Before I got engaged (honestly, before I even met my partner), I knew one thing for sure: I would be wearing vintage on my wedding day. For me, it s purely a stylistic choice—I ve been wearing vintage since I was 15 and prefer the aesthetics of the 1940s to 1970s over modern silhouettes. But vintage wedding dresses are also one of 2025 s biggest bridal trends.
“When I first started Cha Cha Linda, my clientele was predominantly people who would define themselves as vintage shoppers,” says Brooklyn-based vintage boutique owner Eva Maria Lopez. “That has totally changed. Now, the vast majority of people who book an appointment share with me that they have never worn vintage before. Their wedding trousseau is their first foray into vintage because they find themselves exhausted by the deluge of the same white mini dress or bias cut gown coming out of every modern salon and department store, and I don’t blame them.”
Monet Brewerton-Palmer, owner of the Atlanta-based vintage bridal boutique Vionnette, agrees. “Brides have more options than ever, especially with the intrusion of fast fashion into the bridal sphere,” she says. “But my brides are saying that they feel like everything kind of looks the same. And they know that the quality of all clothing, including wedding dresses, has been plummeting for a while…a trend that has, of course, accelerated in the past five to 10 years. I think it’s only natural for brides to seek out something unique and special for such an important time in their lives, and wearing a vintage dress gives them the opportunity to do that.”
Whether you re just starting your wedding dress shopping journey or are zeroing in on the one, vintage can be an incredible option—especially if you want something that feels one-of-one (because it literally will be). Read on for advice on how to find your perfect vintage wedding dress—including tips from the very vintage sourcer who helped me say yes to the dress.
Sizing is a challenge
Real talk: Vintage clothing, whether it s everyday wear, special occasion, or bridal, has a sizing problem. Before you book an appointment with a vintage dealer, go to a tailor and get your measurements taken (waist, bust, and hips are key, but knowing everything from clavicle to knee is even better depending on what style dress you want)—and share these measurements and ask if the shop has pieces in your size.
“The thrill of finding a ‘one of a kind’ piece comes at a ‘one of a size’ reality,” says Lopez. “Vintage sizing is different from modern and was not ever standardized throughout the years. I recommend not even searching for a size tag. Even if by chance the listed XL size tag is comparable to a modern XL, you don’t know if the prior owner has altered that piece to accommodate their unique body type.”
But not all hope is lost… with the help of an incredible tailor
“With a modern wedding dress, you can order it in your size or to your custom measurements, but vintage is a little more challenging because the piece is one-of-one,” says Miranda Park, owner of the Cleveland, Ohio-based Miranda s Vintage Bridal. “But sizing challenges can be overcome with the right seamstress. We specialize in custom alterations and can size vintage dresses up or down. I have turned size two vintage dresses to a plus size—there just must be fabric that can be taken from the hem, train or sleeves to be able to add fabric panels into the side seams to make it look seamless.” If you re seriously considering a piece, ask the shop if they work with a specific tailor on customizations or dress alterations—most shop owners have a go-to seamstress that s familiar with vintage garments.
Consider the mood board a starting place
“I have lost count of how many brides have reached out to us with a picture they saw of a specific dress on the runway in 2003, or a particular dress they saw on Pinterest that another person wore,” says Brewerton-Palmer. “The odds of finding that exact dress are essentially zero—it could be in the designer’s archive, a museum, or any number of other places. Don’t break your own heart by focusing too much on a particular gown! If that dress resonates with you, try to figure out why, and then expand your search to include other gowns with the features you love.” Lopez echoes this sentiment. “Instead of setting your sights on that one Balenciaga Couture gown on model 125 from their summer 1965 couture show, try considering what that piece represents to you,” she says. “Is it about the color, the fit, the emotion it stirs up? Use those fundamentals to help guide you towards a piece that embodies the fit and feeling you want to embrace as you walk down the aisle.”
Stay open-minded
Because many of today’s brides may not be familiar with the types of fabrics and embellishments they will see at vintage bridal appointments, it’s even more important to keep an open mind when starting the hunt for a vintage dress than it is for contemporary dresses. “Some of my clients will come in and say something like, ‘I hate lace,’ when what they actually hate is the type of sequined, embroidered, botanical lace that has dominated bridal attire for years,” says Brewerton-Palmer. “When they see a Vera Wang made of a lovely, traditional French lace, they can feel resistant to trying it because they ‘hate lace’–even though they actually love the dress! Couture vintage is truly worlds away from contemporary bridalwear, and you’re most likely to end up with something you love if you approach your hunt with openness and a desire to learn.”
Also, keep in mind that hanger appeal is very real. “Dresses always come to life on the body rather than the hanger,” says Park. “It’s great to try a variety of styles from different eras to find out what best suits your body type and overall vision for your wedding day.”
Ask (a lot) of questions
When it came to buying my own wedding dress, it started with love at first sight (i.e. when I saw it posted on Instagram) then I followed up with an inquisition. Not only did I ask the basics like size and condition, but I asked about dating, to see images of interior construction, and how much wiggle room there seemed to be inside the dress. Only then did I officially say “yes.”
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions in regard to fit, condition, or wearability,” advises Park. “Be sure to confirm the return policy as most online vintage wedding dress sales are final sale.”
