We are pretty deep into wedding season right now, and my TikTok has been flooded with wedding content. I love it! One trend that I have been seeing more than ever (thanks to social media, not because it hasn’t been happening) is incorporating vintage wedding dresses into your wedding. Most of these dresses are the brides’ moms’ (or grandmothers’) dress, but this could be done with any family members’ outfit, or just a beautiful gown you found at Goodwill. Today I wanted to share with you a few ideas of what to do if a vintage gown happens to land in your wedding wardrobe:

1. Tailor it to you and wear it proudly!

Almost 35 years ago, my mom wore her moms’ wedding dress. She changed the fitted sleeves to puffy sleeves and opened up the neckline which I questioned my whole life until looking at bridal trends while planning my own wedding. I never believed that huge sleeves and satin dresses could be so popular, but here we are again. Take the wedding dress that was given to you and don’t be afraid (with permission of course) to make it your own! This can also apply to a veil or other wedding looks/accessories.

2. shorten it

Take the sentimental vintage dress and shorten it to wear for your bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, or reception look! This is such a great way of including a special piece from a family member’s wedding day while having your wedding day be about creating memories of your own.

3. Add a slit and party all night!

Sort of the same idea as shortening, but with any vintage dress you may have, never forget you may have the option of adding a slit and turning it into your reception/after party dress! You’ll typically be able to create a slit if the dress is fitted and is there’s a seam somewhere in the front or it’s a ballgown/A-line silhouette with the extra fabric you need. By using this option you will have entered into marriage with your something new, but you’re celebrating your marriage with memories of the past.

4. Use just a little something

If you don’t want to wear the dress as is, or if it’s too damaged and fragile to wear, you can take pieces of the dress (like lace appliqué) and include it into your wedding day. Depending on how much lace you have, it can be added to the waist, bodice, sleeves or hemline. Other fabrics can be used to create sleeves, bolero/cropped jacket, or shawl. A big way would be to use the lace for your veil, and a small way would be to sew a piece of that dress to the inside lining of your dress, or make it a part of the flower girls’ dress. You could also wrap your bouquet in fabric, or use some of the fabric as a pocket square (if you or your fiance are wearing a suit)!

Save this post and use it as a reminder to preserve your wedding dress! Even if you choose not to use any of these ideas on your wedding day, a family member 20-50 years down the line might and I know they would appreciate you putting in that extra effort. Looking to have a custom gown designed? Let’s chat! Just click here.

Happy dressing!

Lauren Allen, Author

Lauren is a bridal consultant and self-published author, with a background in celebrity styling and bridal make up artistry. You can find her with an oat milk cappuccino in the morning, and a glass of Cabernet at night, her real passions. Lauren is based in Kansas CIty and her book “How to Be 23” can be found here

Hi ya’ll, Sam here 👋🏼

As someone with a degree in fashion design, fabric talk comes second nature to me. But for the other 95% of the non-industry population, I might as well be speaking like the Minions from ‘Despicable Me’. Fabric selection can (and should) make all the difference to the outfit you pick for your wedding. Especially if you know your venue location will have an extreme type of weather or you’re hoping for specific design details.

I know that bridal fabrics can be super overwhelming and confusing, particularly when you don’t even know how to describe it. So let’s go over a few of the basics you’ll see across the board while shopping for your wedding look(s):

Quick note: natural fabrics (such as cotton, silk, etc) always have a synthetic alternative. Sometimes you won’t notice and sometimes it makes ALL the difference. Just something to keep in mind while you shop!

1. Satin

Satin is a classic, smooth fabric that tends to be thicker and comes in either matte or shiny. This makes for beautiful, elaborate ballgowns and it can handle the weight of crystals if you’re going for a more embellished look. If you’re aiming for a non-embellished and more “architectural” feel, then this also works amazing for big bows and deep pleats. Due to it’s “thicker” nature, this fabric is best for cooler environments and not your beachside wedding.

Pairs well with: ballroom venues

2. Micado

Micado is often confused for satin, but its major difference is the texture. Satin is smooth while micado has a “twill” texture to it (aka more woven and has a diagonal grain). However, like satin, micado is a beautiful fabric that is more thick and typically made of silk. Therefore, it’s not great for super hot environments. It’s great for structured gowns and can come with a shiny or matte finish. Certain types of micados are super stretchy so this could be a great option if you’re going for something super tight and form-fitting. You usually won’t see micado gowns embellished, the texture is gorgeous on it’s own!

Pairs well with: estate or chateau venues

3. crepe

Yes, it’s the same spelling as the delicious French stuffed pancakes, no it is not pronounced the same (but that’s a different story). Crepe is a medium thick fabric that is opaque, but does not hold structure very well. You can find it on its own, but most designers like to pair it with lace. It’s perfect for fit and flare/trumpet dresses and makes an incredible long train if that’s your style. It does have a slight texture to it, but it’s very matte. Depending on its makeup, crepe can either be stretchy or slightly more stiff. It’s also become a very popular option for bridesmaid dresses.

Pairs well with: chic city venues

4. Tulle

Want to look like a princess on your wedding day? Tulle is your go-to. This fabric does come in a few different mediums, but the most popular is made of nylon (or silk if you want to be fancy and spend a lot of money) and is what veils are made of. For quality purposes, I would not recommend the polyester version. Tulle is a sheer netting and can snag easily, but it’s edges won’t fray so it can just be cut and done! If you’re looking for it as part of your gown, this will typically be the skirt portion, although there are some gorgeous full tulle options out there. The bigger the skirt, the more “classic princess” you’re going to look. If you’re going for more subtle, then a few layers over the lining or an overskirt will give you a truly romantic, ethereal vibe.

Pairs well with: garden venues

5. chiffon

One of the most popular evening fabrics, chiffon is a semi sheer and very light fabric. Tulle and chiffon have the least amount of structure out of any fabric you’ll come across and always requires lining (unless see-through is your goal). It breathes well which makes for a great beach outfit. Due to its lightweight nature, it can’t really hold heavy embellishments on its own, so that’s usually why you’ll find crystals or beading on the bodice. It’s usually not stretchy so just letting it drape and be its natural, flowy self is best. Chiffon is also the most used fabric for bridesmaid gowns and comes in a ton of different colors.

Pairs well with: tropical venues

6. Lace

Lace is more of a fabric embellishment (?), but we’ll dive in: lace is usually made of cotton which is twisted and knotted into various designs and also comes in many different thicknesses. These terms all have French names and the ones you will typically see in the wedding world are called “alencon” (pronounced Ah-Lon-Sawn) and “chantilly”. Alencon is more textured and has cording woven into the design. Chantilly is light and delicate, and can come with little “eyelash” edges. If a gown is fully lace, there will be lining underneath (unless shear is your thing then you do you). Lace is a great way to bring interest to sleeves, hems, and necklines without shine or beading (the looks that go ALL OUT with have both!). Lace is also very popular on the edge of veils and the best factories are in England, France, and Italy. It can come in full yards, like any other fabric, or just as a trim.

Pairs well with: any venue!

7. embellishments

Ok, I know this isn’t a “fabric” per-say, but it is a topic that many people get confused about so let’s clarify a few fashion terms:

• Sequins: those flat or slightly concave shiny plastic tiny “discs” that are sewn through a hole in the center. They can make a fabric shiny without beading or crystals.

• Beading: beads come in many (MANY) forms, but when it comes to bridal, you’ll usually see them in white, ivory, clear, or silver (or gold). A full beaded gown may be heavy, but they’re great for making beautiful designs.

• Crystals: also can be called “rhinestones”, these gems usually have prongs (like jewelry) and, again, can come in many sizes. Typically you won’t see them in color, but to each their own. Crystals are what make up most wedding belts and sashes.

At the end of the day, if you’re getting confused in the world of wedding fabrics, just ask your stylist or seamstress. They work with these fabrics ALL DAY and can usually answer any question you may have. But, I hope this guide helps you feel a bit more informed when going on your shopping adventures. Looking to have a custom gown designed? Let’s chat! Just click here.

Happy planning!

Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn