Vintage Wedding Dresses - Etsy
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    Learn More About Vintage Wedding Dresses

    Absolutely! On Etsy, home of countless vintage wedding dress shops, a vintage wedding dress is any style that’s 20 years old or older. These stunning gowns can come from a variety of distinctive design eras throughout history. Beloved by a bride much like yourself, a vintage wedding gown is a wonderfully unique way to incorporate something old into your something blue tokens. Vintage wedding dresses feature a marvelous array of materials and styles that will give your special day a totally unique touch.

    Absolutely! On Etsy, home of countless vintage wedding dress shops, a vintage wedding dress is any style that’s 20 years old or older. These stunning gowns can come from a variety of distinctive design eras throughout history. Beloved by a bride much like yourself, a vintage wedding gown is a wonderfully unique way to incorporate something old into your something blue tokens. Vintage wedding dresses feature a marvelous array of materials and styles that will give your special day a totally unique touch.

    The material of your new-to-you vintage wedding dress often depends on the decade or time in which it was made. A chic vintage boho wedding dress from the 1960s might feature crochet-style lace detailing or multiple layers of flowy taffeta, crepe, or chiffon. Dresses from the 1950s were typically made of silk or satin to add a nice, subtle sheen to the gown.


    Satin is heavier and smoother than pure silk, so it gives dresses more structure which helped to make it a popular choice in many eras. Wear a vintage silk wedding dress to give your special day a romantic and sophisticated throwback vibe. Embroidered details on the skirt, sleeves, or bodice were also common enhancements found on wedding dresses during past decades.


    Brocade fabric is enhanced with a raised pattern known as jacquard, and this material was a common sight during 1940s weddings. The thickness of the brocade gives dresses a more defined shape, and it works well for winter weddings because of the heavier weight.


    Vintage lace wedding dresses can be found from many decades ranging from the Victorian era and the 1920s all the way to the 1980s. Lace is commonly overlaid with a slip dress underneath or as a feature on the sleeves and neckline or bodice. Most wedding dress materials aren’t made to stretch, so it’s important to find one in the right size or one that you can have tailored for a gorgeous custom fit.

    Passionate vintage sellers on Etsy curate fabulous selections of vintage wedding dresses in all kinds of styles, and discovering your dream dress is simple using specific search filters. You can apply filters based on the color, silhouette, theme, and more to discover the perfect vintage gown. As you search for your ideal vintage wedding dress, here are a few shopping tips to help you find the dress you’re envisioning for your big day.


    Match your vintage wedding dress to the overall vibe of your day. If you’re aiming for a Victorian-inspired or shabby chic ceremony and reception, a vintage-style high-neck wedding dress adorned with lace detail is a great choice. Short vintage wedding dresses made of silk or taffeta will add gobs of charm to a 1950s or 1960s-inspired moment. Long and flowy ball gown-style wedding dresses will instantly turn you into a princess. A vintage-style tea-length wedding dress is iconic if you love a demure 1950s look.


    If you’re not sure which style is right for you, think about a few modern dress designs you love and search with those terms. Try to incorporate some of those style elements into your unique vintage wedding dress so it’s “something old” while also giving you the aesthetic that suits you best. Write your measurements down including your waist bust, and height, and keep them handy to help you find a dress that fits you beautifully.


    When you’re looking for a vintage wedding dress, make sure that you’re fully aware of the exact condition it’s in before you buy it. Keep in mind that it’s perfectly normal for vintage wedding dresses (and other vintage clothing for that matter) to have a few minor areas of discoloration or tiny snags. It’s a good idea to buy a dress one size larger so that you can alter it more easily to fit your body. Find a tailor or seamstress you trust who can make the alterations and small repairs you need so your vintage gown turns out to be a stunner on the big day.

    Once you’ve found the vintage wedding dress of your dreams, it’s time to look for some gorgeous wedding accessories to go with it. Here are some ideas to inspire your vintage bridal look:


    • Belts: You don’t necessarily need a belt if your vintage wedding dress is fitted at the waist, but a crystal or rhinestone-embellished belt defines the waist and adds extra sparkle to vintage gowns. These belts were a common sight during 1920s and 1950s weddings.
    • Hair jewelry: From crystal bobby pins to sparkling tiaras, wearing vintage wedding hair jewelry ties everything together. Choose hair jewelry that goes with the same era as the wedding theme and the timeframe when your dress was made.
    • Hats: You might not think to wear a hat during your wedding, but a small pillbox hat or cloche with a birdcage veil or netting that covers the face adds the 1940s and 1950s-style glamor to your look. This type of hat is a fabulous alternative to a traditional veil and definitely enhances a vintage ensemble.
    • Flowers: Aside from your bridal bouquet, a floral crown in your hair is the perfect piece to accessorize a boho-chic 1960s or 1970s-themed wedding. You can use fresh flowers or shop creative sellers on Etsy to find a custom-made floral piece to elevate your look.
    • Shoes: Choose shoes with a chunky heel and a strap around the ankle for a retro vibe or pick out a pair of classic t-strap pumps to help you tie your vintage wedding theme together. Shoes embellished with a bit of lace or shimmery pearls are perfect for vintage-inspired weddings, too.

    Every decade has its own unique style, so determine which era suits you and your wedding theme the best. Flapper-style dresses are gorgeous for a 1920s-style wedding, while a form-fitting silk column dress beautifully represents the 1930s.


    Details like puffed shoulders on dresses made of thick brocade fabric and wearing gloves were popular looks during the 1940s and again in the 1980s. A slender pencil dress or a tea-length gown with a pillbox hat looks stunning if you love the 1950s aesthetic. Hippie-inspired gowns are great for 1960s-style occasions, and a dress with an empire waistline is an iconic choice if you’re into the 1970s look.