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Whether you're drawn to the romance of the Renaissance era, the glamour of the Roaring Twenties, or the free-spiritedness of the 1970s, a vintage wedding dress is the perfect way to celebrate your personal style while paying homage to your favorite decade. Plus, these dresses come in scores of iconic silhouettes that will read timeless no matter what era you choose to embody.
When it comes to vintage-inspired wedding dresses, there are so many options to choose from. If you're a lover of the Regency era, you can't go wrong with frilly frocks and empire-waist silhouettes. For Jazz Age enthusiasts, no wedding day look is complete without shimmering gowns in allover beading and swishy fringe. Looking to channel Lauren Bacall's iconic style? Opt for fitted tea-length dresses and boudoir-inspired gowns, reminiscent of the 1940s and '50s.
From gowns that ooze Old Hollywood glamour to mod mini dresses, we've researched and selected the best options to suit all retro aesthetics. No matter your season, style, or budget, we've got you covered.
Read on for the best vintage-inspired wedding dresses.
The 20 Best Short Wedding Dresses for Every Bridal Style and Budget
Best Back: Reformation Alani Silk Dress
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Size Range: 14-24 | Material: Silk | Length: Maxi
If this doesn't scream Old Hollywood glamour then we don't know what does! We love this gown's gorgeous open back, fluid fabric, and elegant fit. Accessorize with pearl drop earrings for an effortlessly polished look.
Price at time of publish: $398
Best Tea-Length Silhouette: Amsale Mikado A-Line Dress
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Size Range: 00-28 | Material: Mikado | Length: Tea-length
Fun and flirty, this mikado A-line dress should be part of every bride's vintage-inspired wedding wardrobe. The puff sleeves feel very '80s while the tea-length hem pays homage to the silhouettes of the '50s. Style this beauty with matching block sandals and a colorful clutch for an unexpected touch.
Price at time of publish: $693
Best Floral Pattern: Reformation Chaylyn Dress
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Size Range: 0-12 | Material: Viscose | Length: Midi
As romantic as your walk down the aisle, this sweet floral dress is a stunning choice for the bride who loves all things cottage-core. Follow the styling lead and dress up your tresses with a matching black ribbon.
Price at time of publish: $278
The 17 Best Tea-Length Wedding Dresses of 2024
Best Allover Lace: ASOS Amelia Cutwork Embroidered Wedding Dress
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Size Range: 0-14 | Material: Polyester | Length: Floor-length
Bohemian brides looking to embody the free-spiritedness of the '70s will love this effortless lace creation featuring bell sleeves, a plunging neckline, and a floor-length silhouette.
Price at time of publish: $279
Best Exaggerated Sleeves: Shona Joy La Lune Backless Maxi Dress
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Size Range: 0-14 | Material: Silk | Length: Floor-length
If you're a '70s, wild child, barefoot kind of bride, we can't think of a better option than this effortlessly cool dress from Shona Joy. Pair it with a simple wildflower posy for a carefree and bohemian bridal vibe.
Price at time of publish: $560
Best for Dancing: Boohoo Petite Fringe Tassel One Shoulder Mini Dress
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Size Range: 0-12 | Material: Polyester | Length: Mini
If your wedding is all about the music and live band, then you need a dance floor-ready dress for the reception and after-party. This flapper-inspired style has tons of movement thanks to its fun and flirty fringe skirt. Complete the look with shoulder-dusting earrings and a bold red lip.
Price at time of publish: $68
Most Renaissance-Inspired: Danielle Frankel Ruby Tulle-Trimmed Wool and Silk-Blend Satin Gown
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Size Range: 0-14 | Material: Silk Wool Satin | Length: Floor-length
Shirred tulle sleeves and a square neckline lends this gown a decidedly Renaissance-era look. An open back adds to the overall allure and romance of this vintage-inspired silhouette.
Price at time of publish: $8,500
Best Slip Dress: Grace Loves Lace Honey Silk Gown
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Size Range: Made to order | Material: Silk | Length: Floor-length
For something simple yet elegant, look no further than this gorgeous gown. You can never go wrong with an impossibly chic slip dress à la Carolyn Bessette. Style yours with a simple blusher or a cathedral-length veil for an utterly timeless look.
Price at time of publish: $3,000
18 Elegant Slip Wedding Dresses for the Minimalist Bride
Best Ruffles: Odylyne the Ceremony Casden Gown
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Size Range: 2-20 | Material: Silk Organza | Length: Floor-length
Crafted from light silk organza and featuring gauzy ruffles and puffed sleeves, this enchanting gown is the embodiment of romance. A strapless fitted bodice accentuates your shape and highlights beautiful shoulders.
Price at time of publish: $3,750
The 26 Best Ruffle Wedding Dresses for the Romantic Bride
Most Unexpected: Daughters of Simone James Lace Two Piece Wedding Dress
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Size Range: XS-5X | Material: Lace | Length: Floor-length
For a look that's totally unique and pays homage to the iconic style of the '70s, opt for this crochet gown. Follow the styling lead and wear yours with your favorite pair of boots and layered jewelry.
Price at time of publish: $2,450
Most Timeless: Reformation Ronda Silk Dress
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Size Range: 0-12 | Material: Silk | Length: Floor-length
We can't help but picture this classic dress at a formal wedding full of glamorous touches. Dazzling statement earrings and a bold lip will make this simple yet elegant look all the more breathtaking.
Price at time of publish: $748
Most Dynamic: The Bar Henri Gown
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Size Range: 00-12 | Material: Nylon, Silk | Length: Maxi
Go for a Gatsby-style aesthetic with this ruffled tulle dress. The sheer chiffon fabric with tiered ivory tulle overlay is eye-catching and fun, while the 100% silk lining will keep you cool and comfortable.
Price at time of publish: $498
Best Details: Watters Mirall Cowl-Neck Button-Slit Satin Sheath Wedding Gown
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Size Range: 0-18W | Material: | Length: Floor-length
This gown is giving classic red carpet glamor, making it perfect for your walk down the aisle. The high-slit adds some sexy Marilyn Monroe-like flair, and the button details going all the way up the dress add an eye-catching touch.
Price at time of publish: $1,995
Most Modest: B by Yolan Cris Macarella Gown
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Size Range: 2-20 | Material: Crepe, Chiffon | Length: Floor-length
For an impossibly chic look, you can't go wrong with this body-skimming gown featuring delicate puff sleeves and a thin waist-cinching belt. We love this full-coverage style for the bride looking for a modest silhouette.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
10 Modest Wedding Dresses for Every Bridal Style
What to Look For in a Vintage-Inspired Wedding Dress
Style inspiration
When shopping for a vintage-inspired wedding dress, consider what decade you’re looking to emulate. For brides obsessed with all things Art Deco, drop waist gowns with graphic beadwork and flapper-inspired dresses with fringe are perfect for a 1920s-themed wedding. Going for a more bohemian vibe? Channel the '70s with bell-sleeve dresses crafted from ethereal lace or go bold with a crushed velvet number. We love the ASOS Amelia Cutwork Embroidered Wedding Dress.
For an '80s-inspired wedding day look, you can't go wrong with mini dresses and pantsuits with shoulder pads or puff sleeves. And for brides who want to travel even further back in time to the Victorian era, ball gowns with corseted bodices, romantic puffed sleeves, ruffled trim, and full skirts should be right up your alley.
Quality
Dresses with a vintage aesthetic require careful construction and expert tailoring. Find a designer or bridal shop that focuses on vintage-style designs such as the B by Yolan Cris Fornells Strapless Gown. If you are looking for a two-piece wedding dress with a vintage feel, consider the high-quality material of the Daughters of Simone James Lace Wedding Dress, which features a full skirt with a front side slit and satin covered buttons. Read customer reviews and consult with designers and bridal salon stylists about the most important dress materials to look for in a long-lasting and beautiful gown.
FAQ
What is a vintage-inspired wedding dress?
A vintage-inspired wedding dress is designed to emulate iconic styles and silhouettes from a certain decade. In addition to the gown, many brides will opt to make their whole wedding theme inspired by a specific period of time.
How can I accessorize my vintage-inspired wedding dress?
This really depends on what decade you choose to embody. For example, the 1920s were all about glamorous headbands and long pearl necklaces, while the 1950s were more about gloves, fascinators, and eye-cat glasses. As with any bridal accessories, it's best to keep them simple so your dress can shine.
What should I wear to a vintage-inspired city hall wedding?
We love tea-length dresses, tailored bridal suits, and boudoir-inspired slip dresses for a more casual courthouse wedding.
Why Trust Brides
Contributing writerSophie Mooreis a former fashion editor at Brides and is an expert in all things bridal attire, from couture wedding gowns to the perfect "something blue" accessory. She researches and sources the best fashion items for brides, grooms, wedding guests, bridal parties, and more.
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