Womens Vintage Wedding Dresses Veils
A vintage bridal gown or veil can bring a piece of history into a wedding ceremony. A wedding dress or veil from times past can feature a unique style and design details that can be difficult to replicate in newer pieces. These bridal garments are made of a variety of materials to suit a range of wedding themes.
What are some vintage dress styles?Many vintage wedding gowns are floor-length styles with an A-line shape. The A-line design features a fitted bodice and a full skirt that flares out beginning at the hip. However, dresses from the 1920s and 1930s often feature a calf-length design, looser fit, and drop-waist consistent with the flapper style of the time.
Wedding dresses are available in a wide variety of neckline heights and styles. Women can choose a sweetheart, V-neck, scoop, or high option, with some styles being more plentiful from certain eras. If a lower neckline is featured, a gown may have a sheer or lace panel placed over the bride's upper chest or shoulder area.
A classic wedding gown can also feature ornate elbow or wrist length sleeves. Lace is often used on the entire length of the sleeve as trim or a decorative inset. Beadwork and puffed shoulders may also be a design element with satin or tulle sleeves.
What styles of veils are available?Veils can be simple or have adornments, like lace or beadwork. Some veils are attached to more intricate bridal headpieces that also contain decorative elements like flowers, netting, and feathers.
Sheer options may be made with tulle, and lace designs can be made from cotton.
Women can choose from a wide variety of bridal veil lengths including:
- Chin
- Shoulder
- Elbow
- Fingertip
- Floor
- Cathedral
Dress-sizing scales have changed over the years, and some older pieces may not have a labeled size at all. Taking accurate measurements of her shoulders, bust, waist, hips, and outseam can help a bride-to-be to determine if a dress is close to her size.
What kind of embellishment options are available?A dress or veil from a previous generation will often feature intricate beadwork and embroidery, with some pieces featuring embellishments that were applied by hand. Some other decorative elements that can be found on vintage pieces include the following:
- Flowers made from satin or other fabrics
- Faux pearls
- Lace
- Netting
- Fine Crochet
- Tulle or chiffon ruffles and flounces
Older materials and construction techniques can be delicate. Handmade lace, layers of chiffon or tulle, and fine beadwork should be treated with care. In most cases, a vintage dress or veil should be cleaned by a professional service that has experience in caring for classic pieces.