The Best Online and In-Store Shops for Vintage Wedding Dresses (2024)

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    The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Dress Shopping

    The Best Online and In-Store Shops for Vintage Wedding Dresses (1)

    Part of

    A list of retailers that offer one-of-a-kind and cost-effective bridal gowns.

    By

    Blair Donovan

    The Best Online and In-Store Shops for Vintage Wedding Dresses (2)

    Blair Donovan

    Blair Donovan was a digital producer and SEO writer at Brides from 2017 to 2019. She is currently the shopping editor of style at Apartment Therapy Media.

    Brides's Editorial Guidelines

    Updated on 03/28/23 09:10AM

    The Best Online and In-Store Shops for Vintage Wedding Dresses (3)

    With the vast number of wedding gowns on the market, it may seem impossible to find one that perfectly matches your personal style. If that's the case and all hope seems lost each time you go dress hunting, consider trying on a few vintage options to expand your search. Even if shopping vintage has never crossed your busy bridal mind, you truly can't go wrong with a timeless, one-of-a-kind style that doesn't involve delving too deeply into your budget. Plus, you never have to worry about another bride wearing the same look as you.

    Ahead, and in no particular order, we've rounded up the best retailers and stores (both brick-and-mortar and online) to shop when on the hunt for a vintage wedding dress. Consider these options to find a unique and cost-effective bridal frock you'll be sure to love long after the big day.

    01of 10

    Happy Isles

    This L.A.-based shop features a vast collection of vintage designer gowns—with picks dating from the 1950s to the 1990s—from the likes of Valentino and Oscar de la Renta. Happy Isles also carries wedding dresses from contemporary brands Lilly Ashwell and Magnetic Midnight.

    02of 10

    Meringue Vintage

    With a tagline stating "curated vintage for the modern bride," this bridal boutique in Chicago is the Mecca of vintage wedding gowns. Costume designer Kristine Engel handpicks the shop's distinctive inventory, so you're guaranteed a chic, out-of-this-century look. Book an appointment today to get the full dress shopping experience, and leave with a unique vintage dress, veil, and even shoes from the '20s to the '80s.

    03of 10

    Etsy

    This online craft haven is your one-stop-shop for all things weddings, from invitations to cake toppers to—you guessed it—even vintage wedding dresses. Since Etsy has everything a bride (or human, for that matter) could ever need, there's an entire section dedicated exclusively to vintage gowns for sale. From bohemian-infused '70s dresses to 1930s gowns reminiscent of the Art Deco era, you can find exactly what you're looking for at any price point.

    04of 10

    Mill Crest Vintage

    This vintage boutique offers a wide variety of age-old, secondhand selections categorized by decade. Take your pick of gorgeous gowns from the 1920s to the 1980s, or even one from the Edwardian era. Prices range from $123 to $385, so you definitely won't have to break the bank to get the dress of your dreams. And while currently only based online, Mill Crest Vintage is in the process of opening a Connecticut location.

    05of 10

    Decades

    Another L.A.-based gem, Decades was founded by style guru Cameron Silver in 1997 and sells a wide range of vintage white gowns for any bridal celebration. What's more, if looking to take the non-traditional route, they also have a selection of colorful ensembles that are worthy to be worn down the aisle. Your bridesmaids can even browse the site's extensive vintage gown collection for looks they're bound to actually wear post-wedding. Though prices are on the higher end, you can take your pick from distinct designers like Ralph Lauren, Christian Dior, and Alexander McQueen.

    06of 10

    Preowned Wedding Dresses

    Even though their vintage wedding dress page only has a few listings, this resell platform offers plenty of unique and antique pre-worn styles, sold by the brides themselves. Given that the site doesn't charge a commission, prices can vary from $100 to $2,000, depending on the dress seller, but each listing shows the original retail price so that you can see exactly how much you're saving.

    The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Dress Shopping

    07of 10

    Adored Vintage

    Adored Vintage sets forth to provide looks that are "vintage + modern for the feminine romantic spirit," which is evident in their wide collection of bohemian antique frocks. Although this vintage shopping maven doesn't cater to brides specifically, it's still worth taking a peek at their colorful picks from 1910 to the '90s, especially if you're leaning away from the traditional white dress.

    08of 10

    Shareen Bridal

    What originally began as vintage boutiques in L.A. and New York, has now evolved into a full-fledged bridal shop that produces custom gowns infused with new and old components. With a keen eye for vintage fashion, Shareen Mitchell herself designs modern wedding gowns infused with repurposed pieces of vintage clothing, none of which exceed $2,000. The label also offers a selection of non-traditional, antique bridal finds in-store.

    09of 10

    Madly Vintage

    Founded by Maddy Anderson, Madly Vintage is a Venice, CA-based fashion and bridalwear destination for vintage lovers around the world. The brand's ethos is based on "good vibes", and each piece is curated to highlight Anderson's playful style mixed with "romantic nostalgia," as noted on her website.

    10of 10

    June's Uniquely Yours

    Located in Cape May, New Jersey, June's Uniquely Yours specializes in romantic styles from the Victorian and Edwardian eras. The family-owned boutique also carries plenty of shoes, jewelry, and more, so you can snag your wedding dress and accessories in one successful shopping trip.

    The Best Online and In-Store Shops for Vintage Wedding Dresses (2024)

    FAQs

    The Best Online and In-Store Shops for Vintage Wedding Dresses? ›

    Typically, a vintage wedding dress is at least 20 years old, dating back to a specific era, such as the 1920s, 1950s, or 1970s. These dresses often possess unique characteristics that set them apart from modern bridal gowns. The appeal of a vintage wedding dress lies in its authenticity and timeless elegance.

    What is considered a vintage wedding gown? ›

    Typically, a vintage wedding dress is at least 20 years old, dating back to a specific era, such as the 1920s, 1950s, or 1970s. These dresses often possess unique characteristics that set them apart from modern bridal gowns. The appeal of a vintage wedding dress lies in its authenticity and timeless elegance.

    How to make a wedding dress look vintage? ›

    Vintage wedding dresses often featured intricate lacework and delicate embroidery. Look for dresses with lace sleeves, overlays, or appliqués to add a touch of vintage charm. Consider incorporating lace patterns inspired by the Victorian era, Art Nouveau, or the Edwardian period.

    Is it OK to order a wedding dress online? ›

    You have to be very careful when shopping bridal online. There are issues with counterfeit dresses. Some stores feature designer pictures, but the dress you receive in the mail is nothing like the picture, and certainly not designer.

    What is the difference between vintage and retro dress? ›

    Where vintage clothing is original and dates from the time period, retro clothing has been made in the style of a previous era and mimics an older style. It doesn't pretend to be original and will often be labelled 'vintage inspired'.

    How old does a dress have to be to be vintage? ›

    A generally accepted industry standard is that items made between 20 and 100 years ago are considered "vintage" if they clearly reflect the styles and trends of the era they represent. These clothing items come with a sense of history attached to them, which is one of the reasons they are valued by vintage enthusiasts.

    Can you get the yellow out of a vintage wedding dress? ›

    Older stains may need more repetition or longer wait times than newer stains, but the gentle, oxygen-based bleach in OxiClean™ Versatile Stain Remover will lift and lighten even vintage stains. In a bowl or measuring cup, mix water and OxiClean™ Versatile Stain Remover following the directions on the package.

    How much does it cost to redo an old wedding dress? ›

    On average, typical wedding dress alterations cost between $150 and $600. If you're customizing your gown or modernizing your mother's dress, it may be up to $1,000. Some bridal boutiques may charge you a flat fee, while other seamstresses may charge you for individual alteration services.

    How do you soak a vintage wedding dress? ›

    How do you clean vintage or old bridal gowns without ruining them? Pour a bath of lukewarm water and stir in some soapy detergent, like a gentle Ivory powder or Woolite. Add about three scoops of Oxi-clean if it appropriate for the type of fabric that your dress is made with.

    Who is supposed to buy your wedding dress? ›

    Try to cap your wedding dress shopping crew to three close, supportive friends or relatives whose opinions you value most.

    Are wedding dresses cheaper online? ›

    Here's what you need to know. Because of frequent online promotions, shopping online for your wedding attire can often save you money! Not only is it cost-effective and convenient, but you're able to shop a much larger selection of designer wedding dresses and attire from the comfort of your couch.

    How many people should you take wedding dress shopping with you? ›

    While this may sound great in theory, it's difficult to make happen and can potentially add stress to your decision making process. We recommend limiting your gown shopping entourage to about three people at most. This will help make your experience the best it can be with the very most important people by your side.

    How do I know if my dress is vintage? ›

    Best Ways To Recognize Vintage Clothing Labels
    1. Check the copyright year. ...
    2. Keep an eye out for union labels. ...
    3. Check for labels that read “one size fits all” ...
    4. Pay attention to half sizes. ...
    5. Search for style or lot numbers. ...
    6. Look for a “woolmark” ...
    7. Look for large price tags. ...
    8. Notice the material on the tags.
    Aug 3, 2023

    What is a vintage style wedding? ›

    A vintage wedding offers bridal couples a wedding celebration that remembers of past decades. The decades of a vintage wedding run from 1920 to 1970. Thus, the motto "vintage wedding" is a theme for every bride and groom and allows an extraordinary and unique wedding that leaves plenty of room for interpretation.

    What did wedding dresses look like in the 1950? ›

    What did brides wear in the 1950s? 50s bridal gowns, like other 50s gowns, were heavily influenced by Dior's New look and often sported a full skirt, a-line skirt, or ballgown silhouette, always with an emphasized waist. The dress length varied between full length, tea-length, or ballerina length.

    What makes a wedding gown timeless? ›

    Selecting a wedding dress with a classic silhouette is another essential aspect to consider. Streamlined sheaths and columns or romantic A-lines and ball gowns are classic and have proven their enduring appeal. An important aspect of choosing your dress is how it drapes over your body.

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