A vintage wedding dress make a beautiful, unique style statement but there are also some practical reasons why 'something old' is the choice for an increasing number of new brides. Read on to find out how to source a vintage dress and what you need to think about before you buy.
Choosing an Era
This will give you a better idea of shape and the look you want to create. For example, if you want a sleek and glamorous look, you may want to go for a 30s or 40s style, or for a more relaxed, intimate wedding, short 50s styles are increasingly popular
Advantages
The key advantage is no one else will have your wedding dress as they are unique one-off pieces. Another huge bonus is, as it has already been made, you can potentially wear your gown as soon as you've bought it. Another advantage is that vintage dresses are often made from exquisite, natural fabrics, such as raw silk, or retro materials, such as rayon. If you were to buy a new dress made from fabric of equivalent quality, you'll probably pay much more for the final product.
The key advantage is no one else will have your wedding dress as they are unique one-off pieces. Another huge bonus is, as it has already been made, you can potentially wear your gown as soon as you've bought it. Another advantage is that vintage dresses are often made from exquisite, natural fabrics, such as raw silk, or retro materials, such as rayon. If you were to buy a new dress made from fabric of equivalent quality, you'll probably pay much more for the final product.
Extending the Theme
Accessories,hair and make-up will all help carry your theme through your outfit. Although Brear advises against 'over-crowding' the style too much. After all, you want all the attention on your much-loved gown. For the evening, try adding a subtle splash of colour or sparkle with a vintage brooch or diamanté cuff.
Accessories,hair and make-up will all help carry your theme through your outfit. Although Brear advises against 'over-crowding' the style too much. After all, you want all the attention on your much-loved gown. For the evening, try adding a subtle splash of colour or sparkle with a vintage brooch or diamanté cuff.
It's easy to match your flowers to your outfit, without overdoing the theme. For example, wild flowers often complement Edwardian styles, with garlands for your hair and silk sashes decorated with vintage silk blooms, are popular choices.
Problems to Watch Out For
If you are shopping for your own dress, be aware of what can and can't be altered. Embellished fabrics are more expensive to alter than plain fabrics, as the beads or crystals often have to be removed before the changes can be made. Vintage material often has flaws, such as small tears or stains, and it's hard to tell what can be corrected without seeing the problem.
If you are shopping for your own dress, be aware of what can and can't be altered. Embellished fabrics are more expensive to alter than plain fabrics, as the beads or crystals often have to be removed before the changes can be made. Vintage material often has flaws, such as small tears or stains, and it's hard to tell what can be corrected without seeing the problem.
Plus Sizes
Vintage dresses often come up smaller because our body shapes have changed over the last 50 years. Plus, women commonly wore corsets to make their waists smaller up until around the 1960s. If you are struggling to find a size to fit you, speak to a dressmaker about copying a style. They may be able to source vintage fabric so your dress feels more authentic.
Vintage dresses often come up smaller because our body shapes have changed over the last 50 years. Plus, women commonly wore corsets to make their waists smaller up until around the 1960s. If you are struggling to find a size to fit you, speak to a dressmaker about copying a style. They may be able to source vintage fabric so your dress feels more authentic.
Modern Sizing
Modern sizes do vary from vintage methods so, to be on the safe side, you need to know how you measure up. Specialised shops will offer a full measuring service, which will make your life a lot easier, but they generally cost extra. Or you can pop into your local tailor or alterations service and ask them to help you.
Modern sizes do vary from vintage methods so, to be on the safe side, you need to know how you measure up. Specialised shops will offer a full measuring service, which will make your life a lot easier, but they generally cost extra. Or you can pop into your local tailor or alterations service and ask them to help you.
Post-Wedding Care
Invest in a damp-proof and moth-proof dress bag to store your beloved gown. Get it dry-cleaned as soon as possible after your wedding day (the longer the stain is on your dress, the harder it is to remove).
Invest in a damp-proof and moth-proof dress bag to store your beloved gown. Get it dry-cleaned as soon as possible after your wedding day (the longer the stain is on your dress, the harder it is to remove).
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