Vintage Wedding Gowns: Something Old or Something New?

 With all the talk about vintage, newly engaged brides have learned that vintage wedding gowns have become just as and/or more expensive than some of the newer designer style wedding gowns. Second hand stores and small boutiques have become a great source to hunt down these vintage gems at surprisingly lower prices that will fit any budget. These one of a kind finds add a special flair and speaks volumes about your fashion sense for your very special day. So one should ask, are these vintage jewels something old, or something new?

Fashion trends have changed tremendously over time; however personal style and expression are the unique factors that set each individual apart. As you search for the perfect wedding gown, the first question you should ask is what is the theme or mood that I am trying to set? Is it fairy tale, mod, punk, etc.?  Andretta Donatello, Alfred Angelo, and Bellville Sassoon, are just a few bridal gown designers that have not only designed wedding gowns for the rich & famous but their outstanding and elegantly laid fashion blueprints have paved the way for modern fashion movements. The best thing is you don’t have to keep up with the latest fashion trends; all you have to do is be you. Is that not  the best part? Remember you only have one wedding day.

Once you have selected a theme and or time period, examine which silhouette fits your frame and accentuates the contours of your figure.  Keep in mind you don’t have to show skin to be sexy, all you have to do is be comfortable being you. Now here comes the fun part, your vintage wedding gown is a part of fashion history. Whatever era your theme falls in you get to select a character. Whether it is flapper style from the 1920’s, and you are sultry Blues singer Bessie Smith or the royal, sophisticated style of Grace Kelly of the 1950’s.

Vintage Alfred Angelo Wedding Gown

So you have found a vintage wedding gown and the size is not quite right. No big problem, find a trustworthy seamstress and you can put your own personal style into the gown by have it altered or customized.  The most important thing is examining the fabric to make sure that it withstands being cleaned. If you are not sure take the gown to your local dry cleaners to find out before you invest extra time and or money to have it revised. Most vintage finds have aged and the fabric may have begun to yellow depending on the conditions of storage.  No worries. The gown can be dyed to the shade of your liking. Whether it is a pure white or your favorite color, this can be done without destroying the fabric.

Now you have your vintage wedding gown and you have made all the necessary alterations to give it the perfect fit. Your special touch has been added by transforming the dress to your own unique taste. The big day has finally come. Whatever era or theme you decide to go with, relax, enjoy and become a beautiful bride.  The most fantastic part is that your vintage wedding gown is something old and something new.

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Classic Wedding dress Cuts by Decade Martha Stuart

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