by Meadow Lark

Created on: October 05, 2008

Buying a vintage wedding dress may sound like a romantic adventure, but if you become frustrated with your search, your adventure may become more of a nightmare than a dream come true.

If you live in a major metropolis, and you are not in a hurry to find a wedding dress, be sure to visit a few estate sales on the weekend. You never know what you might find. You might get lucky. Your odds will improve, however, if you begin to look on the Internet.

Your first Internet stop should be www.vintagefashionguild.org. People who know a thing or two about any type of vintage clothing will be familiar with this wonderful website. There are tips, blogs, forums and several vintage clothing dealers listed. You can also look up the history of specific designers. The label resource area of this website is extremely helpful to anyone interested in vintage garments.

Two other websites that are among my favorites are www.caraleescloset.com and www.woodlandfarmsantiques.com. The owners of each of these businesses are women with a strong history in textiles, design and vintage clothing. They are reputable and very fair. You will not be disappointed with any item they sell. If you let dealers, such as these, know what type of wedding dress you are looking for, it will help them contemplate their extensive inventory.

If you happen to find a vintage wedding dress on www.ebay.com, do not let a small hole or zipper malfunction deny you of a dress that you love. A creative seamstress or favorite aunt may know some tricks to hide tiny specks or holes. After all, every wedding dress could use a small embellishment tastefully placed. If you have a talented seamstress or know a bit about sewing yourself, the dress can also be altered or zipper replaced. However, if you are a size 18, you will want to be realistic and not ask your seamstress to make a size 6 dress fit you within a month. It would not be fair to either of you.

Most vintage dresses, especially wedding dresses, are in smaller sizes. Decades ago there were no fast food restaurants or easily attainable greasy foods, as we have today. Of course, most brides-to-be don't mind losing a few pounds to fit into a dress they have chosen for their special day. Find a dress that flatters your figure and your skin tone, and it will make you feel like the princess you deserve to be.

Knowing the right direction to begin any new adventure is vastly important. Many brides of the past found their husbands when they traveled by covered wagon, but ourworld is vastly different today. We can travel by plane from Dallas to Paris in approximately twelve hours. The common thread that we share with our great-grandmothers, however, is that every bride hopes for a wonderful future with her new husband. She also wants to feel like Cinderella as she looks into his eyes at the altar.

Enjoy your adventure and your sweetheart. As you do that, relax and go shopping, ladies!

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