| The timeless, classic appeal of antique wedding | | | | details of the garment before purchasing to avoid the |
| dresses is unrivaled despite the endless number of | | | | need for costly returns, especially if you're shopping |
| different types and styles of bridal gowns available | | | | online as not all merchants offer free shipping for |
| today. Women of all ages and from all walks of life | | | | returning items. |
| appreciate the uniqueness and sheer beauty of a | | | | When buying used, old wedding dresses, brides-to-be |
| genuine old wedding dress, and especially one that has | | | | should keep in mind the additional costs of any |
| been passed down from one generation to the next. | | | | necessary alterations or repairs in order to stay within |
| The fine craftsmanship and incredible details of most | | | | their budgets. The cost for cleaning and preserving an |
| all antique wedding dresses is simply amazing with | | | | older wedding dress may also be higher due to the |
| many modern designers now mimicking the vintage | | | | delicateness of the aged fabric. |
| style of days gone by. However, to get the same | | | | If authentic, antique wedding dresses simply aren't a |
| quality of a true antique wedding dress you will more | | | | part of your budget, consider a vintage inspired gown |
| than likely pay handsomely for the privilege. | | | | of a favored time period such as the Renaissance or |
| Finding the Perfect Antique Wedding Dress | | | | the early 1900s. |
| When buying something like a wedding dress, and one | | | | Cleaning and Preserving Your Antique Wedding Gown |
| that's been previously worn, there are several factors | | | | True old wedding dresses will require a certain amount |
| to first consider, mainly the overall condition of the | | | | of special care when it comes to the important |
| gown itself. Fabric deterioration should be your primary | | | | matters of cleaning and preserving. The cleaning |
| concern as many types of fabrics including silk will | | | | process involved will depend upon the type of fabric |
| weaken over the years, and intricate beading, | | | | used and how old the dress actually is. Fabric should |
| embroidery, and lacework may all suffer from the | | | | be treated to prevent yellowing and the gown should |
| ravages of time, even more so if the dress is not | | | | be wrapped and protected with either museum-quality |
| stored and cared for properly. | | | | muslin or PH-balanced, acid-free tissue paper before |
| Besides inheriting one from your mother, grandmother, | | | | being stored correctly. |
| or future mother-in-law, there are several other places | | | | To keep vintage wedding ensembles looking their |
| to find the perfect old wedding dress. Antique shops, | | | | absolute best, keep boxes flat in an area with no |
| thrift stores, consignment shops, and second-hand | | | | sunlight and moderate humidity and temperature levels, |
| clothing stores often have a number of buried | | | | which means away from the attic, basement, or the |
| treasures unadvertised and hidden behind their walls. | | | | bathroom closet. |
| Antique wedding gowns can also often be found for | | | | To be sure an old wedding dress doesn't lose its |
| reasonable prices at online auction sites or through | | | | elegant appearance or quality it's highly recommended |
| online retailers of vintage clothing. Remember the sizes | | | | to check the dress once each year just to see if |
| of old wedding dresses will vary greatly, not unlike | | | | everything is as it should be, giving you many more |
| those that are made and sold today, and will usually | | | | years of beauty. |
| run small. Know your exact measurements and the full | | | | |