How to Buy a Vintage Wedding Dress

[pic: real bride Yolande Le Grange wearing a dress by the Vintage Wedding Dress Company]

Choosing an Era

"Unless you already have a clear idea of what era or style suits you, try on a selection of different dresses. This will give you a better idea of shape and the look you want to create," says Charlie Brear from the Vintage Wedding Dress Company. "For example, if you want a sleek and glamorous look, you may want to go for a 30s or 40s style, or for a more relaxed, intimate wedding, short 50s styles are increasingly popular."

> Wedding Dresses to Suit Your Body Shape
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Advantages

"The key advantage is no one else will have your wedding dress as they are unique one-off pieces. Another huge bonus is, as it has already been made, you can potentially wear your gown as soon as you've bought it," says Brear. (Remember that complex alterations can take around three months.)

Another advantage is that vintage dresses are often made from exquisite, natural fabrics, such as raw silk, or retro materials, such as rayon. If you were to buy a new dress made from fabric of equivalent quality, you'll probably pay much more for the final product.

> How to Shop Vintage
> The UK's Best Vintage Shops

You can find vintage dresses in many places, from charity shops to online auction sites, such as eBay, to specialised services. "Our dresses range from around £950 up to £4000 for very rare, collectable dresses, such as those that are heavily beaded, embellished or delicate," says Brear.

Extending the Theme

Accessories, hair and make-up will all help carry your theme through your outfit. Although Brear advises against 'over-crowding' the style too much. After all, you want all the attention on your much-loved gown. "For the evening, try adding a subtle splash of colour or sparkle with a vintage brooch or diamanté cuff.

"It's easy to match your flowers to your outfit, without overdoing the theme. For example, wild flowers often complement Edwardian styles, with garlands for your hair and silk sashes decorated with vintage silk blooms, are popular choices."

Alicia Barker from the Vintage Flower House suggests using structural flowers, such as calla lilies, with the sleek gowns of the 20s and 30. "Red and pale pink roses became popular as wedding flowers in the 40s and the slightly structural dresses of the 50s look fabulous with romantic flowers such as ranunculus and lily of the valley," she says. "Wild flowers, irises, daises and roses, such as Old Dutch, Amnesia and Metallina, all have an antique feel. The petals of lisianthus look exactly like layers of chiffon and will suit a vintage dress."

> How to Make Your Own Wedding Bouquet
> How to Theme a Wedding
> Wedding Hairstyles

Problems to Watch Out For

If you are shopping for your own dress, be aware of what can and can't be altered. Embellished fabrics are more expensive to alter than plain fabrics, as the beads or crystals often have to be removed before the changes can be made. "Vintage material often has flaws, such as small tears or stains, and it's hard to tell what can be corrected without seeing the problem," warns Brear. "Although, remember, that some flaws add character to a vintage dress." The history is part of the appeal.

Be careful that you don't end up with an expensive knock-off. Look hard at the fabric and lining – do they look vintage? Also, check the labels – are they original (double check that old labels haven't simply been sewn into a new gown)? A reputable retailer or true collector of vintage dresses will be passionate about their goods and will be happy to answer your questions.

Plus Sizes

Vintage dresses often come up smaller because our body shapes have changed over the last 50 years. Plus, women commonly wore corsets to make their waists smaller up until around the 1960s. If you are struggling to find a size to fit you, speak to a dressmaker about copying a style. They may be able to source vintage fabric so your dress feels more authentic.

> Plus Size Clothing

Modern Sizing

Modern sizes do vary from vintage methods so, to be on the safe side, you need to know how you measure up. Specialised shops will offer a full measuring service, which will make your life a lot easier, but they generally cost extra. Or you can pop into your local tailor or alterations service and ask them to help you.

Post-Wedding Care

Invest in a damp-proof and moth-proof dress bag to store your beloved gown. Get it dry-cleaned as soon as possible after your wedding day (the longer the stain is on your dress, the harder it is to remove).

> How to Remove Stains
> What Clothing Care Label Symbols Mean