Rhiannon Hendricks
Vintage wedding dresses are having a moment, with brides increasingly looking to the past for inspiration. From Edwardian modesty to the free-spirited 1920s, the vintage trend spans centuries of cultural influences and design elements. For brides seeking a vintage look, it's important to first understand the defining features of each era, from the 1920s drop waist to the full skirts of the 1950s. Beading and art deco-inspired gems are also key features, adding a touch of Old Hollywood glamour. For those wanting a truly retro look, tea-length dresses from the 1950s are a popular choice, while antique lace gowns offer a timeless and unique appeal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Era | 1920s, 1930s, 1950s, 1960s, Victorian, Edwardian |
| Silhouette | Sheath, full princess skirts, full-coverage, free-flowing, empire-line busts, renaissance puff sleeves |
| Length | Tea-length, ballerina length, floor-length, mini |
| Fabric | Lace, raw silk, parachute material |
| Details | Beading, art deco gems, corsetry, high necklines, ruffle neck, scoop neck, basque waist, intricate lace, elaborate trimming, embroidery, floral appliqués, beading |
| Colour | Ivory, off-white, soft romantic tones (blush pinks, light lavenders, champagne) |
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What You'll Learn
- Vintage wedding dresses are often lace gowns, veils or slips
- They can be inspired by the 1920s, 1930s, 1950s, 1960s, 1980s or Edwardian era
- They might feature corsetry, rich fabrics, basque waists, intricate lace, beading or elaborate trimming
- Vintage wedding dresses can be bought from bridal shops, marketplaces or boutique sellers
- They are popular because they look amazing on all body types
Vintage wedding dresses are often lace gowns, veils or slips
Vintage wedding dresses are often characterised by their use of luxurious antique lace fabrics, beading, and art deco-inspired gems. Linear beadwork and sparkling gems highlight the timeless silhouettes of these dresses, giving a hint of Old Hollywood elegance.
Lace is a prominent feature in vintage wedding dresses, with some brides opting for antique lace gowns and veils. This fabric is often chosen for its ability to combine vintage inspirations with a modern bride's personal style, resulting in a unique and breathtaking look. For instance, designer Jane Bourvis crafted recreations of 1920s dresses using vintage lace, offering a blend of vintage and modern elements.
Vintage wedding dresses may also incorporate intricate lace, rich fabrics, full skirts, basque waists, and elaborate trimming. The 1950s, for instance, was known for its full princess skirts and full-coverage designs, while the 1920s favoured roomy and fancy-free dresses. The 1930s marked the first time that dresses were marketed as "gowns," with floor-length designs and long trains.
Vintage wedding dresses can also take the form of lace slips or thrift store finds. Some brides opt for vintage-style slips, while others seek out couture or thrift store lace slips. This style of dress offers a unique and fashion-forward look, with the added appeal of knowing that no other bride is likely to be wearing the same dress.
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They can be inspired by the 1920s, 1930s, 1950s, 1960s, 1980s or Edwardian era
A vintage wedding dress can be inspired by various eras, each with its unique characteristics. Here are some ideas for a vintage wedding dress look inspired by specific time periods:
The 1920s
The 1920s were a time of glamorous and elegant fashion, and this decade is a popular choice for brides seeking a vintage-style wedding dress. The 1920s-inspired dresses often feature intricate embroidery, classic fabrics, and timeless accessories. A defining feature of this era is the drop waist, which is said to flatter various body types and make brides feel confident. The colour palette of the 1920s wedding dresses ranges from nude to pastel shades, with white being a timeless choice.
The 1930s
Although not mentioned as frequently as the 1920s or 1950s, the 1930s were an era of bias-cut gowns, which were figure-hugging and often featured a draped, Grecian-style silhouette.
The 1950s
The 1950s-inspired wedding dresses are often tea-length, featuring lace, cap sleeves, and full skirts. The dresses from this era are classy and elegant, and can be customised to the bride's preferences.
The 1960s
The 1960s brought a variety of styles, including short and tea-length dresses. A vintage-inspired 1960s wedding dress might feature lace, cap sleeves, and a full skirt, similar to the previous decade. However, the 1960s also introduced more variety in terms of colour, with romantic ice blue dresses accented with champagne-coloured belts, for example.
The 1980s
The 1980s were known for bold and colourful fashion, and this decade has inspired modern brides to incorporate colourful details into their wedding attire. While not specifically mentioned, the 1980s were also an era of puffy sleeves and voluminous skirts, which could be adapted for a wedding dress look.
Edwardian era
The Edwardian era, from 1901 to 1910, marked the reign of King Edward VII, and it was a time of lavish and whimsical fashion. Wedding dresses from this period were often made of intricate lace, flowing fabrics, and draped designs. Modesty was a key aspect, with higher necklines, long sleeves, and pigeon-breasted bodices. Colour also played a significant role, with soft romantic tones like blush pinks and light lavenders stitched into intricate embroidery or elaborate detailing. For a minimalist take on the Edwardian era, consider a simple silhouette with clean lines, or opt for a princess-inspired ball gown for a regal look.
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They might feature corsetry, rich fabrics, basque waists, intricate lace, beading or elaborate trimming
Corsetry, rich fabrics, basque waists, intricate lace, beading, and elaborate trimming are all features that can be found in vintage wedding dresses.
Corsetry was a defining feature of the Victorian era, and modern interpretations aim to retain the shaping and flattering qualities of the original designs while prioritising comfort and ease of movement. Rich fabrics, such as luxurious antique lace, raw silk, and embroidered linen, add a touch of vintage glamour to any wedding dress. Basque waists, which drop below the natural waistline, were popular in the 1920s and can help create a free and loose waist definition. Intricate lace, whether in the form of a full gown or a thrift shop slip, adds a delicate and timeless touch to any vintage wedding dress. Beading and elaborate trimming can also elevate a vintage wedding dress, with linear beadwork and sparkling art deco-inspired gems highlighting timeless silhouettes and adding a hint of Old Hollywood elegance.
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Vintage wedding dresses can be bought from bridal shops, marketplaces or boutique sellers
Vintage wedding dresses are having a moment, with many brides seeking out the unique, timeless, and cost-effective appeal of vintage gowns. These dresses can be found in bridal shops, marketplaces, and boutique sellers, both online and in-store.
Bridal shops are a great option for trying on a variety of vintage-style dresses and finding one that suits your body type. These shops often carry a range of vintage-inspired gowns, from the 1920s drop-waist trend to the Victorian-era corsetry, allowing brides to find their desired look. Some bridal shops may also offer custom gowns that blend new and old components, giving you a unique vintage-modern blend.
Marketplaces like Etsy, eBay, and resell platforms offer a wide selection of vintage wedding dresses at various price points. Etsy, in particular, has an entire section dedicated to vintage gowns, including bohemian-infused '70s dresses and Art Deco-inspired 1930s gowns. Resell platforms, such as Adored Vintage, offer unique and antique pre-worn styles, with prices ranging from $100 to $2000, providing an affordable option for brides on a budget.
Boutique sellers, both online and physical stores, are another great option for finding vintage wedding dresses. These boutiques often carry a curated collection of vintage designer gowns, with picks spanning from the 1950s to the 1990s, offering brands like Valentino and Oscar de la Renta. L.A.-based boutiques, such as Happy Isles and Decades, are renowned for their vintage white gowns and contemporary options.
Whether you're seeking a vintage-inspired gown or an authentic vintage dress, exploring bridal shops, online marketplaces, and boutique sellers will undoubtedly provide you with a diverse range of options to find your dream vintage wedding dress.
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They are popular because they look amazing on all body types
Vintage wedding dresses are having a major moment in the bridal world. They are popular because they look amazing on all body types, from petite to curvy brides. The key to their versatility is in the variety of styles and silhouettes available, spanning different eras and centuries of cultural influences and inspiration.
For example, the 1920s saw the emergence of roomy and fancy-free dresses, with hemlines rising from shoe length to the knee, and waists dropping below the natural waist for a loose waist definition. This drop-waist style has been a major hit with brides lately, as it can make them feel taller and more confident.
On the other hand, the 1930s embraced the female silhouette with form-fitting gowns that brushed the floor and featured detachable trains, providing greater ease of movement and additional material for glamorous outfits.
The 1950s-inspired vintage wedding dresses are often tea-length, which is particularly flattering for petite and curvy brides. However, it's important to note that vintage wedding dresses come in various lengths and styles, not limited to tea length.
Brides seeking a more modest look might be drawn to the Edwardian era, characterised by higher necklines, billowy bodices, loose sleeves, and figure-hugging skirts. Soft romantic tones like blush pinks, light lavenders, and champagne were also common during this period, adding depth and personality to the wedding gown.
Vintage wedding dresses often feature luxurious antique lace fabrics, beading, and sparkling art deco-inspired gems, giving a hint of Old Hollywood elegance. These details can be found in both vintage-inspired and modern interpretations, catering to the free-spirited boho soul or the fashionable bride with a penchant for vintage charm.
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Frequently asked questions
Beading, linear beadwork, sparkling art deco-inspired gems, luxurious antique lace, and corsetry are some features of vintage wedding dresses.
The 1920s saw the emergence of roomy and fancy-free wedding dresses with hemlines rising from shoelength to the knee. The waist also dropped below the natural waist to form a free and loose waist definition.
The 1930s embraced the female silhouette, with dresses being marketed as "gowns" for the first time. These gowns brushed the floor and trailed feet behind in long trains.
The 1950s saw the return of full princess skirts and full-coverage designs. Tea-length wedding dresses were also popular.
You can buy vintage wedding dresses at any bridal shop or online at marketplaces like eBay and Etsy, or boutique sellers like Jane Bourvis and Adored Closet.
