Before I got engaged (honestly, before I even met my partner), I knew one thing for sure: I would be wearing vintage on my wedding day. For me, it’s purely a stylistic choice—I’ve been wearing vintage since I was 15 and prefer the aesthetics of the 1940s to 1970s over modern silhouettes. But vintage wedding dresses are also one of 2025’s biggest bridal trends.
“When I first started Cha Cha Linda, my clientele was predominantly people who would define themselves as vintage shoppers,” says Brooklyn-based vintage boutique owner Eva Maria Lopez. “That has totally changed. Now, the vast majority of people who book an appointment share with me that they have never worn vintage before. Their wedding trousseau is their first foray into vintage because they find themselves exhausted by the deluge of the same white mini dress or bias cut gown coming out of every modern salon and department store, and I don’t blame them.”
Monet Brewerton-Palmer, owner of the Atlanta-based vintage bridal boutique Vionnette, agrees. “Brides have more options than ever, especially with the intrusion of fast fashion into the bridal sphere,” she says. “But my brides are saying that they feel like everything kind of looks the same. And they know that the quality of all clothing, including wedding dresses, has been plummeting for a while…a trend that has, of course, accelerated in the past five to 10 years. I think it’s only natural for brides to seek out something unique and special for such an important time in their lives, and wearing a vintage dress gives them the opportunity to do that.”
Whether you’re just starting your wedding dress shopping journey or are zeroing in on the one, vintage can be an incredible option—especially if you want something that feels one-of-one (because it literally will be). Read on for advice on how to find your perfect vintage wedding dress—including tips from the very vintage sourcer who helped me say yes to the dress.
Sizing is a challenge
Real talk: Vintage clothing, whether it’s everyday wear, special occasion, or bridal, has a sizing problem. Before you book an appointment with a vintage dealer, go to a tailor and get your measurements taken (waist, bust, and hips are key, but knowing everything from clavicle to knee is even better depending on what style dress you want)—and share these measurements and ask if the shop has pieces in your size.
