Vintage late 1960's early 1970's silk chiffon bridal gown with "daisy" lace.
Why Vintage Bridal?
The trend towards vintage gowns in increasing due to a number of factors: the availability of vintage gowns on the internet, a depressed economy, and an increased interest in vintage clothing in general being some major factors. Also, the divorce rate over the last 40 years and the increased mobility of our society mean that fewer brides have heirloom gowns in their own families to consider. Personally I have always found them fascinating. As a child I had a rather large collection of vintage formal wear that I mined from the local Goodwill. It is still hard for me to pass one up if the price is right, which is why I started dealing in them. There are some definite advantages to seeking a vintage gown:
You want a larger variety of styles to choose from or you just want something DIFFERENT! Bridal gowns, like all other fashions, come and go. If you are an individualist or if you do not like the current “look” there is a veritable smorgasbord of styles to choose from in vintage gowns.
You want a theme wedding with a certain look. If you are seeking something that looks medieval, prairie like, Viva Las Vegas, flower child, or Victorian you will not have trouble finding it in the form of a vintage gown.
You want a very traditional gown. The traditional look is not “in” right now. However there is a universe of vintage gowns in traditional styles available.
You want to save money. This is where the deals are! You can find an opulent vintage designer gown for a few hundred dollars – or less if you are lucky! New designer gowns cost thousands. The vintage gown gives every woman the chance to wear a fabulous gown on her wedding day.
You want to go green. If reducing waste to help save the planet is a strong value for you, choosing a vintage gown will fit with your lifestyle and values. Wedding gowns tend to be worn once which is inherently wasteful. The vintage clothing industry gives these garments another shot at life and love.
You love antiques. Wear one! A word of caution though: very few gowns older than the 1920’s can be worn without damaging the garment. Fabric that is 100 years old or more becomes unstable. Some of these fabrics were treated with chemicals when they were manufactured that cause them to deteriorate in specific ways. A good example is some 19th century silks, which were manufactured with heavy metal salts. They tend to shatter as the salts damage the fibers over long periods of time. These surviving garments should really be preserved for future generations. If you want a gown from an earlier period a reproduction is better.
Here are some things you should keep in mind:
It is hard to find vintage gowns in larger sizes. Hard – but not impossible. Larger sizes tend to be a bit more expensive because of this. Women married younger in the past and the average size was smaller than it is now. Most of these gowns, in modern sizing, run between 0 and 8.
Expect minor flaws – discoloration around hooks and eyes, marks on the underside of trains, etc. Acceptable flaws are not noticeable. If the dress is stained a drycleaner may be able to clean it but there is no guarantee. Honest dealers will point out existing flaws before you buy.
It is harder to try before you buy. There is no mega store out there with racks and racks of vintage gowns – yet. Trying on several can be a challenge. Most gowns available are for sale online. Always check the seller’s return policy. I allow customers to order one or several gowns on approval, and only require the customer to pay the shipping for gowns that are returned in the same condition they were went sent out. Measurements help avoid major fitting problems, but they do not tell you if you like the way the gown looks once you have it on!
Other Options
In addition to purchasing a new gown or a vintage gown, there are other options that many people do not realize exist:
Heirloom Gown Restoration
If you have a gown that belonged to your mother, grandmother, or another special person that either does not fit you or has problems, there are ways to make it work. A seamstress can alter the gown if that is all that is needed (shorten or lengthen hem, take in or let out seams, etc). If the gown is stained or damaged it can often be repaired. My mother did this for my wedding gown – see Mom’s Sewing Page for the story. In the case of severe damage or large size differences, it is possible to have a copy of the gown made and/or salvage the lace or other trims for your new gown. In this case, you are moving into the territory of:
Custom Bridal
Have the exact gown you want made for you, in your size. The sky is the limit. This option is not for those on a tight budget – this will end up costing you as much or more than a new gown. However it allows you to have the sleeves from one gown and the bodice from another, and something totally different for the skirt. Or a reproduction of a gown from a specific historical period, movie, or picture. Or a gown made from a specific fabric. If you are going this route you really need to know what you want before the sewing begins. Try on a lot of things first and see what you like and what looks best on you. Take notes. Collect pictures of gowns that you particularly like and bring them to your consultation appointment. Work with an experienced designer who will be able to accurately fit you and help you translate the gown of your imagination into reality.
DIY
If you are an experienced home sewer or have someone close to you who is, you can sew your own dress. There are many commercial patterns available. Fabric stores carry the raw materials necessary to make your own gown. This can save money but not as much as it did in the past because the fabrics, laces, and trims in retail fabric stores have become more expensive in recent years. The only limitation is the confidence and skills of the home sewer. There are books available on how to sew formal wear that can help.
