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How we choose to spend our money can change lives. Our purchases can make a difference to everyone from a far-off coffee farmer to the family next door.
So here’s a thought. Why not start a ripple effect of goodwill with one of the biggest spends of all—your wedding? Timbrel Chyatee suggests you give it a try.
“A wedding is the one time when people do not cut corners,” says the proprietor and designer behind Lush Bazaar, whose wedding gowns and fashions are made by fairly paid producers in India. “They’re putting their money into things they’ll always remember, but why not use that to actually change people’s lives?”
For an example that was splashed on websites worldwide, look no farther than Meghan Markle’s wedding-reception gown. The Stella McCartney stunner in mock neck and halter top was draped in the designer’s signature cruelty-free silks.
Ethically made gowns can be fairly priced, too, falling in the $2,000 to $4,000 budget of many brides. The more embellishments, the higher the cost, because “it technically becomes a couture gown” due to the additional handwork needed, says Chyatee.
Mothers, bridesmaids, flower girls—all can be dressed ethically. While you’re at it, don’t forget the groom. Not only can the groom get wedding-day wear with a purpose, but he also can sport a one-of-a-kind outfit that busts out from the tuxedo straitjacket. Chyatee works with Indian weavers who do hand brocading for fabrics that make the vest or jacket of a lifetime.
“Grooms want that little TLC on their wedding day,” she says. “They want someone to listen to what they’ve always envisioned. They will come out with the craziest ideas.”
Everything else that makes the day special can be locally sourced and fairly produced, from flowers and guest favors to candles and bridal-party gifts. Consider the food that guests enjoy. Bridge, the social enterprise facilitating cross-cultural experiences, offers catering options customized by local refugee chefs, says founder Mustafa Nuur. Menu choices range from Middle Eastern to African to Asian.
“All food is prepared by local chefs who gave up their career because of relocating here,” explains Nuur. “We try to give them opportunity by offering them catering jobs.”
Finding fair-trade vendors might take a bit of research, delving into “what this company represents and who they represent,” says Chyatee. Payback for the extra effort is the satisfaction of elevating a day to remember into one that sparkles with goodness.
Whether you choose to support locally owned businesses, women owned businesses, family owned businesses, or something else meaningful to you, all of the choices you make for your wedding vendors have a lasting impact; you invest your dollars and those businesses give back to the local and global community.
“It’s one of the most romantic times in your life,” says Chyatee. “With an ethical wedding, you’re going the route you will always remember, and it’s much more meaningful.”
Wedding wear and favors: Lush Bazaar, lushbazaar.com
Linens, purses, and bow ties: Imagine Goods, imaginegoods.com
Favors: local honey and beeswax candles: Chestnut Ridge Honey LLC,@chestnutridgehoney
Jewelry: Revolution, revolutionlancaster.com
Photographer: Katy Trefry, katytrefryphotography.com
Decor: BKohrDesigns, betsykohr.com
Hair and makeup: Anna Cecchi Smith Fashion Wonderland,@annacecchismithfashionwonderland
Florals: JandCo Florals, jandcoflorals.com
Cake: Dalanna Haldeman, @mrs.haldeman
Venue: Pineapple Manor, pineapplemanorpa.com
