Saying Yes to the Dress Then and Now
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I cannot recall a time when I was not dreaming of my future wedding. It never seemed to occur to me that I needed to find a groom for it to happen, but that was never the main concern of the wedding I wanted. The flowers, the venue, the food, the music, while all important, were nothing in my mind compared to the main attraction.
What dress would I wear?
If you are anything like me, I have had a Pinterest board of wedding gowns from the early age of 11. Over the years, my dream dress style has evolved from ball gown to column, but my vision stayed the same. Just as I wanted when I was younger, I want a dress that will make me feel beautiful. I hope to look simple yet glamorous in that very gown; one that I can cherish for the rest of my life.
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For many brides today, the standard procedure of going to a bridal shop and trying on their latest styles does not have the same appeal as it used to. Following the trend of sustainable fashion, many brides are moving towards the vintage market to find their perfect dress.
Often, brides are drawn to the character of dresses found in the styles from decades before and those worn by someone else first, offering a unique look that many current styles lack. While the trends of wedding dresses have shifted over time, other qualities, like the classic white color of a wedding gown, have remained a staple element of dresses since as early as the 1400s. Trends, leave, and return, like the classic puff sleeves accompanying many gowns in the late 80s and early 90s. The Pronovias Etienette illustrated this modernized trend perfectly, replacing the heavy silk material in the sleeves with lace, bringing a new and elegant light to the dress.
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Whether through eBay, thrifting, or upcycling, the vintage market has a wide array of options for brides to find their perfect gown. Many brides have shared their upcycling experience through TikTok; one sharing her transformation of a classic 90s gown into a chic two-piece set by cutting the skirt to create two thigh slips, sewing in mesh fabric, and layering more silk by the waistline. The bodice was already set with delicate lace and beading, and after removing the puff sleeves, she transformed a thirty-year-old dress into a fresh and modern look.
We could owe the popularity of this trend to Princess Beatrice, whose gown for her quarantine ceremony was loaned to her by the Queen, leading to a sudden but mighty increase in “vintage wedding dress” searches on the internet. Afterall, if anyone could cause a shift in styles, it was the Queen of England.
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When looking at the decades of wedding fashion that are being showcased around the world, I am hopeful for the continuation of using vintage wedding gowns in the future. In thirty years, we may see light blue hues, mock necks, and other trending styles in 2023 on the aisle. One day, I hope to have the opportunity to upcycle my mother’s dress when that time comes, and for my hypothetical future daughter to do the same. The possibilities for wedding gowns in the vintage market are endless and will continue to grow as the years continue.
Strike Out,
Ann Harper Covington
Editor: Kennedy Moran
Athens