While you could go to a wedding boutique and try on modern dresses, there is something fun and exciting about wearing a vintage dress. Some of the questions that arise are ‘Who wore this before?’ and ‘What kind of wedding did they have?’
It is easy to imagine a feminine beauty in her 1940s gown, bouquet in hand and her Prince Charming waiting for her.
If you are looking to get married to your own Prince Charming soon, then you will want to wow them and your guests with the most beautiful vintage wedding gown.
Fortunately for you, we have 22 perfect vintage wedding dresses you’ll love right here. So, whether you find the perfect dress or become inspired, let’s take a step back in time.
What better place to start than in the 1980s. With puffed sleeves and over the top embellishments on the front of the dress, what more could you ask for from this decade?
It includes pearl buttons, lots (and lots) of sequins, silk rosettes and delightful beadwork. And the best part is that it has a fitted bodice with a slight flare to the skirt.
This means the puffed sleeves are the statement piece of this wedding dress.
If you are looking for something very different for your wedding day, then this 1970s French boho style wedding dress is exactly what you need.
It has a number of different materials such as crepe and velvet, along with crocheted areas too. It has a hidden side zip to get in and out of it easily.
A wedding dress doesn’t need to be white in color. This gorgeous 1940s wedding dress has rhinestones on the bodice area that stands out from the intricate lace detail.
It is a straight cut dress so will not hug the body, and you will need to buy a slip dress or another dress to wear underneath, as it is very see-through as-is.
Even so, it is absolutely wonderful, and includes a replacement modern zip.
Short wedding dresses are all the rage at the moment, and this 1990s Scott McClintock has just that. It reaches to the mid-thigh area and has a tight bodycon style fit.
The overall pattern is beautiful, and the neckline with its applique pattern is beautifully finished. This dress also comes with a jacket so you can keep those arms warm at the reception.
This beautiful 1990s wedding dress has a wonderful off the shoulder design and fitted bodice. The lace detail is exquisite, with a lot going on on both the back and front.
It has a free-flowing skirt at the bottom too which gives the dress some movement. Also, this dress reaches the shins so will show off those shoes too.
For those who want an elegant dress that was made for a vintage loving princess, then this is the one. It features a boned bodice along with a big, full skirt.
It has so much length to it and style, which is typical of the 1940s. The champagne color gives it a unique flare.
The buckle broach at the top of the dress is said to be from the 1880s and was in fact a shoe buckle.
This beautiful 1930s wedding dress doesn’t need a lot of embellishments to give it the wow factor. It has gathered sleeves at the shoulder, as well as a lace panel on the bodice area.
This traditional 1940s Mexican wedding dress is such a great find. It includes scalloped lace with a nipped in waist for a beautifully feminine silhouette.
It also includes three quarter length sleeves with flowing ends for a pretty finish.
While we are used to puffy sleeves, this 1980s dress takes on the fishtail trend. Made of satin, it has spaghetti strap sleeves and a wonderful lace detail.
If you want to go really vintage, why not check out this 1800s era wedding dress. While delicate looking, as well as being considered an antique, it would make a memorable dress for the big day.
This floor length 1960s wedding dress is understated, yet has wonderful detail on the upper half. It has a zipper fastening on the back, along with beading detail.
It would also suit a party or other event, so you can wear it often!
This beautiful and delicate looking 1940s wedding dress truly is a rare find. It features a button up detail at the front and a big, long, flowing skirt.
The dress is completely lined. The only area that isn’t is the sleeves and upper chest area. While it does have the dd microtear – it is well over 50 years old – they aren’t noticeable.
For those who are looking for lots of glam and bling at their wedding in a pre-2000s style, then this dress is it.
It has an over the top beaded bodice that suits this decade down to a T. It also has light boning so will not restrict the body too much, and a small train which shouldn’t get in your way.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are plenty of gorgeous vintage wedding dresses that span all the way back to the 1800s. While you might not wear such a delicate piece, who knows, you might just be inspired by the overall design?
Vintage wedding dresses are all the rage right now, and the fashion statement is looking to stay. However, a classic wedding dress also makes a statement.
There is something ethical about rewearing something, rather than buying it new to be worn only once – and then what?
Even if the latter is not the reason you are buying a vintage wedding dress, wearing one has its own magic.
Have you ever thought that you were born in the wrong generation? That you would have suited the 80s better? The 70s, 50s, or even the 30s?
Then welcome to my website, where you’ll fit right in. Hi, my name is Willa Price and I am a self-confessed fashion lover.
I specialize in vintage fashion at a designer label, and it is my dream job. I spend my days reinventing old pieces and reworking them into modern fashion trends.
Please, enjoy my website as you take a step back in time to relive the fashion evolution that we are still moving through now.
