Blog: wedding dress
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Sister Organics sustainable wedding dress and bridal separates collection: simple, timeless, feminine designs

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Sister Organics sustainable wedding dress collection

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.

Sustainable bridal lace top by Sister Organics

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.

Elodie sustainable lace wedding dress by Sister Organics
Views of the Elodie eco lace wedding dress
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Introducing the Metamorphosis Bridal Collection from Medusa London

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Introduction to the Metamorphosis bridal collection

Medusa London create wedding dresses that are the epitome of sustainable luxury, handcrafted in London using only the finest 100% organic silk and a carefully curated selection of sustainable materials. We’re sharing with you their brand new capsule collection of sustainable and ethical modern bridal wear.

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.

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Kirei Collection of ethical wedding dresses and bridal separates from Rolling in Roses

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Introduction to the Kirei Collection

Rolling in Roses are 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.

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New ethical wedding dress collection from Indiebride London 2023

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Introduction to the collection

Indiebride London are a well-established and sought after sustainable UK bridal brand who have launched a new collection of wedding dresses. We are delighted to bring you the full collection, showcasing this beautiful selection of bohemian and romantic ethical wedding dresses.

Indiebride London says “The gowns are designed to be worn with confidence at natural, rustic and bohemian-style celebrations.”

As with each collection at Indiebride London, the dresses are simply inspired by the materials that are available to source at that moment in time, offering an authentic, alternative and honest approach to bridalwear.

Started in 2008, Indiebride London has developed over the years, transforming from a
ready-to-wear brand before establishing itself as the go-to bridal studio for heirloom quality gowns with a sustainable edge. Now run by Miina (who began as the brand’s first ever intern, acting as seamstress and production assistant), Indiebride London are renowned for their exceptional quality, handmade dresses, with comfort at the very heart of their businesses.

Indiebride London is a Recommended Supplier of The Natural Wedding Company directory. Find out more about them here.

Eco credentials

From sourcing materials to the alterations, every element of the wedding dress making process is carefully considered and delivered with exceptional customer service. Their exquisite laces, silk, bamboo and Tencel lyocell used throughout their designs are manufactured and sourced locally in the UK. Indiebride London wedding gowns are made-to-order, avoiding any unused dresses held in stock, with any off-cuts actively recycled and reused.

Introducing the dresses

Below you’ll find details and photos of each dress from the new Indiebride London ethical wedding dress collection. If you’d like to book an appointment to view and try any of these dresses, please contact Indiebride London directly via their booking page.

Clover dress

What Indiebride London says about the Clover dress: “Handmade in London, the ‘Clover’ gown features statement triangular sleeves, with a subtly flared skirt that has the most graceful movement imaginable.”

Using lace made in the UK and lined with soft organic bamboo.

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Eco luxe elopement wedding inspiration photoshoot at River Cottage

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Eco bride and groom at River Cottage

Eco Luxe Elopement Wedding

This photoshoot is inspired by an eco luxe elopement wedding held against the stunning backdrop of River Cottage. The photoshoot team wanted to embrace as much as possible the ethos of being eco whilst staying in harmony with the wedding venue. It also features a number of our TNWC Recommended Suppliers – you’ll find all the details at the bottom of the post.

As Laura, photographer at Freeformimage Photography, told us, “A wedding a River Cottage will always inspire and enchant.”

Eco luxe wedding elopement at River Cottage

Eco luxe wedding elopement at River Cottage

Alternative spring wedding bride and groom

Eco chic bride and groom with succulent bouquet

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Wild Celtic wedding inspiration for a winter solstice celebration

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Wild bouquet - Celtic wedding inspiration // Emma Stoner Photography // The Natural Wedding Company

It’s been a little quiet on the blog, we’ll have more details to share on that soon. But today we are delighted to be sharing with you this very special Celtic wedding inspiration shoot from TNWC photographer Emma Stoner.

I love the wild and natural styling from Emma Stoner and The Prop Factory. It is earthy and organic, with the most beautiful natural colour palette that reflects the surroundings. For any couples who are looking for Celtic wedding inspiration, this is a truly beautiful styled shoot to give you lots of ideas. These Celtic wedding ideas are subtle, refined, and elegant.

Over to Emma Stoner to tell us more…

Celtic wedding dress - Celtic wedding inspiration // Emma Stoner Photography // The Natural Wedding Company

Winter wedding table - Celtic wedding inspiration // Emma Stoner Photography // The Natural Wedding Company

Wild Celtic wedding inspiration // Emma Stoner Photography // The Natural Wedding Company

Wild beach wedding hair - Celtic wedding inspiration // Emma Stoner Photography // The Natural Wedding Company

Wild bouquet with feathers - Celtic wedding inspiration // Emma Stoner Photography // The Natural Wedding Company

Cornish picnic wedding - Celtic wedding inspiration // Emma Stoner Photography // The Natural Wedding Company

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Katie and Myles’ garden tipi wedding with rustic decor, a horse riding bride, and a skiing inspired wedding cake

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Bride and groom at their garden tipi wedding // Tracey Warbey Photography // The Natural Wedding Company

A beautiful garden tipi wedding to end the year with, complete with a bride who rode in on her horse. It was my childhood wedding dream, to ride to my wedding on a grey horse, so it seems fitting to finish the year like this.

This year has been a bit all over the place, mainly due to the arrival of my second daughter in the summer. Any mums running their own business will know the challenges a new baby brings. Next year our family has exciting, possibly life changing, plans, which I will share when the time is right. I am looking forward to what the new year will bring, both personally and for The Natural Wedding Company.

I hope you have had a wonderful Christmas and all our best wishes for next year. Snuggle up with a festive drink and some chocolate and enjoy this beautiful garden tipi wedding. Over to Katie to tell us all about their wedding…

A garden tipi wedding

Bride on a grey horse at her garden tipi wedding // Tracey Warbey Photography // The Natural Wedding Company

Rustic wedding decor for a garden tipi wedding // Tracey Warbey Photography // The Natural Wedding Company

Bride and groom at their garden tipi wedding // Tracey Warbey Photography // The Natural Wedding Company

Mountain skiing themed wedding cake for a garden tipi wedding // Tracey Warbey Photography // The Natural Wedding Company

Groom and groomsmen at a garden tipi wedding // Tracey Warbey Photography // The Natural Wedding Company

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Favourite Special Wedding Moments: including a breastfeeding bride and the bride who cut up her wedding dress on the day

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Favourite Special Wedding Moments: including a breastfeeding bride and the bride who cut up her wedding dress on the day

This is the final part of our mini series on featuring our Real Wedding Favourites. If you haven’t viewed the other six parts, you can find them all here, or individual links at the bottom of this post.

Today we are going to round up this series with our Favourite Special Wedding Moments. These are particular moments from the real weddings we’ve featured that really stuck in our minds. Tender moments, a detail that made us feel a bit teary, and even a moment that we found quite scary!

Groom Washes the Brides Feet during their Wedding Ceremony

Favourite Special Wedding Moments: Groom Washes the Brides Feet during their Wedding Ceremony

It’s always lovely to see how couples choose to personalise their wedding ceremony, and this was one of the most tender and intimate moments that we’ve featured. As part of their outdoor wedding ceremony in the French countryside, groom Benjamin washed bride Mariette’s feet as a symbol of his commitment to her.

I imagine it’s not the kind of act that every couple would choose to incorporate into their wedding ceremony. But I love the symbolism, and the moment of quiet and calm that I imagine it would bring to your wedding ceremony. A great reminder to personalise your ceremony and do it your own way.

This beautiful moment was from Mariette and Benjamin’s natural French countryside wedding. Photography by David Blair Photography.

Awesome Breastfeeding Bride

Favourite Special Wedding Moments: Awesome Breastfeeding Bride

Both Samantha and I have become mums in the past few years, so these images of bride Elena breastfeeding her daughter during her wedding really stand out for me. Elena chose a wedding dress that she would be able to breastfeed her young daughter in and photographer Emma Stoner captured these precious images of the two of them.

A great reminder that your wedding day and wedding dress shouldn’t restrict your personal circumstances, whatever they might be. Make them work for you.

Favourite Special Wedding Moments: Awesome Breastfeeding Bride

Read the full story at Elena and Simon’s colourful handmade wedding. Photography by Emma Stoner Photography.

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Favourite Natural Wedding Styles: wedding dresses, hair styles, grooms style, bridesmaids and accessories

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Favourite Natural Wedding Styles: wedding dresses, hair styles, grooms style, bridesmaids and accessories

It’s the first in our new Real Wedding Favourites mini series, which will be featuring some of our favourite picks from the Real Weddings we’ve featured over the years. It’s been such a challenge to choose our ‘favourites’, but as we mentioned in our introductory post, these are really just some of our favourites.

Our picks are chosen from the very first Real Wedding we featured up until spring of this year.

Natural Wedding Styles

Today it’s all about Natural Wedding Styles. This includes our favourite wedding dresses, our favourite bride’s wedding hair style, our favourite groom style, our favourite bridesmaids style, and our favourite wedding accessories.

Our Favourite Wedding Dresses

An Asymmetric Layered Wedding Dress

Favourite Natural Wedding Styles: Asymmetric Layered Wedding Dress

I got a bit stuck on this category because every bride chooses a wedding dress that suits them, and is right for their wedding. The dilemma was, how should I choose? Should I pick the one I’d most like to wear? In the end I was tied between two (this was the other), but Nik’s wedding dress won out for me.

For her Welsh coastal farm wedding, Nik unexpectedly fell in love with this wedding dress from Coast on a shopping trip for bridesmaids dresses. She even told us: “I actually tried it on for a laugh – it looked hideous on the rail and I was going to leave it behind.” I love the asymmetric hem line and layered skirt of this wedding dress, which Nik wore with a thin leather belt.

Favourite Natural Wedding Styles: Asymmetric Layered Wedding Dress

Looking through their wedding day I just felt that the dress not only looked great on Nik, but it fitted in with their day. Worn with silver flip flops it blended perfectly into their down-to-earth (and very hot!) outdoor ceremony. Later on for their champagne picnic and walk on the beach it worked wonderfully with bare feet. And for the evening party on the farm with a pair of vintage cowboy boots.

Favourite Natural Wedding Styles: Asymmetric Layered Wedding Dress

My favourite wedding dress comes from Nik and Chris’ chilled out rustic coastal farm wedding. Wedding dress by Coast. Photography by Pete Cranston Photography.

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Romantic vintage wedding inspiration at a watermill with a modern fairytale wedding dress and raspberry red wedding florals

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Patricia Vincent wedding dress and flower crown - romantic vintage wedding inspiration // Mademoiselle Fee // The Natural Wedding Company

Today’s romantic vintage wedding inspiration comes via a beautiful photoshoot from Mademoiselle Fee. Some of my favourite wedding photoshoots have been sent to us from Stefanie at Mademoiselle Fee (you can see them here and here) and they always have a beautiful back story.

The raspberry red wedding florals, a wedding dress inspired by Romanian fairytales, and a romantic dessert table are all set against the backdrop of a 14th Century watermill. So many lovely details and ideas to inspire you for your own wedding if you are wanting a romantic and vintage feel.

Austrian based stylist Stefanie told me about this romantic vintage wedding inspiration photoshoot…

Lace open back wedding dress and flower crown - romantic vintage wedding inspiration // Mademoiselle Fee // The Natural Wedding Company

Romantic vintage wedding inspiration details // Mademoiselle Fee // The Natural Wedding Company

Red themed wedding dessert table - romantic vintage wedding inspiration // Mademoiselle Fee // The Natural Wedding Company

Rosemary and white rose flower crown - romantic vintage wedding inspiration // Mademoiselle Fee // The Natural Wedding Company

Floaty wedding dress with sleeves - romantic vintage wedding inspiration // Mademoiselle Fee // The Natural Wedding Company

Wedding ring photo - romantic vintage wedding inspiration // Mademoiselle Fee // The Natural Wedding Company

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