Buying a Vintage Wedding Dress: Navigating Nips, Tucks, and Tiny Waists

You've decided to walk down the vintage aisle. Good on you!

There's nothing quite like the charm and elegance of a bygone era, especially when it comes to wedding dresses. But before you pop that vintage champagne and toast to your fabulous choice, let's have a little chinwag about what you're really in for.

Spoiler alert: It's not all lace and pearls!

Waist Not, Want Not

First things first, let's talk about those waists. You know the ones I'm talking about — the kind that make Scarlett O'Hara look like she's been on a permanent fast. Vintage dresses are notorious for their teeny-tiny waists. Back in the day, women were cinched, corseted, and probably fainting left, right, and centre.

So, when you find that dreamy 1950s gown, don't be shocked if the waist looks like it's made for a Barbie doll. It probably is.

Taking the dress out (or yourself in … and we’re not just talking lycra shapewear here!) might be inevitable.

Pro Tip: Check the seams – some vintage dresses were made with far more generous seam allowances than today’s garments, so there may be some room for adjustment. Or, if you are lucky, you’ll find that the dress was originally altered and the seamstress didn’t trim away the excess.

Busting Out (or Not)

Next up, let's talk about the girls. Or more accurately, let's talk about how the girls might feel a bit...squished.

Women in the past weren't exactly known for their busty silhouettes — think more Jane Austen and less Jayne Mansfield. So, if you're blessed in the chest, that stunning 50s lace number might feel a bit more like a lace vice.

You’ll also find a lot more ruffles and furbelows on the chest of a vintage dress as our ‘pre uplift bra’ grandmothers tried a little trompe l’oeil by adding 'bulk; discretely.

Pro Tip: Consider a seamstress who specialises in complex alterations. They can work wonders with letting out seams and adding discreet panels. Your twins will thank you.

Short and Sweet

Now, onto height. If you're anything above 5'5", you might feel like Gulliver in Lilliput when trying on vintage frocks. Women back then were generally shorter, which means those floor-length gowns might look more like ballerina or tea-length on you.

Pro Tip: Embrace it! Tea-length dresses are adorable and perfect for showing off killer shoes. And if you’re really set on floor-length, sometimes it’s possible to add an extra layer to the skirt construction.

The Fabric of Time

Vintage dresses have lived a life, just like your gran’s scandalous stories about her youth! If you are sourcing vintage yourself, this means you might encounter some wear and tear, yellowing, small tears, or those mysterious stains you’d rather not think too much about (and they quite often smell!) All Tricker Bridal gowns have been very gently laundered – often soaked and rinsed in specialist products several times before spot stain removal begins. But don’t tackle this yourself – there have been tearful moments in the salon when cleaning attempts have gone awry and ruined a gown.

Pro Tip: Professional cleaning is a must, but be gentle. Some fabrics are more delicate than your aunt after a few too many sherries.

Zippers, Buttons, and Bows

Finally, let's talk fastenings. Modern conveniences like zippers might not be present. Instead, you'll find a labyrinth of buttons, hooks, and possibly some hand-sewn snaps. It's charming, but if you're not careful, getting in and out of your dress could become an Olympic sport. So factor in some time for this before heading up the aisle.

Remember, many vintage gowns were hand made at home by the bride, her mum or grandma or a talented friend or neighbour so standards of finish will vary.

Authentic zips are always metal and will be more prominent that a contemporary concealed, plastic teethed zip.

The same goes for any lace or fabric covered buttons. These may have rusted so will need to be replaced. And, oh boy, did they love buttons in previous decades. You’ll often find a single sleeve with ten buttons to give a snug fit.

Pro Tip: Recruit a button buddy for the day - someone with patience,  nimble fingers and an old fashioned button hook. Your soon-to-be spouse might want to practice their unbuttoning skills ahead of the big night too. Wink, wink.

The Bottom Line

Going vintage for your wedding dress is like embarking on a romantic, nostalgic adventure. But it’s not without its challenges. With a little foresight, a touch of humour, and a lot of love for the craftsmanship of the past, you’ll glide down the aisle in a gown that's not just a dress, but a story. And isn't that what weddings are all about?

Happy hunting, vintage vixens!