How to Get the Perfect Dress for a Vintage Inspired Wedding

Planning a vintage themed wedding can be both exciting and frustrating. Some aspects will be easier to accomplish, such as invitations and favours. Others will take more effort in getting them right, such as the bridal gown itself - after all, in many ways, it’s what ties everything into one cohesive theme. It doesn’t matter if you go for an unaltered vintage dress or tailor-made replica, bespoke wedding dresses need attention to detail and careful handling. This is why looking for that perfect dress can be a drawn-out process. Fortunately, there are certain tactics you can engage to make the search more fruitful - and quicker.

Vintage Shops Mark the Spot

Looking for a vintage dress can be so much more difficult than finding a modern-day one, especially if you are aiming for a particular style from a specific decade. Naturally, going to specialised shops is the logical first step – but it pays to manage your expectations. Chances of finding the perfect gown that requires little or no alterations are rather slim. And most pre-loved dresses tend to use delicate fabrics that have endured the rigours of time. That being said, having a dress altered to fit you can also be tricky, and many brides-to-be find themselves frustrated with this.

While bespoke wedding dresses are now the norm, when it comes to customizing a pre-loved dress from another era, it’s more complicated. But you don’t have to let go of that gorgeous gown you've found or change your theme completely. The secret lies in investing the time in finding an exceptional seamstress or tailor. Another is choosing a dress that’s a couple of sizes bigger than you need. With these two factors in place, you are allowing more room for possibilities and paving the way forward to that elegant gown that will fit you perfectly.

Give Hand-me-downs an Upcyle

Wearing a bridal gown that has been handed down from generation to generation in your family can be a double-edged sword. On the upside, you are honouring your family and continuing the tradition - that in itself will make your day extra special. On the downside, it strips out the unique factor of having a gown that’s exclusively made for you. Fortunately, there’s a solution. Upcycling allows you to have a one-of-a-kind dress. It doesn’t even have to be a major alteration if you want to preserve the original design of the dress; just adding another element—a lace cover-up, sequined tulle bolero or a brooch—can immediately freshen its look. Bespoke wedding dresses, regardless of how minor or major the modifications, will make your special day truly unique.

Take a Chance on New Old Dresses

The truth is, deciding on a vintage theme doesn’t automatically mean you must find an authentic gown. Finding a talented seamstress or tailor and having a clear vision of how you want your dress to look makes it easy for you to get what you want. Consider having a replica gown created to save time and maximize your creative input. There are many talented designers that specialize in bespoke wedding dresses, so the process of transforming your ideas into reality are within your grasp – and your budget.

Looking for couture wedding gowns? Tatiana Porembova is one of the leading designers of bespoke wedding dresses in London and her work spans a range of styles and influences. Based in Richmond, she creates beautiful bespoke bridal gowns and bridesmaids outfits to provide the perfect garments for the perfect day.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.