Wedding dresses,wedding gowns,bridal dress

Vintage Wedding Dresses
The Rules for Shopping for (and Finding!) a Vintage Wedding Dress


By Nina Callaway, About.com
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Every bride wants to look beautiful and unique on her wedding day. Rather than getting a dress off the rack, have you considered a vintage wedding dress? The classic beauty of a look that harkens back to an earlier era can transport you to a magical place. Additionally, vintage wedding dresses often feature exquisite details and workmanship for a fraction of the price that you’d pay for a comparable modern dress.

But where can you find a vintage wedding dress? And what pitfalls should you watch out for when shopping for one?

Avoid dresses that have stains or need repairs You know how hard it is to get out a stain that has been sitting for a couple of weeks, now imagine that stain has been sitting for 20 years or more. Additionally, vintage fabrics are difficult to match with modern ones, so it isn’t likely you will be able to patch or repair one. If you fall in love with a dress that needs repairs, all is not lost, but be prepared to pay a skilled seamstress $200 or more to fix it.

Be wary of the oldest dresses Fabric deteriorates over time. The good news is that because a vintage wedding dress was a special occasion outfit, it has likely been warn and handled far less than other garments, and thus might be in better shape. I’d advise you to avoid any dress made before 1900, and to take a careful look at any 20′s silk chiffons. Take some time to stretch the fabric, look at it, and note any weakening. Again, a skilled seamstress can stabilize some fabrics, but you’ll need to be prepared for the cost.

Figure out your budget before you shop This is a good rule for any wedding gown shopping, not just vintage wedding dresses. That way, you can avoid falling in love with the unattainable.

You will not wear your regular dress size in a vintage dress. Not only have people generally gotten taller and thicker, but the clothing industry has been gradually adjusting sizes downward. If you’re buying a dress online, the best thing to do is to carefully take your measurements and ask the seller to provide you with exact measurements as well. Check measurements like shoulders and rise as well as bust, waist, and hips. Be sure to leave some wiggle room so that you can comfortably move. In a store, you’ll often just have to try things on and be open to wearing a larger size. Since many dresses were worn with a girdle or corset, you may want to wear one as well. In this case, buy one before you’ve made your final wedding dress purchase so that you can make sure it will still fit properly. And last, but certainly not least, be aware that most vintage dresses run from a modern size 0-6 or so, with a few going up to a 10 or 12, and many are on the short side. If you don’t fit in this size range, you may want to consider other options, or be prepared to be patient.

Consider buying a reproduction, or making one If it’s the vintage look you’re going for, you should know that many wedding dresses reference earlier eras, particularly the 40′s and 50′s. Visit a bridal salon, and tell them you’re looking for a retro look. Some stores, such as Isadora’s, may specialize in reproduction dresses. You can also check out vintage and reproduction vintage patterns if you’re able to sew or to give to a seamstress.

Where to buy a vintage wedding dress
You may have luck at your local vintage store or antique store. For more recent eras, I’ve found that thrift stores carry a good stock of vintage wedding dresses from the 70′s and 80′s and sometimes older.

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Planning a wedding ceremony and reception is not an inexpensive proposition. For some brides, one of the most expensive parts of their wedding is the cost of the wedding gown. This is not so much a problem if it is possible for the bride to continue a tradition and to wear a wedding dress handed down from a family member like a grandmother or aunt. But, if you do not have this option, there are several other alternatives.

If the wedding gown you are looking for must be new, check with your local and chain-run national bridal shops to see if they run annual or semi-annual wedding dress sales. For example, the national chain, David’s Bridal, runs a sale where it is possible to buy a gown for only $99. Although rarer, some locally run bridal salons might occasionally do the same. This may take some legwork, so do not be discouraged if you don’t find a sale right away.

A second option open to you is to see if you have a member of the family or a friend who has sewing skills. There are number of patterns available in a range of sizes at most sewing centers which will allow you to be custom fitted for your wedding dress as it is being manufactured. In this way, the cost of your gown will be limited to what you spend on the pattern, fabric, trim and notions. Other family members who might be adept at beading or perhaps making the veil and headpiece could custom decorate the gown to give it a more expensive look and help keep the cost more in line with your wedding budget.

If you do not have a problem with wearing a used wedding gown, there are several options open to you. Many times those wishing to sell their wedding gowns list them for sale in the classified section of your local newspaper. Another low-cost option is to check local thrift shops like the Goodwill and the Salvation Army stores. Do this as much in advance as you can to ensure that you have time to have the gown professionally cleaned prior to your nuptials. The same is true if you find your wedding gown at a yard or lawn sale. Your last option is to check with your local dry-cleaning stores to see if they have any unclaimed gowns that they are offering for sale. Many times people drop off their gowns for cleaning, and then never claim them if they don’t like the amount being charged for cleaning and storage. Other times, the owner moves or dies and the wedding dress is never reclaimed. After a certain amount of time, the gown is considered to be abandoned and the dry cleaner has the right to dispose of it as he sees fit.

Your last option is to not wear a white gown for your wedding ceremony at all. Up until Queen Victoria’s wedding, when she broke with tradition and wore a white gown, brides simply chose a good dress or other fancy clothes for their wedding ceremony that could be worn again later for other special occasions. Despite popular myth, the white gown did not originally signify chastity or purity, but was worn by a girl to indicate her status and wealth, because only the rich could afford to have an expensive white dress made to be worn for just this occasion alone.

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Many brides-to-be are surprised to learn that they don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to have the wedding dress of their dreams. Today the average wedding can cost upwards of twenty thousand dollars, an amount that many couples feel is an exorbitant cost for one single day. Finding a discounted wedding dress is an excellent way to save a considerable amount of money that can be used for many other things, like the honeymoon!

With a little planning, perseverance, and creativity it’s possible to find a bountiful supply of gorgeous wedding dresses sure to suit any bride’s taste and bank account. Many brides may be put off by the term “discount” with visions of cheap materials and boring, poorly designed dresses. However, nothing could be further from the truth as there are literally thousands of elegant, beautifully designed wedding gowns just waiting to be found.

Design sample sales
These sales will be listed in bridal magazines and on many web sites. Many designers sell their samples of wedding dresses at costs far below the original sale prices. The same exact expensive gown in the most upscale boutiques and shops can be had for hundreds, if not thousands of dollars under its original price, and you’ll be the only one who ever has to know that it’s a designer sample.

Department stores
Every department store must clear out their inventory for each new season. Take advantage of this and shop at the right time of year. Timing is critical in finding incredible deals on bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses. Prom season comes around every spring, and in the weeks to follow, prices are slashed on every color and style of dress imaginable.

Local bridal shops, outlets, and resale stores
Many women searching for discount dresses make the mistake of bypassing local bridal boutiques that are privately owned thinking that they’ll never find a good deal there. These smaller shops must also periodically liquidate their inventory just as the larger stores do, so depending on the time of year, many of these shops slash prices to make room for the next season’s styles.

Don’t overlook consignment shops during your search as many contain beautiful but previously worn dresses for a mere fraction of their original cost. Local newspapers often have listings of brand new gowns or dresses that were worn once for sale at bargain basement prices.

The internet wedding dresses online shop
There are literally hundreds upon hundreds of web sites devoted to the glorious occasion of a wedding. From designer discounts to discontinued styles to wholesale costs, the internet offers a wealth of choices for the bride-to-be. Get cozy and be prepared to spend several hours in front of the computer as you search through the great number of mind boggling options available. Narrow down your choices by price range, color, style, and size to make your search easier.

Finding the absolute perfect gown while saving a significant amount of money does take some research and a bit of patience, but it doesn’t have to be a tiresome chore. Instead think of it as a fun way to have the upper hand in keeping your wedding expenses under control while playing detective to find just the right dress. After all, starting out your new life as husband and wife under a mountain of debt is no way to begin a marriage.

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Informal wedding dresses are in high demand and are extremely popular. They are typically chosen as alternative to formal wedding gowns by women who want something simple and comfortable, yet still elegant and enchanting at the same time. Despite their casual name, they can be very sleek, contemporary, and fashionable.

Informal wedding dresses are perfect for the first time bride as well as for a second wedding (or beyond!). Another advantage is that they are well suited to any season of the year and can flatter a bride of any age. So “going informal” is a great option if you do not plan to have an elaborate ceremony and reception.

Look Great, Spend Less

The informal alternatives to weddings gowns are just like regular casual wear, so they can be used for other events beyond the ceremony and reception. The good thing, though, is that you’ll still look great and you won’t have to worry about spending outside of your budget. This is because going informal is all about putting the focus on comfort and style. For the cost conscious, you should know that you will be spending considerably less money than on the full traditional white wedding outfit.

Informal short wedding dresses do not mean plain or boring. The western theme lends itself nicely to choosing an informal dress, and goes well with stylish boots. And a white sun dress or other informal wedding wear is perfect if your mid-afternoon wedding is at a garden or other outdoor location.

Casual Wedding Wear Travels Well

Going informal is a great choice for weddings at home, beach ceremonies, and eloping in Las Vegas or other popular second or third marriage locations. In fact, Las Vegas must be “America’s Third Marriage Capitol”! But back on topic …

Informal wedding dresses are perfect if they fit your style and personality. However, informal wedding dresses may still be too formal for some very casual ceremonies. You might not want to wear a dress at all if your guests are in swim suits or birthday suits.

Take the phrase “informal wedding dress” and picture a gown that is unpretentious, classy, graceful and relaxed. Some of the most beautiful wedding gowns throughout the ages have been the ones that enhance the bride’s features rather than overpower them. Never before have women had so much choice when to comes to informal wedding gowns.
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Are you planning on getting married this winter? Here are some tips on how to decorate and plan your winter wedding.

Décor that appeals to the senses is important when trying to pulling off a romantic winter wedding. “Choose colors of rich jewel tones such as purple, forest green, and navy. Sapphire blue, ice blue or powder blue, silver and white can be used if you want to steer clear of the traditional Christmas colors”, suggests Lynette Gamble, senior coordinator of Affairs of Grandeur. The glow of candlelight will add warmth and ambiance to your ceremony and reception site.

Lynette also suggests to keep floral costs to a minimum, use flowers that are already available during the winter months. Some flower choices are: poinsettias, roses, amaryllis, and lilies. Evergreens are popular choices for decorations while holly branches and other plants with red berries are ideal for use in floral arrangements.

The season that you are getting married can spark some great, creative ideas for wedding centerpieces, says Stephen Badali of the Wedding Ideas Guide, who suggests adding pine cones or holiday items.

Mikki Viereck, WedAlert’s resident wedding expert from Ask Mikki advises choosing white flowers (with touches of silver twigs and/or silver netting. Additionally, silver ribbon on the cake, tables, bouquets or chairs would work.

Many reception facilities have cozy fireplaces to add ambiance and warmth for your winter wedding.

Adding an ice sculpture to display during your cocktail hour and/or reception is always a great idea for a winter themed wedding.

Also, you can consider winter foods for your menu. Include hot chocolate with the coffee service, and start with a hot soup appetizer.

As for favors, Lynette Gamble recommends candles of course. “Cinnamon Apple, Pumpkin Pie, and Vanilla are all pleasant scents that remind you of being a kid in your grandmothers’ kitchen and they’re nice this time of year”, says Gamble. “Spiced teas, coffee mugs, snow globes and Christmas ornaments imprinted with the couples name and wedding date will also make great favors.”

Good luck with your upcoming wedding. May it truly be a Winter Wonderland.

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Blushing fiancés like nothing better than to be blushing brides. It is every little girl’s dream to fall in love with that seemingly perfect man, have the ala-Princess Diana wedding of the century, and settle into a happy and fulfilled married life. But before you get comfortable, you need to prepare for one of the biggest and most memorable events in your life – your wedding. Yes ladies, this is your big chance to be in control and show everyone how much you and your partner love each other – from the ceremony to the reception. And in both opportunities, you naturally want only the finest wedding paraphernalia you can get. Wedding accessories are a fun opportunity to further satisfy an engaged woman’s shopping fantasies. One might even turn into such a perfectionist in her quest for the best wedding accessories. But to help keep that lady from stressing out over the details, here are some wonderful ideas that are easy to find and will surely wow your guests with no effort at all.wedding dress prom dress wedding dresses

To start off, your wedding cake server set can be functional and cute at the same time. At your wedding reception, impress everyone with your eye for detail by wrapping lovely ribbons and lace on your server. Have not got the time for this little art project? Go out and look for a pretty heart shaped or heart detailed server that your guests will all be agog for. prom dress

Next on your list is the perfect adornment for your wedding cake. While the cake itself should taste decadent, you also want to have a beautiful cake topper as well. You can personalize your cake topper by having it engraved with you and your groom’s initials, in addition to a symbol of your love. It does not have to be the standard ceramic bride and groom figurines, no! Be different and choose something else – double hearts, or something else that symbolizes your love that guests will recognize and appreciate.

The wedding guestbook also needs some jazzing up, especially since it will contain a lot of beautiful messages from all your guests. If you’ve been bitten by the artistic bug, you can create a collage of you and your husband’s pictures on the front and back of the book. Tech-savvy brides can also use a software which will allow you to design a beautiful cover and have it printed out. There are websites that allow you to do this, and all you have to do is wait for them to ship your customized wedding book!

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After the wedding, many brides struggle with what to do with their precious wedding gown that so fondly represents that special day. Since most brides prefer to treasure the memories of their wedding day by keeping their wedding dress (possibly handing it down to a daughter, special niece, god child or grand daughter, or even re-wearing it to renew their vows), it is important to understand the proper methods of cleaning and storing your gown so it can last for centuries to come.

Should I have my gown cleaned?
Whether you decide to keep your wedding gown, donate it or sell it, it is important to consider having it cleaned and preserved as soon as possible to maintain its beauty and value. Caramelized sugar stains from cake icing, white wine, champagne or soft drinks will leave unsightly brown spots/stains if they are not thoroughly removed from the fabric in a timely manner. Perspiration, deodorant, hairspray, perfumes, body lotions and cosmetics can cause discoloration as well.

Most of these are not readily visible to the naked eye can also cause damage to the fabric of the gown. Left untreated they can be difficult to impossible to remove over time. As a result, it is highly recommended that you have your gown cleaned and preserved by a reputable professional as soon as possible after your wedding.

What is the difference between dry cleaning and preservation?
Dry cleaning provides a basic cleaning of obvious dirt and stains. However, it does not protect against the long term yellowing, fabric deterioration, or invisible stains that can surface over time and ruin your precious gown.

It is important to find a highly reputable and experienced preservation service that will carefully examine each gown individually under special lighting and hand treat all stains with gentle yet effective chemicals. They should also treat the fabric with against yellowing and other discolorations with an anti-sugar treatment. Proper cleaning and preservation will permanently remove both visible and invisible stains, as well as protect the fabric from deterioration, so your gown will look just as beautiful as the day you first tried it on.

How much will it cost?
Top quality preservation by a highly reputable company does not have to be expensive. Although some companies will charge upwards of $800 for museum quality preservation, you can get the same high quality for around $150 – $250 if you do your homework. Most dry cleaners will charge as much, if not more, for just basic dry cleaning alone.

How long can I wait to have my dress cleaned and preserved?
Since stains can cause damage to a fabric over time, it is recommended that you have your dress professionally cleaned and preserved as soon after the wedding as is practical. Generally, you can safely wait up to six months after the ceremony. Some brides have waited longer, but it is not recommended as it may start to yellow, the fabric may begin to deteriorate and some stains may not come out at all as they settle into the fabric.

Until you send in your gown to be cleaned and preserved, it is best to keep it in a dark (unexposed to sunlight), dry place, folded or rolled in a clean white sheet. Hanging your dress on a hanger is not recommended as it can cause stress to the fabric and create distortion. Do not store your gown in plastic such as a garment bag. Plastic can emit gases that will tend to yellow the fabric.

Will my dress be vacuum sealed if I have it preserved?
Vacuum sealing is never recommended for preserving fabrics of any kind. Professional textile curators always recommend that a fabric be allowed to “breathe”. Vacuum sealing traps moisture in the box, promoting mold and mildew growth, which will stain and weaken the fibers of your dress. If stored in plastic that is not acid free, as time passes it can accumulate gasses that will harm the fabric, causing it to yellow and deteriorate. A reputable preservation service will use special acid-free or PH balanced breathable cardboard and tissue, or museum quality muslin, to package your gown, as well as an acid free window (to see your gown) for these reasons.

How should I store my gown after I have it preserved?
Once your gown has been cleaned and preserved by a reputable professional it is also important that you continue to store your gown properly. Your gown should be stored in a room where the temperature and humidity levels are constant, such as a guest room or spare closet. Never store your dress in the attic or basement where there are extreme changes in temperature and/or humidity. The storage box should also lay flat if possible.

If you decide to remove your gown from the preservation box, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly when handling the gown to protect the fabric from natural oils on your hands. Check on your gown once a year to make sure it is still in good condition. Most companies will provide a guarantee against yellowing and will restore your gown for free if you have stored it properly.

Other Options
Although most brides keep and treasure their wedding gowns for a lifetime, if should you decide to part with your precious gown, below are some resources for selling or donating your wedding dress that may help contribute to making someone else’s dream wedding come true.

The wedding dresses are the attire that is worn by the bride and groom during their weddings. The wedding dresses differ according to the culture and religion. For instance in the west the wedding dresses for the bride is the white wedding gown. In the east it is mostly in red colour.

Western wedding dresses

The wedding dresses changed its form and style as time rolls on. Today the wedding dresses of the bride are mostly white but sometimes it can also include some creamy shades like ivory, ecru and egg shell. Though the colour white is not obligatory with the western colour but it is out of choice. The wedding dresses will depend on the kind of wedding they have. For formal wedding like in the cathedral, the dress is mostly proper. Wedding dresses in a beach wedding are often very informal. There are lots of wedding dresses types like from short to long, laced to satin materials and many more.
Eastern wedding dresses

In the eastern world the wedding dresses are mostly red in colour. In china red is the colour of luck so that is the colour of the wedding dresses. In Japan the brides often wear more than one dress for the occation. In India the colour red, cream and green are used by the brides.

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Your wedding invitations don’t have to cost a fortune. You can have beautiful, quality wedding invitations at affordable prices – How? Make your own inexpensive wedding invitations! If you have a computer, a printer and Microsoft Word (which usually comes already installed on most computers)…You can make some really great invitations.

Designing and printing your own invitations is not hard at all. You can really become very creative; best of all it will save you money and which will allow you total creative freedom.

When creating your invitations, here are a couple of things to keep in mind…

The Invitation should be simple and to the point. Your invitation should inform your guests of the date, time, location and hosts of your wedding. You may also include reception information if you choose. (Reception to follow at…time, location)

Unless you are having a very formal wedding, pretty well anything goes with your invitation these days.

Try writing your own verses – forget about those old formal verses.

Use your favorite clip art, photos or design your own graphics.

There is nothing saying your card has to be square. Make it in the shape of a heart if you want to.

You could even design your invitation to look like theatre tickets, or dance tickets with a tear off stub for a “save a date” reminder!

Another popular idea is to use postcard for RSVP’s. This saves you money on postage and envelopes.

The design of your wedding invitations will give your guests a glimpse of the tone of your wedding celebration. With that in mind, match your invitation to your theme! You don’t have use a seriously formal invitation for your wedding theme. Make sure your guests know what to expect!

More invitation ideas

Once you choose your design, keep it constant throughout your invitations and wedding programs.

All you need to do is purchase card stock paper, which is thicker than normal printer paper to print your invitations on. Cardstock paper and envelopes can be found at any paper supply or office supply store.

Have fun with this project! Use your imagination! Think of the money you will save and the satisfaction you will get from having created your very own wedding invitations!

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