Green Weddings: Week One, Eco-Chic Wedding Gowns

What are your thoughts about eco-friendly weddings?

Does your mind automatically go to unattractive dresses and ugly brown recycled paper goods, among other less than lovely details?

It doesn’t have to be like that. In fact, now more than ever you can create the elegant and glamorous wedding of your dreams and also feel good about it by having a portion of it, or perhaps all of it, be eco-kind as well.

Are you still with me?

Great! Then if you’re looking for some “Eco-Kind” wedding ideas, you’ve come to the right place! Starting today and over the next 10 weeks or so I’ll be featuring this “green wedding” series to show ways in which you can do your part with your wedding to make a difference globally and locally without sacrificing the beauty and loveliness you deserve.

Today, I’m starting you off with one of the most important items you’ll choose for your wedding and also one that will set the tone for just about everything else regarding your big day…your bridal gown.

First, I have to make a confession. And this may be hard for some to hear, but hey…it’s just my opinion. While researching for this piece, I had a difficult time finding a ton of designers to offer you. And here’s where it gets really tricky because not everyone’s likes are the same. Besides the designers I’m listing here today, in my opinion, there aren’t a whole lot of “eco-kind” gown designs that I’ve found to be really attractive.

That being said, I’m very particular when it comes to what I feature here as I only want to bring you what I think is the best of the best.

Yes, there may be some big named designers out there who offer gowns that are “eco-friendly”, but I don’t want to go that route. No, I want to provide you with at least five designers who’s whole philosophy with their company is about making something beautiful and being kind to the environment and mankind as well.

So…while I say I’ve found very few designers who “I” think make beautiful “eco-kind” gowns…here are some I’ve found who go above and beyond!

The first designer I’d like to mention today is high end fashion designer Leila Hafzi. Almost all of the images provided in this post are of her designs. And if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably swooned over each and every one of them several times over.

Leila Hafzi began in Norway back in 1997 when few fashion brands talked about globalization, empowerment of women or ethical and eco-conscious production from a developing country. From there, a new voice was born and the ethical and eco-conscious trade found a future leading lady. Since then, the designer has helped inspire the fashion industry into a global shift.

With gowns located in upscale boutiques around the world, Leila Hafzi designs are recognized by their romantic, feminine, and bohemian look combined with a innovative fusion of themes from different cultures including inspirations drawn from Norway, Persia, Greece and Nepal.

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I was introduced to Celia Grace through a recent couple of features in which Founder & CEO Marcie Muehlke modeled wearing a couple of her dresses alongside her husband. You can see those features here and here. And what a lucky connection that was as her company has become one of my new favorites within the “eco-kind” bridal gown industry.

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In 2002 Adele Wechsler expanded her Toranto based bridal line to North America where she has become quite popular. The evolution of designing for “the bride who cares about the world in which she lives” inspired her to create her eco-collection, a line made with eco-conscience. By infusing elements like organic hemp and silk, vegetable dyes, remnant fabrics and hand cut designs, Adele is able to offer brides an eco-friendly option with all the luxury of a couture gown.

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Whether your style is classic, contemporary, sporty, bohemian or edgy, The Cotton Bride aspires to embody the spirit of our times with a fresh and enlightened collection of natural bridal gowns reflective of today’s evolving values, lifestyles, interests and priorities.

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Season 5 winner of Project Runway, Leanne Marshall has created a gorgeous line of eco-friendly, handmade wedding gowns that are available at select boutiques worldwide and online.

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And there you have it. Some of my favorite eco-kind designers as of right now. So whether you’re a seasoned veteran in the world of “eco-conscious” fashion or a novice just getting your feet wet, be sure to check out these designers and what they have to offer. And if you can do your part by purchasing an eco-kind gown that looks as fabulous as these…just think how good that will feel!