The Sustainable Bride based in Listowel, Co Kerry, offers a rent and return service for sustainable bridal wear, which can be anything from pre-loved to re-purposed, vintage, sustainably-made or made from sustainable materials.
The conscientious bride behind this blossoming business is Sarah Fitzgerald, who got married in August 2019 with sustainability in mind. Sarah sourced her own dress in a local vintage store, a vintage linen 1960/70s dress by a New York Designer called Murray Hamburger. She sourced four vintage silk and embroidered night gowns for her bridesmaids and mom. And so Sarah’s love affair with forgotten wedding dresses began: She began collecting and Sustainability Bride was born.
The shop currently has dresses from the 40, 60s and 70s, right up to modern day dresses, some linen, some lace, others silk and a beautiful beaded one. While not all of the bridal wear is vintage, any of the vintage dresses are only available in small sizes right now due to the limited market; however brides need not despair, as Sarah is constantly on the hunt for different styles and sizes.
“I love the idea of giving these beautiful dresses another go at life and not to leave them hidden away or boxed up for many years,” shares Sarah.
These dresses are very different, unique and on-of-a-kind so might not be for everybody but if you are trying to make more sustainable choices in planning your wedding, then it is definitely an option with considering. It’s also a very budget-friendly option with veils and trains starting at €75 and dresses from €350.
“I love the idea that someone had a wonderful day in a dress I own or wore and can now do the same for another bride. You could try buy clothing you know will live in your wardrobe for years and you will wear many times over fast fashion or very on trend pieces. I have pieces in my wardrobe for 20 years and still wear them!” says Sarah.
Find The Sustainable Bride on Instagram and Facebook. www.thesustainablebride.ie. Email thesustainablebrideireland@gmail.com or phone 0857417331
