Franklin Dean
There are many places to buy vintage-inspired wedding dresses, both online and in-store. Etsy, for example, has an entire section dedicated to vintage gowns for sale, from bohemian-infused '70s dresses to 1930s Art Deco gowns. Adored Vintage offers colourful picks from 1910 to the '90s, while Unique Vintage provides an elegant selection of plus-size vintage-inspired wedding dresses. For those looking for a physical store, there is a bridal boutique in Chicago that offers a distinctive inventory of vintage wedding gowns, veils, and shoes from the '20s to the '80s. June's Uniquely Yours in Cape May, New Jersey, specializes in romantic styles from the Victorian and Edwardian eras, while Miranda's Vintage Bridal in Cleveland offers restored and redesigned vintage wedding gowns.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Price range | $105 to $2,895 |
| Dress styles | Lace, A-line, ball gowns, sheath dresses, mermaid designs, long-sleeve, satin, flapper, boho, plus-size |
| Accessories | Veils, capes, overskirts, shoes, jewellery |
| Online shops | Etsy, Adored Vintage, Unique Vintage, Devotion Dresses |
| In-store shops | Miranda's Vintage Bridal (Cleveland), Grace and Ivory (Chicago), June's Uniquely Yours (Cape May, New Jersey), Happy Isles (L.A.), Decades (L.A.) |
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What You'll Learn
Etsy and other online marketplaces
Etsy is a treasure trove of vintage-inspired wedding dresses, with over 5000 listings to browse. You can find gowns from the 1930s Art Deco era to bohemian-infused '70s dresses and everything in between. Etsy sellers often offer free shipping, and customisation options are available with some. For example, one buyer mentions being able to add a big bow to the back of their dress.
When buying vintage, it's normal for dresses to have some minor discolouration or tiny snags. It's recommended to buy a dress one size larger so that you can alter it to fit your body. You can also add a belt to define the waist and add some sparkle—rhinestone belts were popular in the 1920s and 1950s. Etsy sellers can also create custom floral pieces to elevate your look, such as a floral crown for a boho-chic theme.
In addition to Etsy, there are several other online marketplaces to consider when shopping for vintage-inspired wedding dresses. Adored Vintage, for example, offers unique and antique pre-worn styles, with prices ranging from $100 to $2,000. Although not specifically catering to brides, Adored Vintage has colourful picks from the 1910s to the '90s.
Happy Isles is another online craft haven with a dedicated section for vintage gowns. This L.A.-based shop features picks from the 1950s to the 1990s, including designers like Valentino and Oscar de la Renta. Decades is another L.A.-based shop founded by style guru Cameron Silver, offering a wide range of vintage white gowns.
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Local vintage bridal boutiques
If you're looking to buy a vintage-inspired wedding dress in person, there are plenty of local bridal boutiques to choose from.
In Los Angeles, Happy Isles is a vintage haven, with a vast collection of vintage designer gowns from the 1950s to the 1990s, including Valentino and Oscar de la Renta. Happy Isles also stocks contemporary bridal brands. Resurrection is another high-end vintage fashion shop in LA, with about 150 designer pieces, mostly from the 1950s through 2007, with non-traditional bridal looks starting at $2,800.
For those on the East Coast, there is a Chicago bridal boutique with the tagline "curated vintage for the modern bride". Costume designer Kristine Engel handpicks distinctive vintage dresses, veils, and shoes from the 1920s to the 1980s. June's Uniquely Yours in Cape May, New Jersey, is a family-owned boutique specialising in romantic styles from the Victorian and Edwardian eras.
Cleveland's Miranda's Vintage Bridal is another US option for restored and redesigned vintage wedding gowns, as well as unique vintage accessories.
If you're looking for vintage bridalwear outside of the US, Kit Vintage in LA's Fairfax neighbourhood is a vintage fashion business that counts a majority of its clients as bridal parties. Owner and former fashion editor Robyn Goldberg started the business in 2014 with a rack of vintage special-occasion gowns. In the same building is Platt Boutique Jewelry, which sells fine antique jewellery, including engagement rings in Art Deco styles from 1900 to 1950.
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Plus-size vintage wedding dresses
If you're looking for plus-size vintage wedding dresses, Unique Vintage is a good place to start. Their collection includes flowing ball gowns and figure-hugging mermaids, celebrating natural beauty and the diverse expression of love. Their dresses are meticulously designed to embrace and show off your curves, with long-sleeve styles offering the ideal combination of coverage and style. Unique Vintage's plus-size wedding dresses range from tea-length styles from the 1950s to boho 70s styles, ensuring your wedding day is a celebration of vintage charm.
For those looking for a physical boutique, Miranda's Vintage Bridal in Cleveland offers restored and redesigned vintage wedding gowns and party dresses, as well as vintage accessories. They also provide high-quality alteration and restoration services.
If you're based in Chicago, the bridal boutique there has been described as the "Mecca of vintage wedding gowns". Costume designer Kristine Engel handpicks distinctive dresses from the '20s to the '80s, guaranteeing a chic, out-of-this-century look.
June's Uniquely Yours, located in Cape May, New Jersey, is another family-owned boutique specialising in romantic styles from the Victorian and Edwardian eras. They carry a wide variety of vintage second-hand selections from the 1800s to the 2000s, as well as vintage accessories.
For those in LA, Happy Isles features a vast collection of vintage designer gowns from the 1950s to the 1990s, including pieces from Valentino and Oscar de la Renta. Decades, also in LA, was founded by style guru Cameron Silver and sells a wide range of vintage white gowns for bridal celebrations.
Finally, Adored Vintage provides vintage and modern looks for the "feminine romantic spirit", with a wide collection of bohemian antique frocks from 1910 to the '90s. Although not catering specifically to brides, it's worth a look, especially if you're considering a non-traditional dress.
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Vintage wedding dresses on a budget
Vintage wedding dresses are a great option for brides who want to celebrate past eras while still staying true to their unique personal style. With a wide variety of styles to choose from, you can find the perfect vintage-inspired look without breaking the bank.
Online Options
If you're looking for convenience and a wide selection, online shopping is a great choice. Etsy is a one-stop shop for all things vintage, with an entire section dedicated to vintage gowns for sale. You can find anything from bohemian '70s dresses to 1930s Art Deco gowns at various price points. Another online resell platform, Adored Vintage, offers unique and antique pre-worn styles, with prices ranging from $100 to $2,000. If you're looking for a more modern take on vintage, Unique Vintage offers an exquisite collection of inexpensive vintage-inspired dresses, from elegant lace designs to sumptuous satin gowns, without compromising on style.
In-Store Options
For those who prefer a more traditional shopping experience, there are several bridal boutiques specializing in vintage wedding dresses. In Chicago, you'll find a bridal boutique with the tagline "curated vintage for the modern bride", offering a distinctive inventory handpicked by costume designer Kristine Engel. June's Uniquely Yours in Cape May, New Jersey, specializes in romantic styles from the Victorian and Edwardian eras, along with vintage accessories. Miranda's Vintage Bridal in Cleveland offers a unique collection of restored and redesigned vintage wedding gowns and accessories, along with high-quality alteration services.
Additional Tips
To stay within your budget, consider pre-owned or sample wedding dresses from sites like Stillwhite, the largest global marketplace for second-hand wedding dresses, where you can find designer gowns at a fraction of the cost. You can also join communities like r/weddingplanning on Reddit, where users share tips and inspiration for finding vintage wedding dresses within a limited budget.
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$53.99 $59.99
Vintage-inspired vs. authentic vintage
Vintage-inspired wedding dresses are having a moment, with many brides-to-be seeking out the timeless, one-of-a-kind style that a vintage dress provides. The appeal of a vintage wedding dress is understandable: the intricate details, the high-quality fabrics, the unique story behind each dress, and the fact that no other bride is likely to be wearing the same gown.
Vintage-inspired dresses are those that take elements from past eras, such as the Renaissance, Victorian, Edwardian, and Roaring Twenties, and combine them with modern touches. For example, a dress might feature a drop waist, a popular trend from the 1920s, but with a more comfortable, relaxed fit than was typical of that era. Other design elements from the past that are making a comeback include sweetheart necklines, lace racerback detailing, embroidery, pearls, floral appliqués, and beading.
If you're looking for an authentic vintage dress, there are plenty of boutiques and online stores that specialise in vintage wedding gowns. These include Miranda's Vintage Bridal in Cleveland, which offers restored and redesigned vintage wedding gowns, and a bridal boutique in Chicago that stocks distinctive vintage dresses, veils, and shoes from the 1920s to the 1980s. Online, Etsy has a dedicated section for vintage wedding gowns, with picks from the 1930s to the 1970s, while Happy Isles offers vintage designer gowns from the 1950s to the 1990s.
However, if you want to incorporate just a touch of vintage into your wedding look, a vintage-inspired dress might be the way to go. These dresses often combine vintage elements with modern touches, resulting in a unique and unforgettable bridal style. For instance, designer Claire Pettibone combines vintage inspirations with a bride's personal style to create a timeless and breathtaking look. Whether you choose vintage or vintage-inspired, one thing is clear: vintage wedding dresses are here to stay.
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Frequently asked questions
Etsy is a great place to start your search for vintage wedding dresses. You can find bohemian-infused '70s dresses, 1930s gowns reminiscent of the Art Deco era, and more. Another online shop to check out is Unique-Vintage, which offers an exquisite collection of inexpensive vintage wedding dresses.
Yes, there are several bridal boutiques that specialise in vintage-inspired wedding dresses. If you're in Chicago, there's a bridal boutique with the tagline "curated vintage for the modern bride". Costume designer Kristine Engel handpicks the shop's distinctive inventory, which includes dresses from the ''20s to the '80s. June's Uniquely Yours in Cape May, New Jersey, is another boutique that specialises in romantic styles from the Victorian and Edwardian eras.
Yes, Unique Vintage offers a selection of plus-size wedding dresses designed to flatter and celebrate every bride's beauty. Their collection includes sheath dresses, ball gowns, and long-sleeve wedding dresses.
