In this post I would like to share some tips about finding the right vintage wedding dress. There are three things that every bride considers to be the most important on her wedding day: the dress, the dress, and the dress. The modern bride doesn’t need to spend a fortune on something off the rack however; spending less on a vintage wedding dress can provide an amazing experience and provide a style and class that the guests (and groom) won’t soon forget. Here are some tips for the smart shopper to find the perfect dress for her perfect day.
Set a spending limit first. This is one of the benefits of buying a vintage wedding dress. This allows you to find a spectacular gown without spending a spectacular amount of money. Also, this prevents you from falling in love with something you can’t have.
Shop slowly and carefully. Shopping for vintage wedding dresses requires more care and consideration than buying new. Make sure you check for stains and dresses that need any repairs. The longer a stain has been on a dress, the more difficult it will be to remove it (it may even be impossible if the stain has been there for 20 years or more). Holes, rips, and tears may not be easily fixed either. The older the fabric, the harder to mend it may be. If you fall in love with a fixer-upper, you may have to prepare for a long and expensive repair process.
You’d better shop around. Like the song says, search for the dress of your dreams in every place you can think of. The internet, eBay and VintageWedding.com for example, are great sites to look at to get some ideas for what you want and what it might look like. Goodwill and the Salvation Army will often carry a lovely vintage wedding dress or two. Estate and even garage sales may turn up a great wedding dress as well. Vintage wedding dresses that you might find at these sales may be better cared for than ones found in a consignment shop and if you can bargain, you could very well find the perfect dress at the perfect price.
Perhaps buy or make a reproduction. If you know you want a vintage look for your wedding, keep in mind that a lot of new dresses have roots in the 40’s and 50’s. Visit your local bridal shop, and tell them you’re looking for something retro. Some stores may even specialize in reproductions so be specific on what you want. If you want to sew or want to give a pattern to a seamstress, you can even shop for vintage and reproduction patterns.
October 21st, 2009 at 6:22 am
I need to get rid of my 1970 wedding dress.
November 28th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
My boyfriend proposed to me and we’re hoping to get married. I am hoping for a later fall wedding but we haven’t done much preparation. I’m wondering any ideas about when is the good time to purchase the wedding dress?