The Brides Wore Vintage: The Best Archival and Vintage Dresses From the Vogue Weddings Archive
Something old, something new; something borrowed, something blue—so the saying goes. For some brides, the first of those auspicious points might mean securing a pair of antique pearl studs into your ears. But for the daring, it means a 1979 Azzaro gown with exaggerated semi-sheer sleeves—as was the case for Chloe Kernaghan.
For others, like Grace Morton, it means wearing a vintage pink Chanel haute couture skirt set from 1999 to your rehearsal dinner. A scroll back through our Vogue Weddings archives reveals a collection of brides wearing everything from precious couture to thrift store lace slips. The appeal? A bride not only gets to exhibit her fashion prowess with an archival IYKYK piece, but she can also almost guarantee that no other bride will be in her dress.
Though a vintage wedding dress comes with strings attached—there might be repairs, unalterable elements, or imperfections due to age, the upside is endless. “Thanks, it's vintage” feels utterly cooler when it’s said on your wedding day.
Below, a look back at some of our favorite Vogue Weddings brides who wore vintage wedding dresses to tie the knot.
Photo: Elena Stanton1/20Caroline Margaret Day wore exclusively vintage to her wedding at Rosecliff Mansion in Newport Rhodes Island. See the full wedding here.
Photo: Elena Stanton2/20"When I saw my dress, I knew it was perfect—it was the only thing I found that made sense in such a grand space,” says the bride of the gown, which featured lace appliqué.
Photo: Jose Villa3/20For her backyard wedding in Los Angeles, actor Kat Dennings wore a vintage dress by Alexander McQueen. See the full wedding here.
Photo: Jose Villa4/20The ivory-hued dress featured lace all over with a peplum detail.
Photo: Chris Lensz5/20For her wedding at Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire, Tish Weinstock wore several vintage looks—here, an antique lace gown and veil by Jane Bourvis. See the full wedding here.
