Consciously Chic: How to Choose a Sustainable Wedding Dress (and Look Amazing Doing It)

Planning your wedding is one of life’s most exciting moments, but it’s also an opportunity to align your style with your values.

Sustainability in bridal fashion doesn’t mean sacrificing design, quality or personal style. In fact, many of the most inspiring designers today are embracing slower, more thoughtful ways of creating.

From the dress to the shoes, accessories and beyond, here are some simple ways to embrace sustainability in your wedding wardrobe while still looking completely fabulous.

1- Choose fabrics that do better

Not all wedding fabrics are created equal. Many gowns are still made from polyester and synthetic blends, which rely on fossil fuels and can take hundreds of years to break down. The good news is that more designers are now choosing earth-conscious textiles.

Look out for natural and certified materials such as:

• GOTS-certified organic cotton

• OEKO-TEX Standard 100 approved fabrics

• Bluesign-certified textiles

These certifications indicate that a fabric has been produced with lower chemical use, safer processes and more ethical supply chains. Peace silk, linen, TENCEL™ and organic bamboo are also excellent options if you're looking for low-impact fabric options.

Even delicate details like lace or beading can be sourced sustainably. Many brands now use recycled or responsibly sourced versions of traditional bridal fabrics.

2- Support local designers

One of the easiest ways to reduce your fashion footprint is to shop local. Buying from UAE-based designers not only cuts down on carbon emissions from shipping, but also supports talented creatives in your own community.

In the UAE, Nilisha Bridal is a brilliant example of slow, conscious bridal fashion. Based in Dubai, Nilisha creates made-to-order gowns using sustainable fabrics and thoughtful design processes. Every piece is crafted in the UAE with care, meaning less waste and more intention.

HOM Bridal is another great option. Their timeless, modern designs are made to be worn again beyond the big day. Perfect for civil ceremonies, city weddings or fashion-forward brides, their in-house team also offers tailoring and alterations so each piece fits beautifully and can evolve with your style.

3- Invest in craftsmanship

Small-batch, handmade bridalwear is often more sustainable than mass-produced fashion. Choosing brands that prioritise craftsmanship over quantity helps reduce waste and supports ethical production methods.

Many independent designers around the world use traditional techniques passed down through generations, and they produce only what’s needed. No excess stock, no waste.

Here are a few international names worth exploring:

• Sanyukta Shrestha – Based in the UK and Nepal, this designer works with women’s cooperatives to produce organic, fair-trade gowns.

• Cortana – A Spanish brand known for working with natural, locally sourced fabrics and timeless designs.

• Lost in Paris – An Australian label that creates dresses using antique lace and reclaimed textiles.

• Grace Loves Lace – Another Aussie brand who are open about their environmental and ethical commitments, and design for versatility and comfort.

4- Rework, don’t retire

Wedding dresses often use layers of luxurious fabric, so why wear them only once?

Instead of storing your dress away or trying to dye it (which can involve harsh chemicals), consider having it reworked into new pieces you can wear for years to come. Dubai has a wealth of skilled tailors who can transform your gown into new pieces you can continue to wear again and again.

From trouser suits,  anniversary dresses or clothes for future children, the possibilities are endless when you think creatively about your dress’s next chapter.

5- Accessorise with forever pieces

Another area where you can make a sustainable impact is your accessories.

Choose shoes, bags or jewellery that you’ll want to wear again, whether it’s a pair of satin mules that will work for brunches and parties or a pearl handbag you’ll bring out for every celebration. Jewellery especially can become a lasting memento of your day. Look for pieces that can be passed down or styled long after the last dance.

These extras not only elevate your bridal look, but also ensure your investment goes far beyond one occasion.

6- Know who you’re buying from

Many brands today promote sustainability, but how can you tell which ones are genuinely committed?

Start with the brand’s website. Look for:

• A clear sustainability or ethics page

• Third-party certifications for materials and labour practices

• Transparency around supply chains and production

• Partnerships with environmental or social impact organisations

For further research, try:

• www.goodonyou.eco

• www.remake.world

• www.fashionrevolution.org

These platforms rate fashion brands and offer useful resources to help you make informed choices.

Every step counts

Sustainability doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Even one conscious choice makes a difference, whether it’s choosing a dress you’ll rewear, supporting a local designer or picking jewellery that becomes part of your everyday wardrobe.

If every bride chose just one piece they’d wear again, whether it’s the dress, the shoes or the earrings, it would create a meaningful shift in how we think about wedding fashion.

Sustainable weddings aren’t about perfection. They’re about thoughtful joy. And really, what could be

more beautiful than that?

// Joanna Southwell  - https://www.instagram.com/joanna_southwell/