Where to Buy Stunning Vintage Wedding Dresses: Top Shops & Online Stores

Finding the perfect vintage wedding dress can feel like a treasure hunt. Whether you’re drawn to the classic elegance of the 1920s, the glamour of the 1950s, or the bohemian flair of the 1970s, there’s a vintage wedding dress out there that suits your style. The key is knowing where to look. To help you on your journey to find a stunning vintage wedding dress, we’ve rounded up the top shops and online stores that specialize in these timeless pieces.

1. BHLDN

Why It’s Great for Vintage Wedding Dresses: BHLDN, Anthropologie’s wedding brand, offers a stunning selection of vintage-inspired wedding dresses that combine old-world charm with modern elegance. While they don’t exclusively carry true vintage pieces, their curated collection includes gowns that channel vintage aesthetics, with beautiful lace, silk, and romantic silhouettes reminiscent of past decades.

Where to Find It:

• Website: BHLDN

• Locations: Available at select Anthropologie stores

What to Expect:

• A wide range of vintage-inspired wedding dresses.

• Collections that evoke timeless elegance with modern twists.

• Affordable pricing options for brides on a budget.

2. Vintage Wedding Dress Shops in Your Area

Why It’s Great for Vintage Wedding Dresses: For those who prefer to see and try on vintage wedding dresses in person, local vintage bridal shops are often a hidden gem. Many cities and towns have dedicated vintage bridal boutiques where you can find authentic, pre-loved wedding gowns. These shops are often staffed by experts who can help you find a dress that matches both your size and style preferences.

Where to Find It:

• Search online for local vintage wedding dress shops.

• Ask for recommendations from wedding planners or bridal bloggers in your area.

What to Expect:

• A curated selection of authentic vintage gowns from various eras.

• The opportunity to try on dresses in person.

• Expert advice from knowledgeable staff.

3. PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com

Why It’s Great for Vintage Wedding Dresses: PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com is one of the best online platforms for buying second-hand wedding dresses, including vintage gowns. Brides can search through a huge database of dresses from various time periods, including true vintage pieces from the 1920s to the 1990s. It’s a fantastic resource for finding both high-end designer vintage dresses and more budget-friendly options.

Where to Find It:

• Website: PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com

What to Expect:

• An extensive collection of vintage wedding dresses from different eras.

• Dresses from both well-known designers and independent brands.

• A community of brides selling their gently used dresses, offering a chance to get your dream gown for a fraction of the original price.

4. Etsy

Why It’s Great for Vintage Wedding Dresses: Etsy is an online marketplace known for its handmade, vintage, and one-of-a-kind items. If you’re searching for a truly unique vintage wedding dress, Etsy is an excellent place to find it. With a wide range of sellers offering everything from antique lace gowns to 1970s boho dresses, Etsy allows you to filter by your preferred decade, style, and fabric.

Where to Find It:

• Website: Etsy Wedding Dresses

What to Expect:

• A huge variety of true vintage and vintage-inspired wedding dresses.

• Customization options with many sellers offering tailoring or alterations.

• An opportunity to support independent designers and vintage shop owners.

5. Love My Dress

Why It’s Great for Vintage Wedding Dresses: Love My Dress is an online bridal store that specializes in vintage, bohemian, and alternative wedding dresses. This site offers a curated collection of gowns from different eras, and many of the dresses are either pre-loved or handmade with vintage-inspired designs. It’s the perfect destination for brides seeking something non-traditional or deeply nostalgic.

Where to Find It:

• Website: Love My Dress

What to Expect:

• A focus on vintage, boho, and alternative styles.

• A wide range of pre-loved wedding dresses from various time periods.

• Detailed information about each dress’s history and craftsmanship.

6. The RealReal

Why It’s Great for Vintage Wedding Dresses: The RealReal is a luxury resale site that offers authenticated pre-owned designer wedding dresses, including many vintage pieces. If you’re searching for a high-end designer gown from brands like Chanel, Valentino, or Oscar de la Renta, this site is an excellent place to browse. Each dress is thoroughly inspected for authenticity, so you can shop with confidence.

Where to Find It:

• Website: The RealReal

What to Expect:

• Authentic vintage designer wedding dresses.

• An easy-to-navigate platform with detailed listings and photos.

• Competitive pricing on luxury wedding gowns.

7. Recycled Bride

Why It’s Great for Vintage Wedding Dresses: Recycled Bride is a great option for brides who want to buy a sustainable vintage wedding dress at a reasonable price. This online marketplace specializes in pre-owned wedding dresses, many of which are vintage. The site’s goal is to provide a platform where brides can resell their wedding gowns, making it a fantastic resource for finding authentic, second-hand vintage dresses.

Where to Find It:

• Website: Recycled Bride

What to Expect:

• A curated selection of gently used vintage wedding dresses.

• Dresses from a wide variety of price ranges and designers.

• A chance to sell your dress after your big day, promoting sustainability.

8. Shabby Chic Bridal

Why It’s Great for Vintage Wedding Dresses: Shabby Chic Bridal is an online boutique that specializes in vintage-inspired and second-hand wedding gowns. Many of the dresses in their collection come from past seasons, with styles dating back decades. This store is perfect for brides looking for a combination of classic vintage designs with modern-day convenience.

Where to Find It:

• Website: Shabby Chic Bridal

What to Expect:

• A mix of true vintage and vintage-inspired dresses.

• A selection of dresses at varying price points.

• Customization and alteration options available for some gowns.

9. What’s Happening: Vintage Bridal

Why It’s Great for Vintage Wedding Dresses: What’s Happening: Vintage Bridal offers a beautiful selection of carefully curated wedding dresses from past decades, as well as accessories to complement them. This UK-based store specializes in original vintage gowns from the 1940s to the 1980s, ensuring you find a dress with both character and history.

Where to Find It:

• Website: What’s Happening: Vintage Bridal

What to Expect:

• A curated selection of authentic vintage wedding dresses.

• Dresses from various eras, including the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s.

• The option to have your dress tailored for a perfect fit.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect vintage wedding dress is an exciting journey, and with these top shops and online stores, you have access to some of the best places to hunt for your dream gown. Whether you’re looking for a unique, one-of-a-kind vintage find or a contemporary take on a classic style, these stores offer a wealth of options that are sure to make your wedding day even more memorable. Happy dress hunting!