Vintage Wedding Dresses

In an age where many people seek unique weddings, the wearing of a vintage veil or antique wedding gown fits a bride’s need for distinction.

It can also be a romantic tie to the past if the dress was worn by a family member of an earlier generation.

Whether pulling attire from the attic, a vintage clothing shop or off the Internet several things need to be considered.

Before imagining oneself in great grandmother’s satin and lace one must take a good look at the wedding gown and veil. Dcades-old stains often will not come out and trying to matching older fabrics or threads to repair holes and tears can prove impossible.

Many brides desire a wedding gown with exquisite workmanship like that found in the silk and chiffon dresses of the 1920s.  Besides admiring the delicate hand sewing carefully look over the seams and stretch a few to locate any signs of wear or fraying.  If possible ask a seamstress on their ability to strengthen any damaged seams.

Purchasing an unsalvageable dress for its authentic era embellishments, like seed pearls and crystals, is advised.

Also consider over the years bodies and undergarments have changed.  Modern brides tend to be taller and sometimes heavier. Until the late 1960s many brides went down the aisle in cinched into whale-boned corsets or girdles in order to have a wasp-like waist.

If finding an older dress proves a disappointing search brides can consider buying an antique pattern and let a seamstress create an authentic replica.

Yellowed antique lace and tulle veils can be cleaned professionally or at home. Put the item in a bathtub with an all color bleaching powder such as Tide. Add hot water and then air dry on a white towel.

Other vintage items like gloves, costume jewelry and shoes can complete the look.