Rhiannon Hendricks
Vintage wedding dresses are having a moment. From royal lineage to the red carpet, the demand for vintage bridal wear has been steadily growing. Whether you're looking to re-wear a family heirloom or are simply drawn to the aesthetics of a bygone era, there are many ways to incorporate vintage style into your wedding day. But where to start? Knowing the venue and setting of your wedding is key to finding the right gown. From there, you can begin to narrow down the eras and design elements that resonate with your unique bridal style. Once you've found your dream dress, be sure to ask the seller if it's been professionally cleaned and don't be afraid to ask questions about fit, condition, and wearability. Finally, you may want to consider alterations to make the dress your own unique statement.
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What You'll Learn
Know your style and era
Knowing your style and era is paramount when it comes to choosing your dream vintage wedding dress. The first step is to decide on the design elements and eras that you are most interested in. This can be a challenging task, given that wedding dress trends have evolved significantly over the centuries, from the 14th-century Renaissance to the 1920s Roaring Twenties.
If you are looking for a dress with a drop waist, for example, you might want to consider a 1920s-style dress. This era was marked by straight, drop-waist shapes and shorter skirt lengths, reflecting the young and modern flapper style that was popular at the time. The 1920s were also a time when women often chose to wear a beautiful dress that they liked rather than a traditional bridal style, so this could be a good era to look at if you want to break with tradition.
On the other hand, if you are interested in a more minimal look, you might want to consider a wedding dress from the 1940s. Due to wartime rationing and the sombre national mood, these dresses often had a simpler and more modest aesthetic. Many brides during this time wore their fanciest dress rather than a traditional wedding gown, or even made their dresses themselves. Rayon gowns were popular, as the material was cheaper than silk, satin, and lace.
For those who want a more opulent and romantic look, the 1950s might be the perfect era. This decade saw a post-war boom in full skirts, fitted bodices, sweetheart necklines, and frilly, whimsical embellishments. The use of lace for brides also became popularised, thanks to the Princess of Monaco's wedding dress.
Finally, if you are looking for something a little more unique and experimental, you might want to consider the 1960s. This decade saw a shift towards shorter skirt lengths, three-quarter-length sleeves, shift silhouettes, and more structured fabrics. Celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor and Sharon Tate led the way with unexpected bridal styles, such as a yellow wedding dress or a short babydoll dress.
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Find the right boutique
Finding the right boutique for your vintage wedding dress can be a challenging task. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you navigate the process:
- Online vs. In-Store Shopping: You can choose to shop for your vintage wedding dress either online or in physical boutiques. Online platforms like Etsy offer a wide range of options, including bohemian-infused '70s dresses and Art Deco-inspired 1930s gowns. Resell platforms like Stillwhite allow you to buy directly from other brides, offering unique pre-owned dresses at various price points. On the other hand, physical boutiques provide a more traditional shopping experience. For instance, a bridal boutique in Chicago offers a distinctive inventory curated by costume designer Kristine Engel, featuring pieces from the '20s to the '80s.
- Location and Specialization: Consider the location of the boutique and its specialization. For instance, Vionnette, a vintage bridal boutique in Atlanta, specializes in high-quality vintage wedding dresses from renowned designers like Vera Wang, Amsale, Monique Lhuillier, and Christian Dior. If you're looking for a specific era, a boutique specializing in that period may be ideal. For example, a boutique in Cape May, New Jersey, specializes in romantic styles from the Victorian and Edwardian eras, offering gowns from the 1800s to the 2000s.
- Curated Collections and Designers: Some boutiques offer meticulously curated collections, ensuring the pieces are unique and authentic. Tab Vintage, an LA-based shop, curates a unique collection of archival designer items, including vintage Jean Paul Gaultier, Versace, Valentino, and Dior. Additionally, some boutiques specialize in specific designers or eras. For instance, a boutique might focus on gowns from the 1930s to the early 2000s, featuring designers like Halston and Oscar de la Renta.
- Custom Fittings and Alterations: When choosing a boutique, inquire about custom fittings and alterations. Some boutiques, like Miranda's Vintage Bridal in Cleveland, Ohio, specialize in custom alterations and can size vintage dresses up or down by working with a specific tailor or seamstress. This is especially important for vintage dresses since sizing can vary significantly from modern clothing.
- Price and Budget: Consider your budget when selecting a boutique. Vintage wedding dresses can vary in price, with some boutiques offering gowns under $2,000, while others may have higher-end pieces from well-known designers. Resell platforms and pre-owned dress options can also be more budget-friendly, allowing you to find unique pieces at a fraction of the cost of a new dress.
- Reviews and Recommendations: Research reviews and recommendations from other brides or vintage enthusiasts. Websites like Vogue and Brides often feature round-ups of the best vintage wedding dress boutiques, providing insights into the selection, quality, and overall experience offered by different shops. Additionally, don't be afraid to ask for recommendations from friends or family members who may have experience with vintage wedding dress shopping.
Remember, finding the right boutique involves considering your personal preferences, budget, and the level of customization or alterations you may require. Taking the time to research and explore different options will help ensure that you find the perfect vintage wedding dress for your special day.
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Get measured
It is recommended that you get your measurements taken by a professional. However, if you want to do it yourself, here are the steps you can follow:
First, get a flexible measuring tape. Stand straight with your heels together, arms down at your sides, and wear only the underwear you plan to wear under your dress. If you plan to wear a bra or bustier, put that on too.
To measure your bust, wrap the tape around your back and the fullest part of your bust. The tape should be flat along where your bra strap usually lies and should not be too tight—make sure you can fit a finger between the tape and your body.
To define your waistline, tie a piece of elastic tape around your natural waist. Your waist is the smallest part of your torso and is not across your hipbones or belly button. Then, pass the measuring tape along the elastic tape you tied around your waist, again ensuring it is not too tight.
For your hip measurement, stand with your feet together and wrap the measuring tape around the widest part of your hips and bottom.
If you are ordering a custom dress, you will also need to take a hollow-to-hem measurement. To do this, measure from the centre of your collarbone (the hollow) to the bottom of your dress (the hem). Wear shoes with a heel height similar to what you plan to wear on your wedding day.
Remember that wedding dress sizes vary across designers, so be sure to refer to the designer's size chart when ordering your dress. It is recommended that you order the largest size that corresponds to your measurements and then get the dress altered to fit your body.
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Ask questions
If you're considering wearing a vintage wedding dress, there are several questions you should ask to ensure you find the perfect gown.
Firstly, it's important to understand the different eras of vintage fashion and decide which era resonates with your unique bridal style. Do you prefer the aesthetics of the 1940s to 1970s, or are you drawn to the iconic trends of the 1920s or 1930s? Narrowing down your favourite eras will help guide your search for the perfect vintage-style wedding dress.
Once you have an idea of the era you want to emulate, it's time to start shopping! You can scour the internet for vintage bridal salons and boutiques, or simply keep an eye out when passing vintage stores. When you find a potential dress, don't be afraid to ask the seller lots of questions. Ask about the size, condition, and dating of the dress. Inquire about the interior construction and whether there is any wiggle room for alterations. Confirm the return policy, as many online vintage sales are final. It's also a good idea to ask if the dress has been professionally cleaned, as this can save you time and money.
If you're wearing a family heirloom, consider whether you want to make any alterations to modernise the dress. Many vintage wedding dresses were quite modest, with long sleeves and high necklines. You may want to add some modern touches to make the dress feel more "you". Boutiques that specialise in vintage wedding dress alterations can help you add style and flair to your vintage gown, making it a unique statement piece.
Lastly, don't forget to get your measurements taken by a tailor before trying on any vintage dresses. Vintage sizing differs from modern sizing and was not standardised, so knowing your measurements will help you find a dress that fits like a glove.
By asking the right questions and doing your research, you'll be well on your way to finding (or creating!) the vintage wedding dress of your dreams.
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Repurpose or customise
If you want to wear your vintage wedding dress again, consider altering the style to make it more modern. You could turn it into a chic cocktail dress, a blouse or top, or a skirt. You could also use the fabric to make scarves, hairpieces, or jewellery. If you have a lot of fabric to work with, you could create a bridal robe. Alternatively, you could dye the dress a new colour to make it more wearable outside of a wedding.
For those interested in sustainable practices, transform your dress into wearable pieces that align with sustainable brand ethos. You could also create a custom wedding garter, a bridal jacket, or a wedding jumpsuit. If you don't have the DIY expertise, there are companies that can repurpose wedding dresses for you, such as transforming them into handbags, clutches, or teddy bears.
If you're looking for decorative repurposing ideas, you could frame a portion of the lace or fabric with your wedding photo, create decorative pillows, display dress elements in a shadow box, or craft special ornaments using fabric and trimmings. You could also turn your dress into a christening gown, a first communion dress, or a memory bear.
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Frequently asked questions
Before booking an appointment with a vintage dealer, get your measurements taken by a tailor and share these with the shop to see if they have pieces in your size. Ask the seller about the dress's size, condition, dating, and wiggle room, and confirm the return policy.
Edwardian dresses are characterised by modesty, with higher necklines, pigeon-breasted bodices, and long sleeves. Colour was common, with soft romantic tones like blush pinks, light lavenders, and champagne. In the 1920s, a popular trend was the drop waist, which can make brides feel taller and more confident. The 1930s saw brides opt for rayon gowns, with modern silhouettes like A-line shapes and shorter, less frilly skirts.
If you're wearing a family wedding dress, consider alterations to make it your own unique statement. Some boutiques specialise in vintage wedding dress alterations and can add style and flair to your gown.
You can transform your dress into wearable pieces, like a christening gown, a first communion dress, or a redesigned version for a vow renewal ceremony. You can also repurpose the fabric into bespoke jewellery, a customised quilt, or a throw pillow.
