Timeless Elegance: Vintage Wedding Attire & Accessories
We are in an age where sustainability is at the forefront of many decisions, and the wedding industry is no different in this aspect. Yes, the wedding industry itself is seeing the shift to more eco-friendly choices. If you’re someone who loves vintage clothing, you’ll be happy to know choosing a vintage wedding or bridesmaid dress is a powerful way to support sustainability while wearing a piece of history and unique or even a one-of-a-kind dress.
Finding the Perfect Vintage Wedding Dress
Finding the perfect vintage wedding dress for you or someone you love can be tricky – how many of us are regularly searching for vintage wedding dresses, after all? However, some of the tried-and-true recommendations for vintage shopping also hold true for vintage wedding dress shopping.
First, you must try and narrow your search by style and era. Sometimes when we think about vintage wedding dresses, we think of the not so flattering time of the 80s with huge shoulders and frilly over the top details. Don’t get me wrong, there were some amazing dresses, but the 80s have a bad rep. I’m thinking more about the early 1900s cotton and lace Edwardian lawn dress, or a glamorous and dramatic gown from the 1930s, perhaps? An elegant 1950s mid length cupcake dress, mod 60s, or perhaps a boho 1970s bridesmaid dress? There is a vintage style for every taste and budget.
Once you have done your research, how can you find these special pieces? The best way is to start locally first. There are many vintage clothing shops in the PNW that carry beautiful vintage dresses that would be perfect for a bride or bridesmaid.
After your local search, you can start looking on online platforms. I would suggest having your measurements on hand so you can be more precise in your search and leave time in case you need alterations. And don’t forget – wearing a vintage dress also fulfills the “something old” tradition! Most importantly, have fun with your vintage search and enjoy the experience.
Shopping for Vintage Wedding Accessories
A dress is not the only thing you can buy vintage. There are many amazing and intricate veils, headpieces, vintage jewelry, and even wedding rings. Vintage and antique jewelry are almost impossible to replicate, crafted by skilled artisans with a meticulous attention to detail. My husband bought my 1920’s white gold filigree wedding ring from Pounder’s Jewelry, where they have a beautiful selection of estate jewelry.
Many vintage stores in Spokane have an extensive selection of vintage jewelry from art deco to a stunning pair of pearls. You could even find a vintage necklace with blue sapphires for your “something blue.” Plus, this is a beautiful way to celebrate a cherished family heirloom. Imagine passing down your vintage jewelry to future generations; your child, grandchild or maybe a niece might wear it one day, creating a beautiful lineage of love, memories and connect generations.
Remember, a vintage wedding dress isn’t just a garment; it’s a bridge between the past and the present, a testament to enduring love, and a beautiful way to honor those who came before you. So, embrace the borrowed gown, walk down the aisle, and create your own chapter in its storied history.
Fay Ripley
Hi everyone my name is Fay and I own Red Leaf Vintage. I have been buying and selling vintage clothing for seven years and have three locations in Spokane and Coeur d’ Alene where I sell. I love vintage clothing and learning about sustainable fashion, so I hope you will join my journey in learning new things and getting excited about vintage fashion!
