The Best Online and In-Store Shops for Vintage Wedding Dresses (2024)

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    The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Dress Shopping

    The Best Online and In-Store Shops for Vintage Wedding Dresses (1)

    Part of

    A list of retailers that offer one-of-a-kind and cost-effective bridal gowns.

    By

    Blair Donovan

    The Best Online and In-Store Shops for Vintage Wedding Dresses (2)

    Blair Donovan

    Blair Donovan was a digital producer and SEO writer at Brides from 2017 to 2019. She is currently the shopping editor of style at Apartment Therapy Media.

    Brides's Editorial Guidelines

    Updated on 03/28/23 09:10AM

    The Best Online and In-Store Shops for Vintage Wedding Dresses (3)

    With the vast number of wedding gowns on the market, it may seem impossible to find one that perfectly matches your personal style. If that's the case and all hope seems lost each time you go dress hunting, consider trying on a few vintage options to expand your search. Even if shopping vintage has never crossed your busy bridal mind, you truly can't go wrong with a timeless, one-of-a-kind style that doesn't involve delving too deeply into your budget. Plus, you never have to worry about another bride wearing the same look as you.

    Ahead, and in no particular order, we've rounded up the best retailers and stores (both brick-and-mortar and online) to shop when on the hunt for a vintage wedding dress. Consider these options to find a unique and cost-effective bridal frock you'll be sure to love long after the big day.

    01of 10

    Happy Isles

    This L.A.-based shop features a vast collection of vintage designer gowns—with picks dating from the 1950s to the 1990s—from the likes of Valentino and Oscar de la Renta. Happy Isles also carries wedding dresses from contemporary brands Lilly Ashwell and Magnetic Midnight.

    02of 10

    Meringue Vintage

    With a tagline stating "curated vintage for the modern bride," this bridal boutique in Chicago is the Mecca of vintage wedding gowns. Costume designer Kristine Engel handpicks the shop's distinctive inventory, so you're guaranteed a chic, out-of-this-century look. Book an appointment today to get the full dress shopping experience, and leave with a unique vintage dress, veil, and even shoes from the '20s to the '80s.

    03of 10

    Etsy

    This online craft haven is your one-stop-shop for all things weddings, from invitations to cake toppers to—you guessed it—even vintage wedding dresses. Since Etsy has everything a bride (or human, for that matter) could ever need, there's an entire section dedicated exclusively to vintage gowns for sale. From bohemian-infused '70s dresses to 1930s gowns reminiscent of the Art Deco era, you can find exactly what you're looking for at any price point.

    04of 10

    Mill Crest Vintage

    This vintage boutique offers a wide variety of age-old, secondhand selections categorized by decade. Take your pick of gorgeous gowns from the 1920s to the 1980s, or even one from the Edwardian era. Prices range from $123 to $385, so you definitely won't have to break the bank to get the dress of your dreams. And while currently only based online, Mill Crest Vintage is in the process of opening a Connecticut location.

    05of 10

    Decades

    Another L.A.-based gem, Decades was founded by style guru Cameron Silver in 1997 and sells a wide range of vintage white gowns for any bridal celebration. What's more, if looking to take the non-traditional route, they also have a selection of colorful ensembles that are worthy to be worn down the aisle. Your bridesmaids can even browse the site's extensive vintage gown collection for looks they're bound to actually wear post-wedding. Though prices are on the higher end, you can take your pick from distinct designers like Ralph Lauren, Christian Dior, and Alexander McQueen.

    06of 10

    Preowned Wedding Dresses

    Even though their vintage wedding dress page only has a few listings, this resell platform offers plenty of unique and antique pre-worn styles, sold by the brides themselves. Given that the site doesn't charge a commission, prices can vary from $100 to $2,000, depending on the dress seller, but each listing shows the original retail price so that you can see exactly how much you're saving.

    The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Dress Shopping

    07of 10

    Adored Vintage

    Adored Vintage sets forth to provide looks that are "vintage + modern for the feminine romantic spirit," which is evident in their wide collection of bohemian antique frocks. Although this vintage shopping maven doesn't cater to brides specifically, it's still worth taking a peek at their colorful picks from 1910 to the '90s, especially if you're leaning away from the traditional white dress.

    08of 10

    Shareen Bridal

    What originally began as vintage boutiques in L.A. and New York, has now evolved into a full-fledged bridal shop that produces custom gowns infused with new and old components. With a keen eye for vintage fashion, Shareen Mitchell herself designs modern wedding gowns infused with repurposed pieces of vintage clothing, none of which exceed $2,000. The label also offers a selection of non-traditional, antique bridal finds in-store.

    09of 10

    Madly Vintage

    Founded by Maddy Anderson, Madly Vintage is a Venice, CA-based fashion and bridalwear destination for vintage lovers around the world. The brand's ethos is based on "good vibes", and each piece is curated to highlight Anderson's playful style mixed with "romantic nostalgia," as noted on her website.

    10of 10

    June's Uniquely Yours

    Located in Cape May, New Jersey, June's Uniquely Yours specializes in romantic styles from the Victorian and Edwardian eras. The family-owned boutique also carries plenty of shoes, jewelry, and more, so you can snag your wedding dress and accessories in one successful shopping trip.

    The Best Online and In-Store Shops for Vintage Wedding Dresses (2024)

    FAQs

    Is there a market for old wedding dresses? ›

    And there are several general clothing and merchandize sites that are also worth considering when you want to sell a wedding dress. Notably, brides-to-be can save hundreds of dollars using these sites to buy, too. Used wedding gowns typically sell for between 40% and 60% of the retail price.

    How old does a wedding dress have to be to be vintage? ›

    What Defines a Vintage Wedding Dress? Typically, a vintage wedding dress is at least 20 years old, dating back to a specific era, such as the 1920s, 1950s, or 1970s.

    Are old wedding dresses worth money? ›

    Yes all that stuff is re-sellable, but not for stupidly high prices. A used Wedding gown is usually only worth 1/4 to 1/3 of it's original price. I would encourage former brides to sell or donate that once used Wedding gown, and make a not so wealthy bride very happy.

    Is it cheaper to buy a wedding dress online? ›

    Here's what you need to know. Because of frequent online promotions, shopping online for your wedding attire can often save you money! Not only is it cost-effective and convenient, but you're able to shop a much larger selection of designer wedding dresses and attire from the comfort of your couch.

    How can I sell my wedding dress for the most money? ›

    You'll want to list your wedding dress as soon as possible. Used wedding dresses sell for more money if they are less than two and a half years old. As a general rule of thumb, used gowns in great condition and only a few years old can sell for fifty percent of their retail price.

    What should an old bride wear? ›

    Having dressed many older brides for their wedding day, we find bridal outfits with sleeves to be of preference. Whether the bride chooses delicate lace, intricate beading or classic satin, sleeves are a great way to add a touch of modesty and sophistication to wedding dresses for brides over 50.

    How much did a wedding dress cost in 1980? ›

    According to https://www.in2013dollars.com, these are the cost of each century of dresses. 1920s-$15.49, 1930s-$20, 1940s-$20.36, 1950s-$30.01, 1960s-$34, 1970s-$52.75, 1980s-$66.87, 1990s-$87.27, 2000s-$68.03, 2010s-$76.25, 2020s-$68.31.

    Can you get the yellow out of a vintage wedding dress? ›

    The wedding dress can be cleaned and restored to its former glory using a combination of dry cleaning, spot cleaning, and wet cleaning to remove yellowing.

    How do you wash a 70 year old wedding dress? ›

    Vintage Wedding Gown Cleaning: Restore & Revive

    Oxygen-based bleach like OxiClean™ Versatile Stain Remover is gentle on vintage or fragile fabrics such as lace and tulle, and even old, set-in stains can be removed or significantly lightened to brighten a white item and get it ready to wear for the big day.

    How to store a 60 year old wedding dress? ›

    Warning – be sure to store your vintage wedding dress flat and loosely folded. Years of storing a wedding dress on a hanger will cause fabrics to pull away from each other at the bodice and shoulders of the gown, causing damage that professional cleaning and restoring cannot repair.

    What can I do with a vintage wedding dress? ›

    Discovering what to do with an old wedding dress can be quite a journey. From donation programs like the Angel Gown Program to selling your preowned gown online or at a consignment shop, there are various options to consider. Not only do these choices help others, but they also contribute to sustainability.

    How to tell if a wedding dress is vintage? ›

    Like all clothing and accessories, a wedding dress should be 20 years or older to be classified as "vintage".

    What month is the cheapest to buy a wedding dress? ›

    January is the best month to find a wedding gown for purchase.

    What is a realistic wedding dress budget? ›

    Generally, the average cost of a wedding gown is typically between $1,800 to $2,500. Off-the-rack gowns may be priced lower than $1,800, while more luxurious gowns can sometimes fall in the $3,000 to $8,000 range. Customized dresses can even cost up to $10,000.

    Is $1000 a lot for a wedding dress? ›

    One rule of thumb suggests that brides allocate ten percent of their total wedding budget to their wedding dress. So, if you're planning to spend $10,000 or less on your big day, wedding dresses under $1000 fit that budget quite nicely (and maybe even leaves you extra for the honeymoon!).

    How much is a wedding dress worth? ›

    Generally, the average cost of a wedding gown is typically between $1,800 to $2,500. Off-the-rack gowns may be priced lower than $1,800, while more luxurious gowns can sometimes fall in the $3,000 to $8,000 range. Customized dresses can even cost up to $10,000.

    Who buys the wedding dress? ›

    While this responsibility can vary from culture to culture, historically the bride's family will pay for her wedding dress and accessories. This includes everything from the dress itself to the veil and shoes.

    What can you do with your wedding dress? ›

    Wondering What To Do With Your Wedding Dress After the Big Day? Here Are 10 Creative Ideas To Get You Going
    • Donate it. ...
    • Make it into a work of art. ...
    • Turn it into a gown for your little one. ...
    • Hem it into a co*cktail dress! ...
    • Dye it for something totally different! ...
    • Transform it into something completely new. ...
    • Sell it.

    Can you sell a wedding dress that has been preserved? ›

    If you decide to sell your wedding dress online, it's highly recommended that you have it both cleaned and preserved since once it's preserved, it will come back to you in a sturdy shipping box that will be perfect for shipping it to the next owner.

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