Sarah Wood, founder of Brides Dress Revisited, on why more of her clients are opting for an environmentally friendly frock for their big day…
With current levels of inflation and social trends, what should you consider when planning your 2024 wedding?
In the years preceding Covid, the wedding industry grew as increased disposable income allowed couples to plan more extravagant celebrations with extensive guest lists and elaborate finishing touches.
Then the pandemic came along and gave us time to reflect on our values and lifestyle choices. Since then, we have not only seen a marked rise in inflation, but a definite upsurge in environmental awareness, resulting in a change in the way couples are now planning their wedding.
In a survey carried out last year by the Sustainable Wedding Alliance, 98% of couples asked, told them that sustainability was a factor when planning their wedding*. Another survey carried out by Bridebook.com revealed that the average wedding spending for 2023 grew by 15% to an all-time high of £19,184, largely driven by inflation**.
Sarah Wood, owner of Brides Dress Revisited, tells SO Magazine: “We have been trading since 2009 and have dressed thousands of eco-brides and brides on a budget.
“In previous years, brides would ask us to keep their purchase from us a secret. Now, with the increase in brides wishing to reduce the carbon footprint of their wedding whilst bagging a bargain, they are positively singing it from the rooftops that they chose to buy a second-hand wedding gown.”
*Ref: Sustainable Wedding Survey, May 2022, Sustainable Wedding Alliance
**Ref: UK Wedding Report 2023, Bridebook.com, based on 4,000 couples.
