Franklin Dean
With the wedding industry facing scrutiny for its environmental impact, brides are increasingly choosing vintage wedding dresses over new bridal looks. A wedding dress is considered vintage if it is 20 years or older, and these dresses can be found in vintage shops, online, or passed down from relatives. The price of a vintage wedding dress varies depending on the seller, designer, and style, but they can be a cost-effective option for brides-to-be. For example, vintage wedding dresses from the label Shareen Mitchell don't exceed $2,000, while resell platform prices can range from $100 to $2,000. For those seeking a unique, environmentally-conscious, and budget-friendly option, a vintage wedding dress may be the perfect choice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Environmental impact | Vintage wedding dresses are environmentally friendly |
| Uniqueness | One-of-a-kind style |
| Cost | Cost-effective |
| Age | A wedding dress should be 20 years or older to be classified as "vintage" |
| Style | Wide range of vintage styles, including non-traditional colours |
| Designers | Distinct designers like Ralph Lauren, Christian Dior, and Alexander McQueen |
| Price range | $100 to $2,000 |
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What You'll Learn
Where to buy vintage wedding dresses
There are several options for buying vintage wedding dresses, both online and in physical stores.
Online Stores
Happy Isles, for example, carries wedding dresses from contemporary brands Lilly Ashwell and Magnetic Midnight, as well as vintage gowns. Etsy is another online option with a dedicated section for vintage wedding gowns, offering a range of styles from the 1930s to the 1970s. Adored Vintage is a vintage shopping site that offers colourful picks from 1910 to the '90s, including non-traditional options for those who want to stray from the classic white dress. eBay also has a section dedicated to vintage wedding dresses and veils, with options to filter by decade.
Physical Stores
For those in Los Angeles, Decades is an excellent option, offering a wide range of vintage white gowns and non-traditional colourful ensembles. Miranda's Vintage Bridal in Cleveland specialises in one-of-a-kind restored and redesigned vintage wedding gowns and party dresses, along with accessories and alteration services. If you're in Chicago, there's a bridal boutique with the tagline "curated vintage for the modern bride". Their distinctive inventory is handpicked by costume designer Kristine Engel, offering chic looks from the '20s to the '80s. June's Uniquely Yours, located in Cape May, New Jersey, specialises in romantic styles from the Victorian and Edwardian eras, along with vintage accessories.
Customisable Options
If you're looking for customisable vintage-inspired options, ieie Bridal offers ready-to-wear medieval and vintage-style lace wedding dresses that can be crafted in various colours.
When shopping for vintage wedding dresses, it's helpful to narrow down your desired style and collect inspirational images to guide your search.
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Tips for storing a wedding dress
A wedding dress is one of the most important pieces of clothing a person will ever wear, and proper storage is essential to maintaining its integrity. Here are some tips for storing a wedding dress:
Get it Professionally Cleaned
Before storing your wedding dress, it is essential to have it professionally cleaned by a trusted bridal specialist. Even if the dress appears clean, there may be dirt or bacteria that can cause yellowing or discolouration over time. A professional will use specialised techniques to remove any stains and ensure your dress is in mint condition. After cleaning, be careful when handling the dress, and always have clean hands or wear white gloves to prevent oils from transferring onto the gown.
Use Acid-Free Tissue Paper
Wrap the dress in acid-free tissue paper, avoiding coloured tissue paper as it can stain the dress. Place layers of tissue paper between the folds of the dress to prevent permanent creasing, and stuff the bust and sleeves to maintain its shape. Acid-free tissue paper will prevent any beads, sequins, or embroidery from snagging or scratching the fabric, and it helps to cushion and protect the dress during storage.
Choose the Right Storage Container
Store your dress in an acid-free container or a breathable garment bag designed for wedding dress storage. Avoid using plastic dress covers or cardboard boxes as they can trap moisture and bacteria, and contain acids that will damage the dress over time. A blue board box is a good option as it is not acidic like cardboard, which will yellow the dress.
Store in a Safe Place
Keep the dress in an area safe from harsh light or extreme temperatures, such as under a bed or in a cool, dry closet. Avoid attics or lofts, and areas with drastic temperature or humidity swings to prevent mildew growth and other damage. It is best to store the dress in a place where it won't be disturbed frequently, reducing the risk of accidental damage.
Regular Check-Ups
While long-term storage aims to preserve your wedding dress, it is essential to check on it regularly. Every six months to three years, inspect the dress for any signs of damage or pests, and refold it along different lines to prevent permanent creases. Maintaining regular check-ups will allow you to detect any issues early on and take the necessary steps to address them.
These tips will help ensure your wedding dress stays in excellent condition for years to come, whether you plan to sell it, pass it down to future generations, or simply want to preserve its beauty.
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The trend for white wedding dresses
The tradition of wearing a white wedding dress is commonly credited to Queen Victoria, who wore a white court dress to her wedding with Prince Albert in 1840. Debutantes had long been required to wear white court dresses and long white gloves for their first presentation at court. White dresses were also reserved for women being presented at court for the first time.
Queen Victoria's wedding was one of the first heavily photographed royal weddings, and the photos were shared around the world. As accounts of Victoria's wedding spread across the Atlantic and throughout Europe, fashionable people followed her lead. Wealthier brides started wearing grand white gowns because they could afford to have their white attire professionally cleaned. Etiquette books of the time also noted that white wedding dresses were ideal because they represented purity and innocence, as well as wealth.
However, it is important to note that white wedding dresses only became customary in the mid-20th century, with middle-class British and American brides adopting the trend after World War II. With increased prosperity in the 20th century, it also became more common for brides to wear the dress only once.
Today, white remains the most widely-worn colour for wedding gowns, with 82% of US brides wearing white, according to the WeddingWire Newlywed Report.
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Designers of vintage wedding dresses
The world of vintage wedding dresses is a treasure trove of timeless elegance and classic charm, with many designers offering their unique take on this special garment. Here are some notable designers known for their exquisite vintage wedding dresses:
- Vionnette Bridal: Boasting the world's largest collection of couture vintage wedding dresses, Vionnette specializes in bridal attire from the 1950s to 2005. Their collection includes renowned designers such as Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta, Christian Dior, Sorelle Fontana, and Catherine Rayner. With nearly 200 vintage bridal gowns, they prioritize quality and historical preservation.
- Unique Vintage: This brand celebrates past eras while designing for today's bride. Their vintage wedding dress collection ranges from the 1920s flapper style to the classic elegance of the 1950s. They offer affordable elegance with inexpensive, yet meticulously crafted dresses, including elegant lace designs and sumptuous satin gowns, ensuring that style is achievable regardless of budget.
- Miranda's Vintage Bridal: Based in Cleveland, Ohio, Miranda's Vintage Bridal offers a bespoke collection of vintage wedding dresses. They cater to a wide range of tastes, including party dresses, lingerie, and kimonos, ensuring that each bride finds a unique look that reflects their personality.
- Shareen Mitchell: Shareen Mitchell is a designer who blends new and old components seamlessly. Her modern wedding gowns incorporate repurposed vintage clothing elements, resulting in one-of-a-kind creations. Shareen's designs are available in vintage boutiques in Los Angeles and New York, offering a non-traditional approach to bridal fashion.
- Happy Isles: This L.A.-based shop features vintage designer gowns from the 1950s to the 1990s. Happy Isles showcases designs from renowned names like Valentino and Oscar de la Renta, as well as contemporary brands such as Lilly Ashwell and Magnetic Midnight. They offer a comprehensive wedding experience, providing everything from invitations to cake toppers, making them a go-to destination for vintage enthusiasts.
- Etsy: Etsy is a treasure trove for vintage lovers, with an entire section dedicated to vintage wedding gowns. Here, you can find a diverse range of styles, from bohemian-infused '70s dresses to Art Deco-inspired 1930s gowns. With varying price points, Etsy is a fantastic option for brides seeking a unique vintage look without breaking the bank.
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The cost of vintage wedding dresses
Vintage wedding dresses are becoming an increasingly popular choice for environmentally conscious brides who want to avoid commissioning new bridal looks. The classification of a wedding dress as "vintage" is generally agreed to be 20 years or older.
When shopping for a vintage wedding dress, it is useful to narrow down the desired style and define the look by collecting inspirational images to determine the preferred decade. This can make the search for the perfect dress more manageable. Shopping online allows for specific brands and designers to be kept in mind, which can help pinpoint the desired style.
Vintage wedding dresses offer a unique and cost-effective option for brides, ensuring that no other bride will be wearing the same dress. They also provide the perfect "something old" item for the wedding.
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Frequently asked questions
The worth of a vintage wedding dress depends on the seller and the brand. Prices can range from $100 to $2000.
A wedding dress should be 20 years or older to be classified as "vintage". However, this classification isn't regulated but is more of a general agreement in the industry.
There are many online and in-store shops that sell vintage wedding dresses. Some online shops include Adored Vintage, Madly Vintage, and Decades.
