Wedding photos by Hailley Howard
When my husband and I began planning our wedding, we agreed it would be fully vegan. That meant every aspect — food, cake, clothing, shoes and accessories — needed to be free of silk, feathers, fur, leather and bone. We wanted items that were both stylish and ethically sourced.
Today there are more options than ever for hosting a compassionate, eco-friendly wedding. Vegan catering, animal‑friendly venues and ethical attire have become widely available, so you can plan a dream celebration at any budget. Over a series of posts and videos I shared how we pulled ours together; below are the highlights on dresses, rings, shoes and accessories.
THE DRESS
I searched extensively for the perfect vegan wedding dress. I wanted something animal‑free and affordable. The average wedding dress price in the United States often exceeds a thousand dollars, and with many other wedding costs to cover, I preferred not to splurge on a garment I would wear once. Still, I wanted to feel beautiful and confident on the day.
One brand I admired was Reformation, known for feminine, minimalist gowns made from surplus and eco‑friendly materials. Their bridal line offers simple, elegant options at accessible prices. I’ve loved the company for years, and now often shop their pieces second‑hand.
SECOND‑HAND FOR THE WIN
Ultimately I found my Theia Couture gown on Poshmark. Poshmark and similar resale platforms are excellent resources for second‑hand wedding dresses from designers like Reformation, Theia Couture and more. Use search filters for designer, color, size and price, and start early so you have time to find the right dress and schedule alterations.
I bought my dress for $236 and paid $170 for tailoring. Other resale sites to consider include eBay and Tradesy. Buying used reduces waste and extends the life of garments, aligning with a sustainable, compassionate approach to fashion. My husband found a second‑hand suit on Poshmark for $100 plus $50 in alterations.
If your budget is tight, look for dresses from brands like Lulus or ASOS on resale sites. While we avoid supporting fast fashion brands new, buying those items second‑hand can be a pragmatic choice to limit overconsumption.
FAVORITE CRUELTY‑FREE DESIGNER: RIME ARODAKY
During my search I discovered Rime Arodaky, a Parisian designer who produces gowns using animal‑free textiles and works with suppliers committed to cruelty‑free practices. Her dresses range broadly in price and can be found through her site, premium retailers and resale platforms. Many mainstream designers also offer vegan‑friendly gowns—check labels and materials rather than assuming a dress contains silk or feathers.
ETSY CUSTOM DRESS
Etsy is another great resource, especially if you want a custom, vegan‑friendly gown at an affordable price. Allow plenty of lead time for production and alterations when ordering a custom dress. I bought my veil on Etsy and considered a custom gown there as well.
THE DRESSMAKER: GRETCHEN DAWLEY
I also visited bridal designer Gretchen Dawley, who can create gowns using vegan fabrics. Custom gowns are a beautiful option for those with larger budgets—costs vary, so consult directly with the dressmaker before deciding.
THE RINGS
Compassionate consumption extends to jewelry. Many diamond mines operate under dangerous, unethical conditions, including child labor and environmental harm. We chose a vintage engagement ring and a wedding band made from recycled metal to avoid supporting harmful practices. Upcycling existing jewelry is another ethical alternative that can be both meaningful and beautiful.
SHOES & ACCESSORIES
I wore a pair of gold vegan shoes I already owned. While not all vegan footwear is produced ethically, there are dedicated vegan shoemakers offering both style and quality. Susi Studio, for example, makes comfortable vegan shoes and was an option I considered. My husband wore dress shoes from Will’s Vegan Store, a brand known for quality men’s dress shoes.
For groom accessories, my husband’s bolo tie originally had a leather cord, so he replaced it with a cork rope to keep the look vegan. There are also vegan ties and belts made from cotton and microfiber that replicate traditional styles without animal products.
Good luck planning your vegan wedding! If you have suggestions or favorite vendors, share them in the comments — compassionate, stylish celebrations are easier when we learn from one another.
Other posts in the vegan wedding planning series include topics on whether to hire a wedding planner and options for vegan cake and catering.