Vintage and 50s Style Wedding Dresses Under £500

January 13th, 2012

Friday’s here again already – this month really is flying! Unfortunately I don’t get paid until Monday so this is going to be a cheap weekend for me. I am deep in coursework anyway, so it should be easy for me to be frugal. Speaking of frugal, today’s post is definitely one for those of you keeping an eye on your pennies.

I am constantly surprised at how much us ladies are expected to fork out for a wedding dress. The average cost of a wedding dress is £977 (source), though most of the ones I hear about seem to cost in excess of that (by a mile). I expect the average cost of a top designer dress is more along the £3.5k mark, and if you’re a celebrity that might just about cover the veil. Kim Kardashian’s Vera Wang wedding dress cost a whopping $25,000 apparently (source). How long did that marriage last again?

Of course if you have the money it isn’t an issue, but for many of us we just can’t afford it! That doesn’t mean you can’t have the dress of your dreams though. On the blog today I’m showing you all the gorgeous 50s style and 50s vintage wedding dresses for under £500. Some of these are complete bargains at less than £200 even.

Fancy New York have a great collection of 50s-inspired wedding gowns. This ‘Linda’ wedding dress below is only £496 available from Look Darling here in the UK. I love that it has sleeves, and it looks so glamorous.

I’ve been a huge fan of Oh My Honey‘s 50s style dresses for yonks now, and I am utterly delighted that Louise has now brought out a bridal collection and will be taking orders from April 2012. This ‘Rosa’ dress below is simply stunning – that Grace Kelly style lace overlay is so feminine (swoon!), and I love the small scalloped detail on the trim. The dress itself is made with matte duchess satin, with a sweetheart neckline. The bodice is fully boned and it fastens at the back with a zip and a small pearl button at the neck. £225 did I hear you say? Oh yeah!

Another Oh My Honey dress at £225 that I just love for the fun fifties bride is this ‘Lizzie’ dress below. It’s made with ivory and multi-coloured spot embroidered organza 100% silk, and a base layer off matte duchess satin.

At even more of a bargain is this Oh My Honey wedding dress priced at a mere £110 – a classic 50s style with that halterneck and full circle skirt. The silk organza sash can be made in whatever colour you like to suit your wedding theme.

I totally adore this Dolly Couture number called ‘Summerville’ too. The ruched sweetheart neckline would work wonders on a small-busted bride, and that shape would flatter any woman. At US$595 it’s well under £400.

Also – while £3,000 might get you that beautiful pearl or lace detail, don’t forget you can always add those little details yourself. This is the beauty of getting a simple dress made for you by a dressmaker.

Actually I think a simple dress without all the trimmings works better in many ways – especially if you’re planning on wearing a bold headpiece, or you really want to show off those earrings or shoes. A simple dress works so well for a bride who wants a more classic and understated look (I was in this camp). Not everyone feels comfortable in the ‘alternative’, and I think a simple dress looks very natural and chic. You can always dress it up too, or have a different coloured petticoat or sash to add a splash of colour – just like this custom made number from Royal Splendor (US$420/approx £281).

You can find real bargains if you trawl through the vintage shops too. Try and find one local to you and see what you can find – you never know! There are also online vintage boutiques that might be able to help too. This vintage 50s wedding dress is made with lace and tulle, and fits a modern size 10 (approximately). It’s available from Hayworth Vintage. You need to call for the price so I’ll admit I don’t know if it’s under £500, but most vintage dresses certainly are.

I can say for certain that this 50s vintage wedding dress below has the magic number though. It’s from Love Miss Daisy and is £350. SO sophisticated.

If you’re on a budget, don’t rule out the high street either. In all honesty no one will know, and you can adapt your dress to make it special and add a bit of uniqueness. This gorgeous ‘Darling’ dress below is only £295 from Coast (who always make everything so well – I love their stuff).

Finally, if you’re a whizz on the sewing machine you could always attempt making your own dress! I have not yet met anyone who has been brave enough to do this, but there are some fabulous sewing patterns out there. Indeed you could commission a local dressmaker to make it for you. Etsy has some great 50s sewing patterns, like this one below (link).

Have a fabulous weekend everyone.

To be honest I am rather looking forward to it being over (I don’t normally ever wish that) – but Monday is our halfway scan! Ant and I can’t wait (hopefully all will be well). We’re 80% sure it’s a boy but Monday we should find out with more certainty. I am too excited – so hard to concentrate on work and exams when all this is going on!

Until next week,

Charlie x ♥