Vintage Bridesmaid Dresses

If you're searching for vintage bridesmaid dresses, there are important things that you need to know. Specialty bridal shops are popular for wedding and bridesmaid dresses, because there are important details, which may be overlooked by department stores or regular clothing shops.

Like a wedding dress, a bridesmaid's dress will require numerous fittings for the perfect fit. A bridesmaid's dress also has to match precisely with the other bridesmaids dresses. Bridal shops specialize in dresses which perform exactly that function, as they usually have a seamstress and order from bridesmaid designers. Designers make styles in batches so that colors match exactly and include extra fabric for alterations.

Another important factor, which bridal shops have is that styles and materials are chosen specifically to match wedding. This means that when you shop for a bridesmaid's dress you can be assured. The material will not clash with the elegance of your wedding. Designers choose specialty polyesters, or silks and chiffon.

While the idea of the vintage bridesmaid dresses may be appealing, there are some factors consider. A vintage dress, purchased at a local vintage shop, will have been used, may not match the other bridesmaids and may not have the extra material for required alterations. However, there are vintage shops which design and make vintage styles.

The good news is there are many websites which specialize in vintage bridal clothing. One such website is unique–vintage.com. It has many unique styles and has even been featured in In Style Magazine, among other magazines. They also have many choices from the 1920s to the 1970s and, best of all, their prices are also reasonable.

Amazon.com has beautiful vintage bridesmaid dress styles, from both the 1950s and 60s. I found one similar to the Marilyn Monroe dress, which was quite pretty, and one very similar to the pinup girl style and at extremely reasonable prices. I've included a link to them in this hub.

When you're looking for cost saving ideas for your wedding, finding lower cost bridesmaid dresses can be a very big help. Be your own wedding planner, you won't need to hire one. Another way to save costs is to barter your bridesmaid services by offering to pay for their dresses. A simple $200 dollars tacked onto your budget. Bridesmaids can do a lot of the extra services a professional wedding planner will do, like confirming vendors, searching for the best prices on your dress etc.

I'm in love with weddings. I love the idea of getting married and everything it stands for and becomes for a woman. Choosing everything to be perfect is an essential part of planning a wedding. Here are some ideas for the perfect vintage themed wedding. I hope they are helpful on your beautiful day.

Flapper – this particular style of dress is fun and flirty. Made popular by the sex symbols of the 1920s, such as Clara Bow, and Joan Crawford, it can also be quite sexy. It may be less expensive to find this type of dress at a costume shop rather than specialty store.

The Drop Waist Dress – while flapper style is the most commonly known vintage dress style from the 1920s, women generally wore the drop waist style dress. The drop waist dress hem stood approximately 14 inches from the ground and the waist was dropped to the hip area, and usually accented by a sash or bow.

1920s style included long pearl necklaces and beads, ringlet curls or a bob cut, Mary Jane shoes and a cloche hat.

The mermaid style dress -- the stress was formfitting through the bust waist and hips and then fell elegantly into soft waves to the floor. Often this style dress was off the shoulder or spaghetti straps. The material used was usually silk or chiffon, but modern-day styles are commonly made of polyester.

The Grecian dress -- the style dress has an empire waist typically adorned in beading and/or sequence and fell to the floor in soft waves. Made of silk or lace this dress was popularized and glamorized by many film actresses at the time.

The Jitterbug dress - introduced in the latter end of the 1940's, this dress was fitted throughout the bodice, tight in the waist and hips with a small ruffle around the hem. Often in bright colors or polka dots, the dress was used for jitterbug dancing which required tight controlled movement of the hips and legs.

1930 styles are the styles of for and soft feminine lines. Bridesmaids dressed in 1930s vintage dresses should be adorned in sequins and glamor. Bridal gowns with leg o mutton sleeves are a perfect fit for this type of vintage bridesmaid dress style.

1940s were the time for big wide brimmed hats, hair nets, long flowing soft curls and buns.

Swing skirts - Form fitted bodice skirt with tight waist and wide skirt, often worn with crinoline underneath. Peter Pan collars, dress shirt tops with short or quarter length fitted sleeves were the norm. Halter necks with peter pan collars were also a big hit. Halter necks are now often referred to as the "pin up" style.

Pencil skirts - Tight form fitting skirts with matching bodice, usually worn with a wide belt.

1950s dresses are extremely fun as they are usually more colorful. Dresses were bright reds and navy blues with white polka dots. Gloves and hats were typical accessories as were pearls and lace.

Many people will think I stopped too soon and should have included the sixties, however, in my view the 60's to the 80's are considered "retro" not really vintage. They belong in a different category unto themselves. Besides I would hate to despoil the beauty and glamor of the 40's and 50's with the hideousness that was the 1980s (really the shoulder pad fashion icon and bubble skirt designer needs to be taken out and shot =P)

You can visit my blog for tons more cheap bridesmaid dresses information.