Updating a vintage or heirloom Wedding Gown is a special, eco friendly option. We have redesigned countless bride’s grandmothers, mothers, close family members, and other vintage gowns. Adapting a vintage gown is an affordable way to have the gown of your dreams. We have included lots of info below that you need to know about using your heirloom gown… enjoy!
Julia's Mother's gown, altered and with added dyed blue alencon lace sash and heirloom hat.
IDEAS TO MODERNIZE:
We love getting creative and problem solving to transform your vintage gown into the dress of your dreams! Removing a high neck and sleeves can instantly lighten up a too-modest gown. When taking a gown that has sleeves or straps to a strapless design- we’ll need to add boning, lining, and inner gown support to hold up the dress. Adding a low scoop, V-back, or Keyhole Back can add drama to the back of a vintage gown. Making a long gown short and shortening a long train are perfect ways to take a dated gown into stylish one. Also, adding a sash at the waist, or colored tulle under the gown are fun ways to add some snap.
If you want to leave it as it is, that’s great too, just be sure to let us know when things you are willing to change!
Brooke's re-created 1950's vintage wedding gown.
VINTAGE GOWNS- The Good, Bad, and Ugly:
Not all vintage gowns are suitable for redesign. Some fabrics (like silk satin) are unable to be let out due to the stitch marks that would be left in the fabric. Vintage lace is almost always usable as a trim on a new gown if the body of the existing gown does not work. Watch out for lace with glued on beads (thanks, 70′s) as the glue sometimes ages to ugly brown spots.
Added red lace-up back on Jennifer's Grandmother's 50's wedding gown
If a gown is too tight on you, adding a lace-up back can extend the gown size. But sometimes, your desired dream dress is not compatible with the limits of the vintage gown… and if that’s the case don’t fret, we can always make you a custom gown!
USING COMPONENTS OF A VINTAGE GOWN IN A CUSTOM DRESS:
Consider combining lace and fabrics from various family members gowns for an extra special trimming on your wedding dress. Buttons down the back and on the sleeves can be used down the back zipper of your gown… it’s in the details, ladies!
PURCHASING A VINTAGE GOWN:
If you are purchasing a vintage gown to wear, consider fabric quality and the lace present. Find a fabric of a good quality- avoid scratchy, rough polyester (typically found in gowns from the 1970’s). Great fabrics are chiffon, organza, lace, and cotton eyelet.
Tiffany's gown was created from a the skirt of a vintage prom dress, that we dropped down and added a mermaid underdress, new bodice, and shoulder strap.
VEILS & HAIR PIECES:
Vintage veils can also be altered- removing caps and hats attached to the veil modernize the look, as well as shortening long lace veils. Using components of vintage hats on combs can be added to fascinators and birdcage veils for a fresh look. Pieces from the vintage gown can be used to create a hair flower fascinator.
CONSULTATIONS AND PROCESS:
Heirloom gown fittings must be done in person. Expect the first design consultation and pinning to be followed by two more fittings. After or during the consultation, we will let you know the itemized cost of the work we are going to the gown. Half down is required to begin work, and the other half upon completion. Scraps of heirloom gowns will be saved.
Email janay@janay-a.com to set up your consultation today!
Modernizing your Heirloom Gown
Updating a vintage or heirloom Wedding Gown is a special, eco friendly option. We have redesigned countless bride’s grandmothers, mothers, close family members, and other vintage gowns. Adapting a vintage gown is an affordable way to have the gown of your dreams. We have included lots of info below that you need to know about using your heirloom gown… enjoy!
Julia's Mother's gown, altered and with added dyed blue alencon lace sash and heirloom hat.
IDEAS TO MODERNIZE:
We love getting creative and problem solving to transform your vintage gown into the dress of your dreams! Removing a high neck and sleeves can instantly lighten up a too-modest gown. When taking a gown that has sleeves or straps to a strapless design- we’ll need to add boning, lining, and inner gown support to hold up the dress. Adding a low scoop, V-back, or Keyhole Back can add drama to the back of a vintage gown. Making a long gown short and shortening a long train are perfect ways to take a dated gown into stylish one. Also, adding a sash at the waist, or colored tulle under the gown are fun ways to add some snap.
If you want to leave it as it is, that’s great too, just be sure to let us know when things you are willing to change!
Brooke's re-created 1950's vintage wedding gown.
VINTAGE GOWNS- The Good, Bad, and Ugly:
Not all vintage gowns are suitable for redesign. Some fabrics (like silk satin) are unable to be let out due to the stitch marks that would be left in the fabric. Vintage lace is almost always usable as a trim on a new gown if the body of the existing gown does not work. Watch out for lace with glued on beads (thanks, 70′s) as the glue sometimes ages to ugly brown spots.
Added red lace-up back on Jennifer's Grandmother's 50's wedding gown
If a gown is too tight on you, adding a lace-up back can extend the gown size. But sometimes, your desired dream dress is not compatible with the limits of the vintage gown… and if that’s the case don’t fret, we can always make you a custom gown!
USING COMPONENTS OF A VINTAGE GOWN IN A CUSTOM DRESS:
Consider combining lace and fabrics from various family members gowns for an extra special trimming on your wedding dress. Buttons down the back and on the sleeves can be used down the back zipper of your gown… it’s in the details, ladies!
PURCHASING A VINTAGE GOWN:
If you are purchasing a vintage gown to wear, consider fabric quality and the lace present. Find a fabric of a good quality- avoid scratchy, rough polyester (typically found in gowns from the 1970’s). Great fabrics are chiffon, organza, lace, and cotton eyelet.
Tiffany's gown was created from a the skirt of a vintage prom dress, that we dropped down and added a mermaid underdress, new bodice, and shoulder strap.
VEILS & HAIR PIECES:
Vintage veils can also be altered- removing caps and hats attached to the veil modernize the look, as well as shortening long lace veils. Using components of vintage hats on combs can be added to fascinators and birdcage veils for a fresh look. Pieces from the vintage gown can be used to create a hair flower fascinator.
CONSULTATIONS AND PROCESS:
Heirloom gown fittings must be done in person. Expect the first design consultation and pinning to be followed by two more fittings. After or during the consultation, we will let you know the itemized cost of the work we are going to the gown. Half down is required to begin work, and the other half upon completion. Scraps of heirloom gowns will be saved.
Email janay@janay-a.com to set up your consultation today!