Vintage Dresses and Rings Economical and Eco-Friendly

I have a lovely platinum ring that has been passed down from my great-grandma. The eldest daughter in the family receives it when she graduates. There was a time when I hoped I would never have a daughter becuase I love this ring. Alas, I am getting ready to pass it on and I do so with a smile as my little girl has grown into a fine young lady. These treasures are now in vogue and offer and eco-friendly alternative for the traditional wedding rings. They have have style and history.

Who wouldn't give this ring oohs and ahhs!

Maybe you don't have a family heirloom or vintage isn't your style. There are still eco-friendly options out there. Historically, diamonds have been mined in conditions where human rights are violated and the environment is ignored. Read more at http://www.brilliantearth.com/buy-conflict-free-diamonds/ . There are retailers who offer conflict free diamonds and there are always alternative stones. Just think about the compliments you would receive with the simple but elegant stone in the engagement ring below.

Can you say bling!

What about the Wedding Dress?

Ok, I recycled my wedding dress in 1987 before it was chic.  I would like to say it was for altruistic reasons ...the truth was we were in college and broke.  I dyed it black and wore it to Military Ball the next year. Nobody was the wiser. Secondhand and recycled or "vintage gowns" can make a wonderful eco-friendly dress alternative. Here is a wedding dress bought for less than $60 on e-bay.

 

Gross right? Out of style...horribly discolored

But now look at the wedding gown after clenaing, restoration and reworking. 

Voila! An econmical, simple and elegant wedding dress!

If not vintage...what are other eco-friendly options?  Green wedding dresses are those designed from sustainable, organic, or recycled fabrics and dyes. They do not contian petroleum products. Dresses can be reused as baptismal dresses or resold for others to enjoy. The days are gone when you were only allowed to be enviromentally concious if you were among the hippie set and wanted to wear a potato sack.  Green wedding gowns are high fashion and responsible. Look for these materials:

Silk

You can be a princess in your eco-friemdly gown!

This simply gorgeous fabric is biogradable and renewable. Look for silks that are not chemically treated.  Animal friendly silks are labled peace silk, Wild silk and Ahimsa silk. Even the vegan bride can wear these fabrics, but they may not have quite the luxurious feel of the more traditional silk.
Hemp

Maybe not as shiny as silk, but simple and  beautiful!!

Hemp is often combined with silk to give it some luster.  Hemp is a flexible fabric that flows.  It is natural and breathes. As you can see in the picture above, hemp has its place in the "green" wedding industry.
Cotton

I can't believe it is cotton!

Cotton is one of the crops most heavily sprayed with pestides.  However, it is more readily available in its organic form these days.  Think about a summer wedding...It is 100 degrees out...Wouldn't it be splendid to have this natural breathable fabric rather than polyester or stretchy tulle?

Next time Tablescapes and Trends