Lyla Dejesus
The value of a vintage wedding dress depends on multiple factors. These include the condition, size, purchase price, maker, and fabric quality. The value can also be influenced by whether the style of the dress is currently in fashion. As a result of the growing trend of buying vintage wedding dresses, there are now several online and physical stores that sell vintage wedding dresses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Condition | The better the condition, the higher the value. |
| Style | The value is influenced by whether the style is currently in fashion. |
| Age | The older the dress, the more valuable it is. |
| Designer | A well-known designer can increase the value. |
| Size | The value may be influenced by the size of the dress. |
| Purchase price | The original price paid can impact the resale value. |
| Fabric quality | The quality of the fabric can affect the value. |
| Cleaning | A dress that has been cleaned may be worth more. |
| Rarity | One-of-a-kind pieces can be more valuable. |
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What You'll Learn
Value influenced by condition, size, maker, fabric quality, and style
The value of a vintage wedding dress depends on multiple factors, including its condition, size, purchase price, maker, and fabric quality. The style of the dress and whether it is currently in fashion can also significantly influence its value.
Condition is an important factor in determining the value of a vintage wedding dress. A dress in perfect condition will generally be worth more than one that is damaged or stained. However, it is worth noting that vintage wedding dresses are often very delicate, and cleaning them can risk ruining them. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the dress is free of smells and stains before purchasing it.
The size of a vintage wedding dress can also impact its value. While most vintage wedding dresses will require alterations to achieve a perfect fit, a dress that is closer to the average size may be more desirable and, therefore, more valuable.
The maker and fabric quality of a vintage wedding dress can significantly influence its value. Dresses from well-known designers or made with high-quality fabrics will generally be worth more than those from lesser-known labels or made with lower-quality materials. For example, a vintage Vera Wang or Monique Lhuillier bridal gown can fetch a higher price than other designers. Additionally, unique or one-of-a-kind pieces from renowned designers can demand a higher value.
The style of a vintage wedding dress can also affect its value. Certain styles may be more desirable if they are currently in fashion. For instance, a '70s boho-style dress in perfect condition could be more sought-after than a dress from the ''80s or '90s, unless it is intended for costuming.
To determine the value of a specific vintage wedding dress, online calculators can be used. These calculators take into account various factors, including the label, date purchased, price paid, and other characteristics, to estimate the gown's worth.
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Online calculators to estimate resale value
Online calculators can help estimate the resale value of vintage wedding dresses. These calculators consider various factors, such as the label, date of purchase, original price, and whether the dress was cleaned.
One such calculator is the Wedding Dress Value Calculator, which provides an estimated starting price for a seller's gown, taking into account factors that influence the sale price. This calculator was put to the test by the Daily Mail, with Catherine Townsend reselling her $17,900 Vera Wang gown for $7,500.
Another website, Stillwhite, offers an estimator to help brides determine the potential worth of their dresses. Stillwhite has facilitated sales totalling $111,736,685 for brides selling their wedding dresses on its platform.
As a general rule, a used wedding dress in good condition and less than two to two-and-a-half years old can typically sell for 50% of its original retail price. Gowns from popular designers like Vera Wang, Monique Lhullier, and Oscar de la Renta can often fetch 60% to 70% of their retail value.
Online calculators and platforms like these can provide a valuable service for former brides who want to recoup some of the costs of their wedding or pass on their dress to someone who will appreciate it.
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Popular vintage styles and designers
The popularity of vintage wedding dresses has been on the rise, with brides seeking out both the sustainability and uniqueness of pre-loved gowns. The first step in shopping for a vintage wedding dress is to narrow down the eras that appeal to you.
Popular Vintage Styles
Vintage wedding dresses can span centuries of cultural influences, from the 14th century to the present day. Here are some popular vintage styles:
- The 1920s: The drop-waist style of the 1920s has been a major hit with brides, as it can make them feel taller and more confident. Flapper dresses from this era are also a popular choice.
- The Renaissance: Dresses from the Renaissance era (14th to 17th centuries) feature corsetry and layers of rich, flowy fabrics. They often have long, draped bell sleeves and a more relaxed silhouette, making them perfect for boho or minimalist brides.
- The Rococo era: Popularised by Marie Antoinette, this era is characterised by full skirts, opulent fabrics, ruffles, long sleeves, tight corsetry, and embellishments.
- The 1930s: Silk gowns and A-line dresses with structured bodices from the 1930s exude elegance and glamour.
- The 1940s: The 1940s are associated with classic pearl necklaces and delicate lace sleeves or satin fabrics.
- The 1950s: Voluminous tulle skirts and ball gowns from the 1950s capture the playful and elegant spirit of the era.
- The late 1950s and early 1960s: The "Marilyn Monroe-style" wiggle dresses from this period are becoming increasingly popular. Gene Shelley, James Galanos, and Pauline Trigère are names to look out for if you're interested in this era.
- The 1970s: For a more relaxed, '70s-style silhouette, Ossie Clark and Halston are designers to consider.
- The 1990s: For a minimal and laid-back look, the '90s strappy styles with square necklines by designers like Jil Sander, Max Mara, and Armani are currently in vogue.
Popular Vintage Designers
When it comes to vintage wedding dress designers, the following names are often associated with popular and sought-after styles:
- Gene Shelley
- James Galanos
- Pauline Trigère
- Ossie Clark
- Halston
- Jil Sander
- Max Mara
- Armani
- Oscar de la Renta
- Yves Saint Laurent
- Azzedine Alaïa
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Where to buy vintage wedding dresses
The value of a vintage wedding dress depends on multiple factors, such as its condition, size, purchase price, maker, and fabric quality. The style of the dress and whether it is currently in fashion can also influence its value.
If you are looking to buy a vintage wedding dress, you can try online retailers such as Etsy, eBay, StillWhite, and Happy Isles. Etsy has an entire section dedicated to vintage gowns, offering a range of price points and styles from the 1930s to the 1970s. Happy Isles, an L.A.-based shop, features vintage designer gowns from the 1950s to the 1990s, including pieces from Valentino and Oscar de la Renta.
For those looking for a physical store, Miranda's Vintage Bridal in Cleveland, Ohio, offers a unique collection of vintage wedding dresses. A bridal boutique in Chicago curates vintage wedding gowns, with costume designer Kristine Engel handpicking distinctive dresses from the 1920s to the 1980s. June's Uniquely Yours in Cape May, New Jersey, is another family-owned boutique specialising in romantic styles from the Victorian and Edwardian eras.
If you are looking for a specific style, you can try searching for designers from that era. For instance, the late '50s and early '60s styles can be found in the works of Gene Shelley, James Galanos, and Pauline Trigère, while Ossie Clark and Halston are known for their '70s designs.
When shopping for a vintage wedding dress, it is important to remember that these dresses are often very delicate and should be carefully inspected for any stains or smells before purchase, as cleaning them can be risky.
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How to store a vintage wedding dress
The value of a vintage wedding dress depends on multiple factors, such as its condition, size, purchase price, maker, and fabric quality. The value can also be influenced by whether the style is currently in fashion.
To store a vintage wedding dress, it is important to remember that organic materials naturally degrade, and a once 'white' wedding dress can become badly discoloured. Here are some tips to store a vintage wedding dress:
- Avoid hanging the dress for long periods, as this can cause stress on the seams and shape.
- Plastic covers are suitable for hanging the dress temporarily but are not suitable for long-term storage as they let in light that may fade the fabric and do not allow for changes in humidity, risking condensation and mould.
- Never store the dress in an attic as attics are prone to roof leaks, damp, and insect infestations.
- Choose a cool, dark place within your primary living quarters, such as the top shelf of your everyday closet.
- Avoid extreme temperatures and humidity.
- Wrap the dress in acid-free tissue paper or pre-washed unbleached muslin.
- Avoid coloured tissue paper as it can stain the dress over time.
- Place layers of tissue paper or muslin between the folds of the dress to avoid permanent creasing.
- Stuff the bust and sleeves with tissue paper to maintain the shape.
- Place the dress in an acid-free container.
- Store it in an area safe from harsh light or temperatures, such as under a bed.
- Do not store the dress in an airtight container.
If you are looking to sell your vintage wedding dress, you can take it out of the packaging, assess for damage, and take good-quality photos from all angles. You can send these photos to vintage stores or sell it yourself on eBay or similar sites. You can also use wedding dress resale sites, but they may have fees attached.
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Frequently asked questions
A wedding dress is generally considered vintage if it is 20 years or older, although this classification is not regulated.
The value of a vintage wedding dress depends on multiple factors, including its condition, size, purchase price, maker, and fabric quality. The value can also be influenced by whether the style of the dress is currently in fashion.
You can sell a vintage wedding dress online on websites like eBay, Stillwhite, or PreOwnedWeddingDresses. You can also try selling it to vintage stores or through Facebook Marketplace.
To store a vintage wedding dress, wrap it in acid-free tissue paper or pre-washed unbleached muslin and avoid using colored tissue paper as it can stain the dress. Place layers of tissue paper or muslin between the folds of the dress to avoid creasing and stuff the bust and sleeves to maintain their shape. Finally, place the dress in an acid-free container and store it in an area safe from harsh light and extreme temperatures.
