is the place. Here you can find the Pinterest inspired wedding dress, and while not having a look at the bridesmaid dresses too while you’re there? You rent the dress only for three days or so, so it’s also a higher risk, but according to the owners they dresses are always handed in in good condition. It’s also an option good for your wallet! 1500-3000 SEK for a rental.
The vintage lower should defiantly pay a visit to Elsa’s rental. The wall with all the pre-loved dresses is a historians dream come true experience. All of them are unique and this is defiantly the place for those of you who seeks something extraordinary. The dresses from the 40s are stunning. Despite the price of testing, it’s still worth the expense due to the experience and when you have picked a dress to rent, it’s yours for the whole summer or season!
Personal assistant the-luxe from the owner who are in the 80s and knows the story between all the items in her store. She has several dresses from different decades, jewellery’s and accessories too. To be here is a full-time, long and intense experience so make sure you have plenty of time. But you won’t find better vintage then this. Some to buy and some for rent.
