Reuse, Recycle
If you can't find what you're looking for in natural fabrics, consider another green option — gently worn, used dresses. You have many options when choosing a gently worn dress, and you can find them in many places. Raid your own closet, ask to borrow a dress from a friend or family member, or go on an expedition to the thrift store down the street. Don't forget about the endless online options such as eBay and Craigslist.
Thrift Store Chic
Chances are that if you're an earth-conscious bride you've visited some thrift stores. Not only may you find a gorgeous wedding dress for a ridiculously cheap price, but you may even find other items that can be used for decorations for your reception — glass bowls for the centerpieces, wicker baskets for the flower girl, or jewelry to wear on your wedding day.
The key to thrift store shopping is taking along your imagination to see ordinary objects in a new light. Also be prepared to dig; some stores just pile things up, although others have everything laid out nice and neat. If you don't find something on the first try, ask how often and when the store puts out new items and get there bright and early the day items are restocked. Secondhand treasures can be amazing one-of-a-kind finds, and searching for them can be quite an adventure. Take your mom, your maid of honor, or all your bridesmaids along for the hunt and make it a day of treasure hunting. You never know what you may find during your treasure-hunting adventures.
Classifieds and Consignment Stores
Local thrift stores are not the only place to find beautiful, gently used wedding gowns. Your local newspaper classifieds and online classifieds are full of ads. Make sure you also check your yellow pages for resale shops and consignment stores, and check your bridal and wedding listings for boutiques that offer used wedding gowns. Most cities have at least one store that sells used formalwear and wedding gowns.
Whether you buy your dress brand new or gently used, consider donating it to a good cause once you are done with it. Whether it is a local charity in your area or a nationwide effort such as Making Memories, your donation matters and can make a difference to someone.
Gowns for a Good Cause
For the eco-conscious bride, buying a dress from an organization that supports a charitable cause is the perfect choice. Several charities sell and even rent wedding gowns and other formalwear. Making Memories (www.makingmemories.org) takes in used bridal gowns and then resells them. The proceeds help make wishes come true for breast cancer patients. The organization accepts donations of any formal attire: bridal gowns, veils, mother of the bride dresses, bridesmaids' dresses, and flower girl dresses.
If you can't find a charitable cause selling gowns in your area, look for a retailer such as Blue Sky Bridal (www.blueskybridal.com) that donate proceeds to charities. It offers recycled wedding gowns and organic wedding dresses and donates 10 percent of each sale to environmental protection.
