Although most of our wedding concentration has gone to the country theme, I do love looking at old wedding pictures. There is just something about the ever so long trains, lace gowns and over the top flower arrangements. And if you have the time and are adventurous, a vintage gown can prove to be a lovely look. Because many of these gowns date back fifty or more years, taking the time to find a reputable vintage gown specialist will be worth your time. While small imperfections can be remedied by a good seamstress, a dark stain will be more of a challenge to deal with. You will also be faced with the sizes that are available. There is no ordering. So the gown you fall in love with may have been once owned by a very petite woman. The moral to this story is when looking for the perfect vintage dress you will have to stay a bit flexible. 
I would do a little homework ahead of time and browse through some books or the Internet and see if there is a particular time in fashion history that you are drawn. You might like the high necklines of the Victorian era or the capes of the fifties. While this is not completely necessary, it might prevent you from being completely overwhelmed in your future dress shopping.
Then there is the old issue of wearing your grandmother's dress or great aunt's (your mother's wedding dress would not yet be considered "vintage"- thank God!!) I remember more than one friend of mine slipping on her relative's dress for her big day and looking less than thrilled. Your wedding day has a lot to do with the dress...you are suppose to feel like a princess...so please don't get railroaded into wearing something that is anything short of princess like.
And mothers...unless you are a whiz with a needle, do not attempt to make your daughter's gown. There will be enough to fight over. Just looking at this pattern makes me feel old because I know the younger generation won't even know what it is. 
I would love to see vintage dresses that were worn by you or your loved ones....please submit them so we can put them in our future blogs. Happy Shopping. Deborah Stilettoswww.MyDaughterIsGettingMarried.com
