Find The Perfect Vintage Wedding Dress

August 17, 2025

Opting for a vintage bridal gown allows you to create a bridal look that is luxurious, ecofriendly, & truly one-of-a-kind. Don't be intimidated by the thought of buying a vintage bridal gown - often they are less expensive (and much more beautiful) than a "brand new" bridal gown.

Here are our tips for finding the vintage wedding dress of your dreams.

Step One:
Select Your Decade

Every era of bridal fashion carries its own charm, so the first step in your vintage bridal journey is finding a decade that resonates with your style and personality.

1920s: Think flapper-inspired silhouettes, beaded details, and dramatic headpieces. Perfect for brides who love a touch of Gatsby-era glamour.

1930s–1940s: Elegant bias cuts, satin finishes, and long sleeves create a sleek, romantic look for brides drawn to Old Hollywood sophistication.

1950s: For the bride who loves romance with a touch of whimsy, tea-length dresses, cinched waists, and full skirts evoke playful femininity.

1960s–1970s: Whether you love the mod aesthetic of a chic shift dress or the bohemian vibes of flowing lace gowns, these decades offer something fresh and bold.

Exploring which aesthetic feels most like “you” will help narrow your search among the many vintage bridal gowns for sale.

Step Two:
Inspect for Imperfections

When shopping for a vintage bridal gown, it’s important to check the garment carefully for signs of age. Natural wear is part of a gown’s story, but knowing what to look for helps you avoid surprises.

Fabric Wear: Look for thinning fabric, especially around seams or underarms.

Stains or Discoloration: Age spots or yellowing may appear in delicate areas—though some can be treated by a professional cleaner.

Missing Beads or Lace Damage: Minor flaws are common, but often repairable.

Purchasing from a reputable vintage bridal store means you have less to worry about when it comes to the quality or condition of your wedding gown. And remember, many imperfections add to the authenticity of your gown and can be restored or disguised with expert care.

Step Three:
Work with a Skilled Seamstress

Even the most stunning vintage bridal gown may not fit you perfectly right away. That’s where a talented seamstress comes in.

Adjusting Fit: Vintage sizing doesn’t always match modern measurements, so alterations are almost always needed.

Reinforcing Fabric: A seamstress can stabilize delicate areas or replace old zippers and hooks.

Refreshing Details: From repairing lace to replacing missing beads, a seamstress can breathe new life into your gown while preserving its vintage soul.

With the right tailoring, your vintage bridal gown will look custom-made for you while retaining all its historic charm.

Step Four:
Add Vintage Accessories

A vintage bridal gown is only as beautiful as the accessories you pair with it. Incorporating vintage bridal accessories ties your whole look together in a way that feels authentic and magical.

Vintage Veils: Cathedral-length lace veils from the 1930s or an oversized vintage bridal bow from the 1960s adds instant vintage charm.

Jewelry: A simple pearl bracelet, art deco earrings, or heirloom brooches add sparkle without overpowering your gown.

Vintage Bridal Hairpieces: Whether it’s a trendy crochet cap with Edwardian roots or an intricate golden hairpiece from the 1970s, vintage bridal hair accessories transform your look into a complete story.

By curating your ensemble, you’re not just wearing a dress—you’re creating a timeless bridal look that your guests will never forget.

Shop Our Collection of Antique Bridal Accessories Now

⸻

Where To Buy A Vintage Bridal Gown

We are huge fans of the following Vintage Bridal Stores:

Transplant Vintage

Transplant Vintage is one of our personal favorites. With both an LA Showroom and a fabulous online store, they're the perfect place to source a dreamy vintage designer bridal gown. (All the photos in this blog post were taken from the Transplant Vintage instagram, so if you saw anything you liked here, definitely check them out!!)