How to Find the Vintage Wedding Dress of Your Dreams
There’s just something about the delicate beauty of a vintage wedding dress, whether it has been unearthed from a vintage market stall or carefully selected at a specialist boutique.
With more and more brides opting for a one-off gown that won’t break the bank, it proves that what was once old can certainly become ‘new’ again!
Know where to look
Almost immediately after you’ve decided you want to wear a unique vintage dress on your big day, you must keep your eyes peeled. Let’s face it, finding your dream vintage wedding dress might seem like a daunting task, but if you know where to look then it will make your job a thousand times easier! A quick Google search of specialist vintage bridal boutiques will supply you with plenty of places to visit. Your local charity shop or vintage-themed wedding fair can also be a wonderful treasure trove, as can online destinations such as eBay, Etsy or independently-owned online stores.
If you can, try dresses on in person
Being able to try on dresses will quickly determine whether it’s your dream dress or not, especially when it comes to size and style. This will also allow you to closely examine the dress with your very own eyes! If you’re buying your dress online – Never fear! Just ensure that you’re provided with the dress’s measurements (length, shoulders, bust, waist, hips, and sleeve cuffs) and if possible, being able to see the dress from different angles would be a huge benefit. Here’s another helpful tip – Before you buy your dress online, check if the seller has a returns policy in case you find it’s simply not ‘the one’.
Know when to walk away
At the end of the day, we must remember that vintage dresses have been worn before - even if only just once! Although some issues with vintage dresses are relatively easy to fix (such as the length being too long, a broken zipper, size too large or damaged buttons), others are impossible to repair. It may be best to cut your losses and look elsewhere if your vintage discovery contains any of the following: the dress is multiple sizes too small or large, there are noticeable discolorations or very large marks, it contains tears in the netting or the fabric is ripped in prominent places, the material has rust stains on it.
Trust the experts
When it comes to cleaning or making amendments to a vintage wedding dress, you have to make exceptions! Never send your vintage masterpiece to a dry cleaners, but instead seek out a specialist cleaning company trained in handling such high-care garments. You should also only allow an expert experienced in restoring vintage dresses to make adjustments to your dress.
Factor it all in
Take any additional factors such as cleaning or adjustments into account for your budget. These specialist services could be pricey so don’t let the overall cost of your desired dress exceed your maximum spend!
Remember, it takes time
Sourcing the vintage wedding dress of your dreams may take a lot longer than selecting a custom made or mass-produced dress as you don’t have the luxury of your chosen style being available in multiple sizes. If time is not your friend (or the perfect vintage wedding dress is proving difficult to find) then you may need to compromise by incorporating vintage fabrics into a new gown. Designer Kate Edmondson suggests using original vintage lace fabric and recycling it into your new wedding dress – Genius!
Enjoy your day
Take joy in the fact that your one-of-a-kind dress tells a tale as it has stood the test of time. If that doesn’t put a big smile on your face, here’s something that will: By up-cycling and wearing a vintage original, you’re reducing your carbon footprint. Not only do you look amazing, but you’re also helping the environment too!
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First image by Maggie May Bridal featuring their 'Love Child' campaign.