If you’re thinking of end of summer – early autumn as the time of year you’d like to get married, this beautiful late summer sustainable wedding shoot is full of inspiration to get you started.
A great team of local (to Essex) wedding suppliers, all with a passion to run their businesses more sustainably, got together to inspire couples with their creativity, skills and offerings. Set at Barnfield wedding venue in the Essex countryside, the shoot showcases stunning seasonal florals, a spectacular ceremony backdrop, eco wedding dresses, plantable stationery, a sand ceremony, and more.
You’ll find a full list of suppliers and links at the bottom of the feature, as well as a photo gallery.
Introduction to the Sister Organics sustainable wedding dress collection
Sister Organics design and make wedding dresses and bridal separates from beautiful organic and sustainable fabrics, including organic hemp silk mixes and exquisite cotton laces. We’re sharing some of our favourites from their sustainable wedding dress collection, which features their simple, timeless, feminine designs. This collection focuses on laid-back style and comfort, idea for outdoor, down-to-earth, and elopement weddings.
Natalie, the designer/maker behind Sister Organics tell us: “When I got married, there was no question that I would make my own dress. But I realised there was nothing for me in bridal shops – I hated the synthetic fabrics and strapless style with skirts full of stiff tulle that was popular at the time. I thought there has to be a better way.“
Inspiration from fabrics and the differing shapes and sizes of women’s bodies
“I usually start the design process with a new fabric that I’m excited to use. I have an obsession with fabrics and when I start a new collection, I find it very difficult to stop! I am always on the look out for new fabrics. Customers usually buy from the collection, sometimes with a small adaption to the design, which I am very happy to do. I usually also make a couple of bespoke dresses each season.”
Natalie has a passion for creating bridalwear that is flattering, comfortable, and have beautiful movement in them. She also likes to create pieces that are special enough for a wedding but can be worn again.
“I try to make my designs transient to age and accommodating to different sizes. I am very conscious that women come in all shapes and sizes and brides come in all ages and I try to design garments that are simple, flattering to the female body and have a relaxed feel to them. It’s also really important to me that the clothes are comfortable, move beautifully and feel special.
I try to create pieces which are special enough to wear for a wedding, but can be worn again after the event. I think the separates are especially good for this and most of the dresses are easily adapted by being shortened or altered slightly. Most of my dresses and skirts have pockets and are lined with organic cotton, so they are comfortable and feel fabulous to wear.”
Sister Organics is a Recommended Supplier of The Natural Wedding Company directory. Find out more about them here.
Eco credentials
Natalie tells us: “I have a love for natural fabrics – organic cottons, organic silks, linen and regularly use hemp/silk a lovely, blended fabric. Hemp is thought to be one of the most eco-friendly fabrics there is, it grows really fast without pesticides and puts nitrates back into the soil. Blended with silk it is a great weight for bridalwear, it hangs really nicely and has a beautiful shine and lustre.”
Luckily for contemporary brides it’s no longer tricky to find sustainable fabrics, and what’s more there’s lots of choice: “It’s great to find organic and sustainable fabrics much easier to source these days. There really has been a big change in the availability of these fabrics in the last 10 years or so. It’s a delight to work with some of the beautiful organic laces I use. Most of my lace dresses are lined with certified organic cotton or the hemp/silk. I am also introducing some garments made from vintage lace fabrics this year.”
As you take a look through Sister Organics sustainable wedding dress collection you’ll notice a lot of exquisite laces: “Some of the laces are organic cotton, made in France. I also use a lot of cotton lace which is made in England by a small family business, using traditional lace manufacturing methods. There’s very little fabric manufacturing left in the UK now (and people with the skills to do it), so I feel it’s important to try to support what there is (the laces are also completely gorgeous!). Lots of the laces are made with a tiny bit of synthetic, which is generally thought to be necessary to give the lace strength and stability when it’s made.”
Made to order
One of the main ways that the Sister Organics sustainable wedding dress collection maintains its eco-ethical ethos is by making all items to order: “We make everything to order, which minimises waste and over production. Customers can order by set size or by providing their own measurements. We then order the fabrics and cut and make the order, which takes 3-10 weeks, depending on the style. Like most small businesses we are naturally frugal – we re-use or re-purpose off-cuts and remnants.”
Natalie sews all of the dresses and bridal separates herself alongside another talented local dressmaker: “I work with a very talented local dressmaker who is wonderful and helps me a lot. I cut the patterns and garments and sew some of the samples and orders. My mum taught me to sew when I was a child and I later honed my skills at the London College of Fashion. I love creating and making things and have always found sewing completely immersive and almost therapeutic. Alongside the bridalwear we also make nightwear and pyjamas in pretty organic cotton prints, which works really well and helps keep us busy in the quieter season.”
Introducing the wedding dresses and bridal separates
Below you’ll find details and photos of our top 10 dresses / bridal separates from the Sister Organics sustainable wedding dress collection. If you have any questions about the collection, please contact Sister Organics directly via their contact page.
The Elodie Dress
What Sister Organics says about the Elodie wedding dress: “This long V-neck dress is handmade to order in a beautiful cotton lace fabric and lined in a tea rose coloured organic cotton jersey. [The neckline is] finished with trimming lace, fitted to a high waist band, with loose sleeves. It has an open back which buttons at the back of the neck and waistband with rouleaux loops and little covered buttons. It is lined in a soft organic cotton jersey, which makes this dress feel incredibly comfortable to wear.
Made from 95% cotton lace made by a small family business in Derbyshire, UK, and lined in organic cotton jersey.
Are you considering a proposal for your male partner this year? Are you looking for men’s ethical engagement rings?
Well it’s a leap year and so the tradition goes this is the year that women can propose. My opinion is that it doesn’t need to be a leap year to propose to your partner, whether male or female. What has been interesting though is seeing options for men’s ethical engagement rings popping up on my Instagram feed.
I thought I’d invite the ethical wedding jewellers that I work with to share what they have in the way of men’s ethical engagement rings. Some of them have also shared their thoughts and tips if you are selecting an engagement ring for a man, or are perhaps looking for a more neutral and less ‘feminine’ engagement ring design.
My top tips for men’s ethical engagement rings
Firstly, I don’t think you should be restricted by a leap year for women to propose to men. It should be something women feel free to do at any time.
Secondly, for some people engagement rings may have negative connotations of a woman being passed from ownership of one man (her father) to another (her husband). So take a moment – do you even want engagement rings? What ways are there to get ‘engaged’ without exchanging or gifting a ring if that doesn’t feel right for you?
But if you do…
Don’t be restricted by what you think an engagement ring should be!
If your partner prefers a plain band or a real statement piece, why not just have the one ring, you don’t need to have an “engagement ring” and a wedding ring. (I only had one ring – the one my husband Nick proposed with – for our wedding exchange of rings. I do now have a wedding band, but this was gifted at a later stage in our relationship, and a number of years after being married.)
That said, let’s remember the environmental impact of yet more “things”. Just because you are buying ethical rings it doesn’t need to be an excuse to buy more. If one ring suits you, great choice.
But if it is something you feel called to, then there are all kinds of ways to do this using ethically sourced precious metals and gems. So get inspired by some of our ethical wedding jewellers…
This blog feature was inspired by an Instagram post by TNWC Recommended Supplier Jacqueline & Edward.
Having partnered with Eco Wood Rings since they started out in 2011, we’ve always loved the way that their custom wedding rings offer a connection to the land and how couples can choose materials and design features that make their rings unique and personal to them.
Adding materials from special places or even treasured possessions is a hugely original way to encapsulate your love story. Eco Wood Rings have worked with a wide range of materials with personal meaning, ranging from a childhood swing to a trophy skateboard, as well as shells, sand, rocks and other materials from significant beaches, mountains and rivers around the world. You can be as wild and wonderful as you like with your ideas.
Here we look at some of the many meaningful features that can be included in an eco wood ring, along with real life customer stories showcasing beautiful (and often highly sentimental) examples. We hope that you will feel inspired to create your own unique and beautiful custom wedding rings which perfectly tell your story.
Eco Wood Rings is a Recommended Supplier of The Natural Wedding Company directory. Find out more about them here.
The Wood – choices for your unique eco wedding rings
Whilst Eco Wood Rings have their own extensive stock of woods, sustainably sourced from across the UK and world, many of their custom wedding ring designs are made using customer-supplied woods with meaning.
One wonderful example of this is Ben’s bentwood wedding ring. He decided on a Welsh ash ring (where he’s from) with inlays of willow (their surname is now Willows) and the pièce de résistance – oak, hand sourced by the Eco Wood Rings team, from a tree growing beside the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury, where he and Jess first met!
Creating an incredible confetti moment will not only fill you and your guests with pure joy on the day, but also create a lasting memory encapsulated in a single snap. We’ve got some amazing tips for you, straight from family-run flower farmers, Shropshire Petals. They’re on a mission to save the world from paper or metallic confetti, and believe in creating epic weddings without compromising sustainable values.
Shropshire Petals is a Recommended Supplier of The Natural Wedding Company directory. Find out more about them here.
Here at Shropshire Petals we are 4th generation farmers who diversified into growing flowers to make biodegradable petal confetti for weddings across the UK. We grow a variety of flowers during the summer months, including delphiniums, cornflowers, calendula, sunflowers and many more. The flowers provide food and a safe haven for insects and animals, boosting biodiversity in the area.
Once the flowers are in bloom, they’re handpicked and dried onsite to keep their beautiful colour and shape for months and even years. Our confetti is natural, dye-free and completely biodegradable, making them the perfect choice for an eco-friendly wedding.
Here’s our top tips for achieving your dream confetti moment…
When is comes to sustainable, eco-friendly weddings I always look to the seasons and the place where a wedding is to take place. This beautiful wild Welsh wedding shoot organised by Ness of TogetherNess Weddings does exactly that – she was inspired by the hedgerows and meadows in June for this wild Welsh summer wedding inspiration shoot.
“With local and seasonal in mind, I took my inspiration from hedgerows in June hoping to create a sense of hazy summer moments mixed with the bright pinks of our native flowers at this time of year. I hoped to highlight the simple yet exceptional beauty that can be created by combining the talent of local artisan business’s with what our doorstep nature has to offer.”
This wild Welsh summer wedding inspiration shoot is full of foxgloves, ferns, and natural fabrics set against a backdrop of a whitewashed chapel and a meal in a meadow.
Ness used her expert styling skills and collaborated with a small team of talented Welsh wedding suppliers and artisans to create this beautiful wedding shoot. I hope it encourages you to look to the place and season in which you are getting married for inspiration.
TogetherNess Weddings is a Recommended Supplier of The Natural Wedding Company directory. Find out more about them here.
The Metamorphosis Collection is made entirely from transforming and readapting materials, patterns and off-cuts of their existing collection, reducing waste and working with existing resources. They say “We believe in giving bridal wear a new meaning, 0% waste, 100% cool.”
Brides are invited to embrace their individuality and personal style using their dresses as blank canvas to customise and express their personality on their special day. Their collection offers a refreshing take on traditional bridal wear, seamlessly blending individuality, coolness, and elegance.
Medusa London believe choosing a wedding dress should be a journey of self-expression, where you let your emotions and sensations guide you to finding the perfect gown. They’re also passionate about comfort, which is why they’ve designed their dresses to be unstructured, free from constraints, and feel like a second skin.
Medusa London is a Recommended Supplier of The Natural Wedding Company directory. Find out more about them here.
Medusa London designer Agnese Petraglia
Eco credentials
Medusa London’s dresses are the epitome of sustainable luxury, handcrafted in London using only the finest 100% organic silk and a carefully curated selection of sustainable materials. Their expert artisans, with a deep understanding of couture techniques and wedding dresses, bring each piece to life with strategic seams that flatter your curves and highlight your natural beauty.
“We believe that fashion and sustainability can coexist. Our commitment to using sustainable materials and practices is unwavering, and we are always looking for new and innovative ways to minimize our impact on the environment. We care about our products, and we care about the people who make them. After all, there’s no fashion to be made without a healthy planet to live on.”
Introducing the dresses and bridal separates
Below you’ll find details and photos of the full Metamorphosis collection from Medusa London. If you’d like to book an appointment to view and try any of these dresses, please contact Medusa London directly via their booking page.
Athena – Separate
What Medusa London says about the Athena separate: “Make a bold statement on your big day with our minimal Athena separate. The top with chiffon detail, asymmetrical neckline, and A-line skirt create a youthful and modern look that is perfect for the bride seeking a unique style. The organza tie at the back and peplum detail at the waist add a touch of romance to the look.”
Made of 100% GOTS certified organic peace silk and 100% organic bamboo viscose.
Today we are joined by Mark from Jacqueline & Edward – one of our TNWC Recommended Suppliers – who is sharing about their unique gold panning experience for couples. It looks as incredible as it sounds! An opportunity to go as a couple to a beautiful Scottish river with Mark (and perhaps his dog Ronnie!) and pan for river gold that can be incorporated into your wedding rings? Yes please!
As well as sharing details about this unique opportunity to hunt for gold for your wedding rings in the hills of Scotland, at the bottom you’ll find a link to watch Mark take TV Celeb Phil Spencer gold panning.
Jacqueline & Edward is a Recommended Supplier of The Natural Wedding Company directory. Find out more about them here.
Making Memories Panning for Gold
I’m addicted to finding gold. I love everything about it. It represents some of the best moments in my life and I love that we can share that with others. Panning your own gold creates unique and meaningful memories which will stay with someone forever. Being able to capture this memory by melting your gold into our work, whether that be an engagement ring, wedding band or other piece of jewellery, well, that’s priceless and timeless.
What makes gold panning so special?
Imagine the stresses and strains of modern life falling away behind you as you escape to the peace and serenity of the mountains and rivers, off the beaten track. It’s this peace and solitude that I love about gold panning. It’s escaping from the humdrum of modern life to find one of nature’s hidden treasures – gold, whilst immersing yourself in some of the most beautiful places in the UK and beyond.
The ebb and flow of rivers promise access to places rarely seen by most, apart from a small band of hardy characters sporting weathered faces, bushy beards and a wild glimmer in their eyes. Whether I’m on my own or with clients wanting to experience the art of gold panning, the rewards are a’plenty. They are the connection with nature, the remoteness, the separation from normality, the honest hard work, the flora and fauna, the landscape and of course the searching. There really is nothing like the hunt and when you find it, the only thing which surpasses the hunt, is the gold.
Gold panning offers a truly unique and rewarding experience. It allows you to connect with nature and it’s the serenity of the natural surroundings, combined with the anticipation of finding gold my trips create a sense of adventure and tranquillity that few hobbies can match.
Rolling in Rosesare a small-scale British bridal label with a focus on thoughtful design and high-end craftsmanship. They have launched a new collection of wedding dresses and we’re delighted to showcase some of their stunning creations, designed for those brides “who walk to the beat of their own drum.”
They use fabrics that are gentle to the earth, dressmaking techniques that are traditional and refined, and their designs are a blend of the classic and the avant-garde. “We are not fast fashion.”
The new Kirei Collection of wedding dresses and bridal separates from Rolling in Roses is inspired by designer Hayley’s honeymoon in Japan. “I fell in love with how the peacefulness and tranquillity of Japanese design can be seen in everything, from ceramics and print to gardens and architecture. The intention to keep things as simple as possible with no unnecessary or frivolous detail and let the basic form and essence of things speak for themselves.”
If you are looking for modern, ethical bridalwear that doesn’t compromise on style or sustainability, are a vegan bride, or planning an eco-friendly wedding, we are sure you’ll love this new collection.
Rolling in Roses is a Recommended Supplier of The Natural Wedding Company directory. Find out more about them here.
Rolling in Roses designer Hayley Neil
Ethical credentials
Rolling In Roses pieces are distinguished by their standard of workmanship and luxurious eco-friendly fabrics. Hayley and her team are proud to maintain traditional couture techniques and contemporary design, for brides who are looking for an alternative to mass-produced, mainstream bridalwear.
All their gowns are individually made to order by a tiny team of seamstresses in York, where every single piece is designed, drafted, cut, and constructed. This small-scale production means they can always guarantee the exceptional finish of their dresses and achieve artisan quality workmanship with all its divine hand-finished details. No production lines or faceless factories here; each dress is made from start to finish by one expert artisan who knows the bride’s name and wedding date, and who personally takes care of every last detail.
“I’m over the moon to say that 94.8% of the fabrics used in this collection have sustainable certification; whether that’s organic, closed-loop, vegan, biodegradable, compostable, or recycled, meaning our materials are produced in ways that protect the environment, are low-carbon, protect natural resources like forests and water, and are cruelty-free and ethically made. And even the 5.2% of fabrics we use without certification are natural biodegradable fabrics, so we’re incredibly proud.” – Hayley Neil, Rolling in Roses designer.
Introduction to the wedding dresses
Below you’ll find details and photos of our top 10 dresses from the new Rolling in Roses ethical wedding dress collection. If you’d like to book an appointment to view and try any of these dresses, please contact Rolling in Roses directly via their booking page.
The Bureiku Dress
What Rolling in Roses says about The Bureiku Dress: “This striking gown is both showstopping and comfortable. Sophisticated long sleeves extend past the wrist and are crowned by pleats at the shoulder to match the folds at the neck and hip. The fabric has a slight stretch which helps it mould to the body and flatter the figure without restricting movement.”
Made from luxury heavyweight organic Italian crêpe, which is a perfect vegan alternative to silk.
Many of us are feeling the pinch of costs in our daily lives, and planning a wedding is no different. So how you begin to save money without compromising your ethics and quality?
TNWC Recommended Supplier Jaqueline & Edward create ethical wedding rings using natural river gold from the wilderness of Scotland – so romantic! (Adventurous couples can even pan for it themselves). They’ve put together some tips for how you can reduce the cost of their wedding and engagement rings.
Jacqueline & Edward is a TNWC Recommended Supplier of The Natural Wedding Company directory. Find out more about them here.
The best ways to reduce the cost of your Jacqueline & Edward wedding and engagement rings
It’s a common misconception that buying an engagement or wedding ring on a budget means you can’t buy sustainably and ethically.
So, how do you reduce the cost of your engagement ring without compromising on quality and your ethical standards, and how can you save money on your wedding rings and still get a ring you love?
If you are hoping to buy an engagement ring whilst faced with the increasing pressures of the cost of living crisis, and you would prefer not to spend significant sums on ethical jewellery, we have some ideas which might help make these choices easier:
Charlie
