Something borrowed, something green: How I found a sustainable wedding dress

Say yes to a 'green' wedding while still having fun and looking fantastic

There’s something special about finding the dress. That one piece that makes everything suddenly feel real. Bridal fashion has always been about dreams, but today’s brides are adding a new layer: individuality, meaning, and a little more thought about where their dress comes from.

When my fiancé and I began planning our wedding, I promised myself I wouldn’t lose my style (or my sanity) to the Pinterest-perfect ideals of the modern wedding: the personalised neon signs, the endless outfit changes, the 'must-have' décor destined for landfill by morning. But if there’s one corner of the wedding industry that’s hard to resist, it’s the fashion, and it’s also where change is most exciting.

Weddings can generate significant waste. Studies estimate an average Irish wedding produces 10–20 kilograms of plastic from decorations, catering, and more, though this varies by event size and style.

The dream dress, often worn once and tucked away, carries its own environmental weight. Yet, for many brides, a new dress holds deep personal or cultural significance, a tradition worth celebrating. Balancing that vision with sustainability is where the magic happens.

A dress with a story

A sneak peek at Michelle McKeown's wedding shopping day at Barnardos Bridal Room in Dun Laoghaire

I found my wedding dress at Barnardos, and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made (besides saying yes, of course). Like most brides, I pictured browsing venues, music, and gowns. I didn’t expect to fall in love with a dress (never-worn, donated by a bridal boutique) that came with a charitable receipt and a story. The Barnardos Bridal Room in Dun Laoghaire was a revelation. A bright, welcoming space filled with pre-loved and never-worn designer gowns. I tried on a few, found the one, and paid far less than I’d budgeted. Best of all, every euro supports Barnardos’ work with vulnerable children and families across Ireland. I left with a stunning dress and the glow of doing good without much effort.

The environmental cost of bridal fashion

A wedding dress (whether worn once or never worn) carries an environmental cost from its creation. Producing a polyester gown, for instance, can emit 50–100 kg of CO₂ equivalent, roughly akin to a one-way flight from Dublin to Rome, depending on materials and supply chain.  Synthetic materials such as polyester rely on fossil fuels, while even natural fabrics like silk or cotton can involve water-intensive or chemically heavy processes.

With Ireland hosting around 20,000 weddings annually, according to the Central Statistics Office, the collective environmental toll adds up. Add in fast-fashion hen-party outfits or a second look for the reception, and it’s no surprise the global fashion industry accounts for about 10% of greenhouse gas emissions, per the United Nations.

Still, not every bride can or wants to choose a sustainable option. New dresses from reputable retailers or designers may offer unique fits, styles, or emotional significance that second-hand options can’t always match. And that’s okay. Sustainability is one path, not the only one.

Treasure troves of pre-loved gowns

Barnardos’ Bridal Rooms in Dun Laoghaire and Wexford are gems, offering donated designer dresses at a fraction of their original cost. The proceeds fund vital programs such as counselling and education for children.

However, charity shops may have limited sizes or styles, and not every bride lives near these locations. For those shopping online, platforms like ReBride connect brides with pre-loved designer gowns, while StillWhite.ie and Vinted offer everything from boho dresses to sparkly heels.

Renting is another option gaining traction. The Ivory Closet lets brides hire stunning dresses for the day. If grooms can rent tuxedos without a second thought, why not brides? That said, renting or buying second-hand may not suit everyone. Some brides want a dress to keep as a memento, and availability can be hit-or-miss.

Made in Ireland

For those craving something new, Irish designers like Caiomhe Keane of QUE-VA create timeless pieces with natural fabrics and local craftsmanship, cutting emissions from transport and supporting fair working conditions. Upcycling offers another beautiful option: transforming a vintage or family heirloom dress into a modern masterpiece. A 1980s gown with puff sleeves can become a sleek 2025 vision with a skilled tailor’s touch.

However, custom designs or upcycling can be pricier upfront, which may not fit every budget. For some, a high-street dress from a chain retailer might feel more accessible, even if it comes with a larger environmental footprint.

Love, with thoughtfulness

My Barnardos dress (never-worn but full of potential) taught me that sustainability is about asking questions:

Who made this?

Where did it come from?

Could it have another life?

Whether pre-loved or never-worn, these dresses avoid new production, though their creation still carries an environmental cost. Every bride’s journey is unique. Some may cherish a custom gown or a family heirloom, even if it’s not the greenest choice.

The most memorable weddings I’ve attended were filled with warmth and connection, not extravagance. In a world pushing us to buy more, choosing a pre-loved, never-worn, or locally-made dress feels like a quiet act of rebellion, and one wrapped in lace and good intentions.

If you’re planning your wedding, consider Barnardos, ReBride, Bella Bleu in Cork, or a local charity shop. You might find a dress that’s dreamy, kind to the planet, and rich with story. But whatever you choose, make it yours. Because love should never be single-use.