We loved working on this sweet vintage wedding dress. This wedding gown had a full V neck top with sleeves. We removed the sleeves to make it strapless and sweetheart. For the back of this vintage wedding dress, we added a corset back. We can’t say enough about how fun this vintage wedding dress redesign was!
This just goes to show that you can have a full length vintage wedding dress and have it shortened as well! We love this new style with every new little simple detail.
No. 1: Wearing your vintage wedding dress
If you are only a few inches away from squeezing into the family dress, you can request a corset kit to match. Most vintage dresses are not made with forgiving seams. If you are local to Walla Walla, Washington, Boise, Idaho, or La Grande, Oregon, I serve these areas for wedding dress alterations. You can see pricing here.
No. 2: Recycle it
Order a simple wedding dress that is the silhouette you are dreaming of. Then work one-on-one with a wedding dress designer to create innovative ways to include fabrics from the vintage wedding dress. Please, don’t try to reconstruct the original dress to be an entirely different dress. If you are just removing sleeves, or making some adjustments to the neckline, then by all means, rock the original dress on your wedding day. Most vintage wedding dresses were made with little to no under structure. Keep this in mind with recycling. You can brainstorm some more ideas with me here.
No. 3: Put it in your bouquet
This one is a super simple way to include grandma or mom as you walk down the isle. It’s the perfect “something old” to add to your wedding day. This option is perfect if the vintage wedding dress has lace applique. Talk with your local florist about ways to add the fabric to your bouquet. Local seamstresses can also make fabric flowers for you to add to your floral arrangements. Here are a few of my favorite local florists:
La Grande, Baker City, Pendleton, Oregon: Fitzgerald Flowers Succulent Hub
Walla Walla, Washington: Holly’s Floral Boutique
Boise, Idaho: Flowers At Will
No. 4: Add it to your garter set
A custom garter set is a budget friendly way to add that “something old” to your wedding accessories. Your seamstress can use the lace applique or create a fabric flower to incorporate with your garter design. We specialize in custom garters and ship them nationally. You can schedule a free consultation here.
No. 5: Preserve it and display
Once you dress is cleaned and preserved, you could pick up a vintage mannequin to display the dress on next to a family picture display. You can preserve and clean your gown by scheduling a cleaning or ordering a cleaning kit here.
If you need help with your project, your first consult with me is free. Visit our scheduling page to book your first meeting. I look forward to helping you brainstorm your wedding project!
-Britt