Vintage Wedding

Lovelier, the second time around

by Elizabeth Mason

Photo: Scott Downey

The second and third time brides have most probably already lived the fantasy of their first traditional wedding gown. Now, in consideration of a more seasoned spirit, they lean towards an elegant or sexy cocktail dress, that’s powerful and uniquely different than the gown they chose for their first wedding. No longer feeling compelled to blow the baby’s college fund on a single expensive designer bridal gown, the second-timers are more inclined to consider value and the potential to wear their vintage dress or gown for future occasions.

Because they are having this wedding just for them, second-time brides are not as concerned with choosing a gown that will wow their family and friends. They just want to dazzle their new husband. With second-time brides, there seem to be no ‘sides to their box’.

If  you are considering a vintage gown for your wedding you need an open mind. If a gown has ‘good bones’, for example, but needs a little updating, then having courage and imagination – and working with a vintage specialist -  is the secret to a beautiful and uniquely-your-own vintage bridal gown.

Selecting for age and proportion

Photo: Scott Downey

The dress needs to be age appropriate, as many second-timers are in their forties, fifties or more. The dress must be figure flattering, and must transition from the ceremony to the reception with both functionality and beauty. Often times the brides will opt for a variation of white, in creams and ivory to embrace the tradition of the wedding, but not the symbolism of the ‘blushing bride’ in pure white.

One of the only restrictions when choosing to wear vintage is the issue of sizing. Women were much smaller in past eras, and there are limited amounts of larger sizes especially from the 1920s through the early 1940s. Bear in mind also that many eras required a specific type of undergarment to structure a figure to fit the cut and drape of a particular style – such as the restrictive corsets worn during the ‘New Look’ era. That being said, I am never opposed to altering a gown to compensate for a more contemporary and comfortable undergarment.   (continues on next page)

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