Conscious Bridal Gown Shopping

Hey friends! As we start off the new year and so many of you lovely ladies are gearing up to go wedding dress shopping I wanted to talk about something that has been on my mind a lot. I have been spending a lot of time thinking about how to be an ethical consumer in all aspects of my life but most importantly when it comes to purchasing clothing.

I know that as a bride likely on a budget when you hear or see advertisements for a “$99 bridal gown” from a big bridal chain store it sounds like a steal, but as a conscious consumer I would encourage you to consider other options when it comes to wedding dress shopping. This is not to discourage you from shopping your local bridal boutiques who carry great and reputable designers but to avoid those major bridal chains that mass produce inexpensive gowns. In addition to local bridal boutiques, here are my favorite alternatives:

Go local
Every local market is full of amazing talent that you might not even know about! Since wedding gown purchasing is a one-time thing you likely do not even know who your local designer options are, so take some time to do some research. Local fashion designers likely have modern and trendy options made in American and typically can offer custom one-of-a-kind options as well. Not only do you get to work one-on-one with the designer who is handcrafting your gown, but you can ensure the materials are of the quality you desire and you get to support a local artist.

I started Moonlight and Moss because had the desire to create fun and unique wedding gowns. While in design school I was so tired of all the wedding gowns looking the same and not always having options for brides who wanted something a little different or something that suited their personalities. I wanted to provide modern and unique options to brides and bring the dress of their dreams to life. I have been so fortunate to work with so many amazing brides who have given me the privilege of creating something handmade just for them. There are so many other American designer’s out there killing it, so take a look at your local options!

Photos by Alex Modisette

Vintage Update
Have you considered wearing your mom’s or grandmother’s gown? If you love a gown that is a family heirloom but know it it would need some updating then do not rule it out as an option. Just make sure to take it to a seamstress who specializes in wedding gowns - not an everyday tailor! A seamstress who has the skill and a little imagination can help you discuss all of the options are that possible.

These projects some of my favorite, like the modern update I did with Abigale below. It is so rewarding to make a few changes (typically the first step is removing puffy sleeves, haha) and help breathe modern life into a dated style. Not only do you get to customize the gown to your own bridal style, but you get to honor the amazing woman who wore it before you.

Photos by Color & Dust

(Don’t have a family heirloom but want to shop vintage? Here are a few of my favorite vintage shops with bridal options: Millcrest Vintage, Lipstick Lille Vintage, Metropolis Culture )

Shop Preowned
There are several reputable sites online just for this purpose- which is perfect if you have a specific design in mind you are looking for. I have had brides have success on sites like Once Wed and Still White or some unexpected places like Poshmark or Reddit.

Even better though is exploring local boutiques that have resale and consignment options so that you can actually try on, and they are typically priced significantly lower than what you would find shopping in a bridal boutique. Local to Austin are Second Summer Bride and Once Upon a Bride.

Rent
If you are doing a casual elopement or if you are open to something outside of the box like a cool color or print, consider Rent-the-Runway if you aren’t looking for a super bridal aesthetic.

Best of luck shopping and happy planning!
xo, Shelbi