How to Reconstruct a Vintage Wedding Gown

In a sea of expensive and unoriginal wedding gowns, vintage styles stand out as unique, affordable and true one-of-a-kind finds. Sometimes it's hard to see the potential in a cream puff, full-sleeved gown from 1972. It's easy to transform a dated dud to a modern marvel. Review the information below for ideas on how to reconstruct a vintage wedding gown.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Research wedding gown styles over time. Familiarize yourself with the unique design elements and gown construction of the time. Decide what styles appeal to you and start thinking about how certain alterations and modifications would improve upon the appearance of the dress.

2. Begin shopping for dresses. Find vintage clothing dealers in your area and also check out thrift stores and consignment boutiques. Check Ebay and Craigslist for vintage steals, but be mindful of the actual condition of the dress. Ask for a photograph and detailed description before sealing the deal.

3. Closely inspect the dress for stains, rips and other signs of wear and tear. Older dresses are likely to have imperfections, and many of them are easily repaired. Look for signs of discoloration and yellowing that is harder to treat. Notice the placement of tears and stains. Chances are you're cutting the flawed section off anyway.

4. See beyond the frighteningly full skirt, Victorian lace sleeves and over-the-top embellishments. Wedding gowns of yesteryear tended to be more modest in their design. Long sleeves, big skirts and high necks are typical of older styles but shouldn't be deterrents. Envision the gown in a more understated and modernized form.

5. Begin the transformation. A vintage wedding gown may be in need of minor tweaking or a major overhaul. If you have alteration skills, perform the work yourself. If not, enlist the help of a professional seamstress. Decide what features should stay and what needs to be changed. Shortening or removing sleeves immediately updates the look and adding a V or scoop neck makes a dress more immodest and contemporary. Chop off a cumbersome train for a more informal look or make a formal full-length gown into a fun and flirty tea length style.

6. Consult a dry cleaner about the best treatment options for your vintage gown. Delicate, heavily beaded dresses shouldn't undergo the harsh drycleaning process and are better soaked with a mild soap or diluted commercial cleaner. Gently pat dry the dress in sections by laying it between two towels. Then let air dry.

Tips & Warnings

• To get the best deal on a vintage wedding gown, avoid the dealers and stores specializing in retro-threads. Instead, try your luck at estate and garage sales and thrift stores. You'll save big bucks.
• Check with family members to see if anyone has a gown to contribute to your cause. Your dress will have major significance and cost you nothing!
• Before you toss that extra fabric, consider other uses for the material. Former trains can easily be transformed into beautiful veils or headpieces.
• Vintage wedding gowns are often much smaller than dresses of today. Keep in mind that it's much easier to size a dress down than it is to make it bigger.

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