Weddings are a time for celebrating love, but they can also have a negative impact on the environment. The fashion industry, in particular, is known for its carbon emissions, water pollution, and clothing waste. However, sustainable and ethical fashion is on the rise, and wedding guest dresses are no exception.
In this article, readers will discover eco-friendly wedding guest dresses that are both stylish and sustainable. From quirky and colorful options to beach wedding attire, there is something for everyone. The article also includes a disclaimer that all recommendations are independently researched and affiliate links may be included.
Ethical Wedding Guest Dresses We’d Wear to Any Reception
1. Amour Vert
Amour Vert is a sustainable fashion brand that offers a wide range of wedding guest attire made from sustainable viscose fabrics produced using a closed-loop system. Their Olive Midi Dress is perfect for any occasion and comes in a choice of fabrics such as silky cupro, floaty TENCEL™, and washable silk. This dress features a classic v-neck and comes in a sleeveless or 3/4 length sleeve version for summer and winter weddings alike. Amour Vert uses vegan materials such as organic cotton, cupro fabric from repurposed cotton waste, FSC-certified sustainable wood TENCEL™, and FSC-certified ECOVERO™ viscose. The Dream Knit and Dream Rib fabrics are made in the USA from TENCEL™ modal fiber. Most of Amour Vert’s collection (97%) is made in one of six Californian factories. The brand is also committed to reducing its carbon footprint through its ReAmour pre-loved marketplace.
2. Reformation
Reformation is a fair labor association member that ensures their stunning ethical formal dresses are made by people who are paid a fair wage. Their Tagliatelle Linen Dress is perfect for summer weddings and features a corset bodice and scalloped neckline. The majority of Reformation’s sustainable guest dresses are made from 100% silk or viscose fabric, but you’ll also find a few made from linen, organically grown cotton (usually blended with a small amount of spandex), and TENCEL™ Lyocell. Reformation works with several manufacturing partners in the USA, China, Turkey, Pakistan, India, and Mexico, and their Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers are third-party audited to ensure fair and safe working conditions. The brand is also committed to reducing its carbon footprint through its climate goals and progress in their annual sustainability report.
3. Rose Corps
Rose Corps is a UK-based luxury sustainable fashion brand that offers stunning, fairytale-esque organic and fair trade wedding guest dresses that are handmade from start to finish—fabric dying, printing, and embroidery included. For a dress to (sustainably) impress, the Willow is made from organically grown cotton and hand-dyed a deep teal. It features full tiers to the skirt and a silkscreen print detail. These sustainable wedding guest dresses UK are mostly made with Fairtrade Foundation and GOTS-certified cotton. A couple of designs instead feature bamboo fabric. All garments are individually handcrafted by Noemi, the brand’s founder and designer. The sustainable materials are sourced from one small supplier specializing in fair trade, organic, and raw fabrics.
4. Linen Handmade Studio
Linen Handmade Studio is a women-owned Lithuanian brand that turns its love of linen into beautiful beach-ready attire for your next holiday in the sun (or warmer months at home). Their sustainable wedding guest wrap dresses are perfect for any beach wedding. If you’re looking for a sustainable wedding guest wrap dress, this brand has several to choose from, including JOSEPHINE, a midi-length dress with a wrap silhouette. These OEKO-TEX-certified linen dresses are lovingly handmade in their small Lithuanian studio. The brand uses thoughtfully chosen 100% recyclable packaging.
5. MagicLinen
MagicLinen is a Lithuanian brand that offers a wide range of sustainable linen dresses for wedding guests. Their linen wedding guest dress is perfect for any summer wedding. The Fiona Dress is a midi-length dress with a fitted waist and a flared skirt. It features a flattering V-neckline and short sleeves. MagicLinen uses only OEKO-TEX certified linen to create their linen pieces. The brand also offers an extended size range running from XS to 5XL.
6. Passion Lillie
Passion Lillie is a New Orleans-based sustainable fashion brand that offers a wide range of ethical wedding guest dresses. Their sustainable wedding guest attire is perfect for any occasion. The brand uses traditional Indian hand block printing techniques to create their unique designs. Their sustainable wedding guest dress collection includes the elegant Audrey Dress, a midi-length dress with a fitted waist and a flared skirt. Passion Lillie uses only natural and organic fabrics, such as cotton and silk, and their supply chain is transparent and ethical.
7. Rent the Runway
Rent the Runway is a sustainable fashion brand that offers a wide range of rental wedding guest attire. Their sustainable wedding guest dresses are perfect for any occasion and come from a variety of designers. The brand is committed to reducing waste and promoting sustainable fashion by offering rental options for special events. Their sustainable wedding guest dress collection includes the stunning Badgley Mischka Gown, a floor-length dress with a
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How We Found These Sustainable Wedding Guest Dresses
When it comes to finding sustainable wedding guest dresses, it’s important to consider the materials, supply chain and labor practices, carbon commitments and green practices, inclusivity, and community and charitable giving of the brands.
Materials
The use of eco-friendly fabrics is crucial for reducing the environmental impact of a garment. Sustainable brands offer a variety of options, including natural, renewable, plant-based fabrics such as organic cotton and linen dresses. Silk fabric is also a popular choice for formal wear and cocktail dresses, but it’s important to choose peace silk or vegan alternatives like cupro fabric. Semi-synthetics like ECOVERA™ and TENCEL lyocell are also becoming increasingly popular choices for sustainable brands. It’s important to avoid synthetic fabrics like regular viscose, unless it’s pre-loved or sourced from a sustainable brand that uses deadstock material. The most sustainable fabrics are those that avoid toxic chemicals at all stages of production, including non-toxic dyes.
Certifications such as bluesign®, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), OEKO-TEX, and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) are important indicators of a brand’s commitment to sustainable materials.
Supply Chain & Labor Practices
The most ethical dresses are those made by people who receive fair wages and benefit from a healthy and safe working environment. Regular audits and third-party manufacturing certifications are crucial to ensuring ethical manufacturing and avoiding greenwashing. Certifications such as Fair trade and World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) are important indicators of a brand’s commitment to ethical labor practices.
Carbon Commitments & Green Practices
In addition to eco-friendly fabrics, sustainable brands can also make a commitment to using renewable energy, localized supply chains, utilizing carbon offset programs, minimizing waste, using recycled materials or plastic-free packaging, and resale programs. These practices can significantly reduce a brand’s carbon footprint.
Inclusivity
Sustainable brands should offer fair trade frocks and ethical ensembles for bodies of all shapes and sizes. Inclusivity is an important aspect of sustainability.
Community & Charitable Giving
Brands that give back to their communities through charitable donations, volunteer events, and employee training and support are making a positive impact on the world.
Final Thoughts On Eco-friendly Guest Dresses For Special Occasions
Sustainable wedding guest dresses are a great way to dress up without bringing the planet down. Second-hand scores from local thrift shops or online shops are a great sustainable option. Supporting sustainable brands that prioritize eco-friendly materials, ethical labor practices, carbon commitments, inclusivity, and charitable giving can make a positive impact on the fashion industry.
