wear something old to new
carry the memories
sweetli tt le touches
page 87 X metropolitan weddings
X WINTER / SPRING 2025
EMILY ' S STUNNING GETTING READY ENSEMBLE WAS REPURPOSED FROM HER MOTHER ' S WEDDING GOWN , BEAUTIFULLY THREADING GENERATIONS OF FAMILY TOGETHER .
This sentimental , retro trend gets a thumbs up for many reasons . By altering a special vintage gown , it breathes a whole new life into a dress , giving it a fresh , fun and current look that can be tailored to your style , body type and preference . This allows you to wear something that is truly unique , full of tradition and meaning , plus you do not have to start from scratch ! Break it down and repurpose bits and pieces like the fabric , the lace , the beading into something that is modern and represents you ! The options are endless !
wear something old to new
Many brides are repurposing their hand-me-down gown as a mini-dress to wear for a rehearsal dinner or after-party outfit . With the help of a tailor or alterations expert , you can create a whole new outfit that will flatter your figure and suit your current style . Alter the hemline - from a floor length ball gown to an above-the-knee party dress . Remove the sleeves for an off-the-shoulder modern look or a sexy , strapless cocktail dress . Swap the train from a long , heavy one to a shorter , frolicking fun train . All of these options can elevate the vintage gown into something more youthful and sexy .
Who says it has to be a dress ? Another alteration option might be to remake it into a romper , a jacket , a two-piece skirt set or even a pant suit . Some brides use these heirloom gowns to make a “ getting ready robe .” Think out of the box ! It does not have to be remade into a traditional wedding gown , it can be repurposed into something uniquely for you !
carry the memories
You do not have to alter the gown to a garment that you wear either . A seamstress can use this fabric to make almost anything ! Many vintage dresses have beautiful antique lace or beadwork incorporated into the fabric . A tailor can take this part of the dress and make something unique just for you !
Take a part of the fabric and make a ring bearer ’ s pillow . Just be sure to include a way to tie down those precious wedding bands if little hands are carrying it down the aisle . Some ribbons to tie down the rings or loop with a snap to secure the wedding bands can save the day from disaster !
Catch all those happy tears at your wedding with handkerchiefs made from the fabric of your mom ’ s wedding gown . Bonus points if you embroider both her wedding date and yours on this sweet square of love ! What a treasure to continue passing on to future generations .
Wrap your bouquet with a ribbon of fabric and lace from the heirloom gown . No sewing machine needed ! You can trim a long strip of fabric from the dress . Make sure it is long enough to wrap those stems and either tie or secure with pins , hot glue or florist tape .
sweetli tt le touches
Little flower girls need adornments too ! Depending on how much fabric you have to work with , a seamstress can sew a complete dress , or use parts of the vintage gown to create sweet memories on the girl ' s frocks - maybe some lace cuffs on sleeves or a sweet collar . Or wrap the baskets the girls are carrying with a ribbon made from the heirloom piece .
Don ’ t forget about the groom ! Maybe it is his mother you want to honor . How about a pocket square tucked into his suit made from her dress ? Or give him a handkerchief to carry made from the fabric of his mother ’ s wedding gown . He will certainly need it when he is overwhelmed with emotion seeing you walk down the aisle !
There are so many ways to repurpose a vintage dress from that special someone in your life . From dresses to suits , from ribbons to pillows and handkerchiefs , you can carry the memories and family traditions with you down the aisle into your marriage . Be sure to take a picture of your new dress or heirloom piece with its original owner and cue the happy tears . Thank goodness you have a handkerchief ! Xxoxo