Expert Tips to Update Vintage inspired Wedding Dresses

While there is an annual list of the most fashionable and trendy bridal gowns, it seems that vintage inspired wedding dresses will always be a popular choice - regardless whether they are considered 'in' or not by the big names in the fashion industry. After all, choosing what kind of gown to wear is the bride's privilege.

However, not all vintage dresses will be ready to wear without some extensive alterations. In fact, this is one of the biggest factors to consider when you opt for a vintage dress, and it usually doesn't just mean adjusting the hemline. For those who want to have a little fun, there are still ways to update it or add your own personal touch or modern twist. Here are some expert tips.

Find the Right Seamstress or Tailor

The most important part of getting vintage inspired wedding dresses just right is finding the right seamstress or tailor. Not all tailors know how to work with a delicate aged gown, or even fashion an authentic-looking one from brand new fabric. It is important to be able to communicate properly with your seamstress so that the construction or the alteration of the dress can be executed properly.

Don't Overdo the Embellishments

One of the most common mistakes when brides want to update vintage inspired wedding dresses is to overdo it with embellishments. Adding more details or more layers of fabric is not always recommended. This is also another reason why getting a seamstress you can trust is a crucial part of the process. Your seamstress or designer will also be able to advise you whether your ideas are realistic and whether they will indeed improve the look of the gown.

Plan Early

With all things considered, it is only logical to plan early when it comes to having authentic or vintage inspired wedding dresses altered. There really isn’t an average timeline when it comes to these things, because how long or how short it takes for a gown to be altered depends on factors that are specific to each bride. However, given this fact, it’s safe to suggest to get started as early as a year before the event. This will give you enough time to anticipate all the possible alterations and changes in measurements, including the last minute adjustments, and still leave enough time for emergencies. The bottom line is that when it comes to bridal gowns, whether it's to be constructed from scratch or altered from an original, the key is knowing what to do and having enough time to do it.

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

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.