WHEN you’re getting married, you have to have that special dress, something that you’ll remember for all the right reasons.

A vintage dress can be just the ticket, but it can be a bit hit and miss — after all vintage doesn’t always mean vintage.

If you learn one thing when trying to source vintage fashion pieces it’s that not everything you see is vintage and the word can be bandied about rather freely without being true at all.

If an item is vintage then it should be at least 25 years old.

However, when it comes to bridal wear there are some sellers that class anything that’s from last season as vintage, so buyers beware!

Once you have established that the dress is truly vintage, there are some other factors to consider too.

  • Size: what is a size 10 now may not have been a 10 all those years ago.
  • Condition: Is there any staining or damage? If so can it be remedied?
  • Alterations: does it need taking in or out and if so, is the fabric robust enough to sustain such changes?

If you’ve considered all this and still want to go ahead then, yes, vintage wedding dresses can be the perfect choice.

A one-off vintage piece can be an attractive option for many reasons; an obvious one is that it’s an original, there won’t be anyone else wearing the same dress.

You can also pick a dress from any one of fashion’s most exciting decades that takes your fancy.

It’s a good idea to take a look online and decide, if you haven’t already, which era you like, what you think will suit your body frame and take it from there.

Naturally, you will want to visit the shop to see the dress in person and to try it on.

A one-off dress can also sell quickly and by the time you arrive, it’s gone.

Calling first is always a wise move. A vintage wedding dress is often a more purse friendly option too – on average, vintage wedding dresses are priced between £200 and £500.

If you’re thinking of going down the vintage wedding route then tread carefully, but don’t let it put you off finding that perfect dress.

Whether it’s 1950s glamour or 1970s boho, it is out there just waiting to be discovered.