What is a vintage-inspired wedding dress?

A vintage-inspired wedding dress is designed to emulate iconic styles and silhouettes from a certain decade.

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 glamourous headbands and long pearl necklaces, while the 1950s were more about gloves, fascinators, and eye-cat glasses.

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 courthouse wedding .

18 Best Vintage-Inspired Wedding Dresses of 2023

vintage real wedding — PHOTO BY ROBIN HARPER

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, read on for the best vintage-inspired wedding dresses to suit all retro aesthetics.

Our Top Picks

Best Tea-Length Silhouette:

Amsale Mikado A-Line Dress at Amsale.com

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Best Allover Lace:

ASOS EDITION Abigail Kimono Sleeve Lace Wedding Dress at Asos

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Most Elegant Silhouette:

Nouvelle Amsale Gavin Gown at Amsale.com

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Best Exaggerated Sleeves:

Shona Joy La Lune Backless Maxi Dress at Shonajoy.com

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Best for Dancing:

Hutch One-Shoulder Fringed Mini Dress at Anthropologie

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Most Feminine:

Catherine Deane Lita Gown at Bhldn

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Most Renaissance-Inspired:

Danielle Frankel Wedding Dress at Daniellefrankelstudio.com

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Best Floral Pattern:

Reformation Chaylyn Dress at Reformation

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Best Back:

Reformation Alani Silk Dress at Reformation

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Best Short Dress:

Lela Rose The Positano at Lelarose.com

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Brides

Courtesy of Amsale

View On Amsale.com

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 with matching block sandals and a colorful clutch for an unexpected touch.

Price at time of publish: $695

Courtesy of ASOS

View On Asos

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: $225

Courtesy of Nouvelle Amsale

View On Amsale.com

This fluid satin dress is beyond gorgeous for the bride looking for understated sexiness. Pin-thin straps give way to a soft cowl-back with embroidery details, for a silhouette that's both timeless and elegant.

Price at time of publish: $1,495

Courtesy of Shona Joy

View On Shonajoy.com

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 with a simple wildflower posy for a carefree and bohemian vibe.

Price at time of publish: $560

Courtesy of Anthropologie

View On Anthropologie

If your wedding is all about the music and live band, then you need a dancefloor-ready dress. 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: $220

Courtesy of BHLDN

View On Bhldn

Details like pearl-trimmed charmeuse, delicate lace sleeves, and a modest neckline, make this vintage-inspired dress an especially fitting choice for the bride who loves all things, Downton Abbey.

Price at time of publish: $1,950

tulle-trimmed wool and silk-blend satin gown

Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

View On Daniellefrankelstudio.com

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

Courtesy of Reformation

View On Reformation

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

View On Reformation

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

Courtesy of Lela Rose

View On Lelarose.com

This pleated, point d’esprit tulle mini dress is fun and flirty, and moves when you move. A sculptural flower adds an element of romance and whimsy to this playful frock.

Price at time of publish: Must inquire for price

Courtesy of Grace Loves Lace

View On Graceloveslace.com

You can never go wrong with an impossibly chic slip dress à la Carolyn Bessette. Style yours with a simple blusher, or cathedral-length veil for an utterly timeless look.

Price at time of publish: $2,700

Courtesy of Matchesfashion

View On Matchesfashion.com

We can't help but picture this 1940s-inspired dress at a formal wedding full of glamourous touches. Dazzling statement earrings and a bold lip will make this look all the more breathtaking.

Price at time of publish: $7,200

Courtesy of Yolan Cris

View On Yolancris.com

This stunning strapless gown was designed with vintage touches of the '30s and '70s motifs, and pairs beautifully with a woven boater hat and birdcage veil.

Price at time of publish: Must inquire for price

Courtesy of Odylyne the Ceremony

View On Odylynetheceremony.com

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

View On Moniquelhuillier.com

This floral ball gown looks like it stepped right out of a Renaissance painting. If you're drawn to the beauty of the English countryside, then this garden-inspired gown should definitely suit your romantic aesthetic.

Price at time of publish: Must inquire for price

Daughters of Simone

View On Daughtersofsimone.com

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

Courtesy of Yolan Cris

View On Yolancris.com

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: Must inquire for price

Courtesy of BHLDN

View On Bhldn

If your style icon is Stevie Nicks then you can't go wrong with this '70s-inspired wedding gown. Keep makeup simple and add a fresh or faux floral crown to complete bohemian your look.

Price at time of publish: $1,495

What to Look For in a Vintage-Inspired Wedding Dress

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. 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.

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.
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 glamourous headbands and long pearl necklaces, while the 1950s were more about gloves, fascinators, and eye-cat glasses.
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 courthouse wedding.

Why Trust Brides

Contributing writer Sophie Moore is 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.

Wedding Dresses Inspired by Princess Beatrice's Vintage Gown