The Brides Wore Vintage: The Best Archival and Vintage Dresses From the Vogue Weddings Archive
Something old, something new; something borrowed, something blue—so the saying goes. For some brides, the first of those auspicious points might mean securing a pair of antique pearl studs into your ears. But for the daring, it means a 1979 Azzaro gown with exaggerated semi-sheer sleeves—as was the case for Chloe Kernaghan.
For others, like Grace Morton, it means wearing a vintage pink Chanel haute couture skirt set from 1999 to your rehearsal dinner. A scroll back through our Vogue Weddings archives reveals a collection of brides wearing everything from precious couture to thrift store lace slips. The appeal? A bride not only gets to exhibit her fashion prowess with an archival IYKYK piece, but she can also almost guarantee that no other bride will be in her dress.
Though a vintage wedding dress comes with strings attached—there might be repairs, unalterable elements, or imperfections due to age, the upside is endless. “Thanks, it s vintage” feels utterly cooler when it’s said on your wedding day.
Below, a look back at some of our favorite Vogue Weddings brides who wore vintage wedding dresses to tie the knot.
Photo: Elena Stanton1/20Caroline Margaret Day wore exclusively vintage to her wedding at Rosecliff Mansion in Newport Rhodes Island. See the full wedding here.
Photo: Elena Stanton2/20"When I saw my dress, I knew it was perfect—it was the only thing I found that made sense in such a grand space,” says the bride of the gown, which featured lace appliqué.
Photo: Jose Villa3/20For her backyard wedding in Los Angeles, actor Kat Dennings wore a vintage dress by Alexander McQueen. See the full wedding here.
Photo: Jose Villa4/20The ivory-hued dress featured lace all over with a peplum detail.
Photo: Chris Lensz5/20For her wedding at Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire, Tish Weinstock wore several vintage looks—here, an antique lace gown and veil by Jane Bourvis. See the full wedding here.
