There is little doubt that the ‘in’ thing right now is the vintage wedding. But what exactly is a ‘vintage wedding’, and why has it become so popular? That’s precisely what we’re looking at in this post, AND we’re doing a mini review of the top 10 vintage bridal shops in Essex as ranked by Google.
What is a vintage wedding?
A vintage wedding is themed on a bygone era. Popular periods are the 1920s through to the 1970s, but there’s no reason why a bride and groom can’t go for a 17th or 18th century Baroque theme, or inject their day with an air of 19th century Romanticism.
In a nutshell, it’s all about recreating the look and feel of a certain period in time. From wedding style décor to colourways, floral displays and centrepieces, it is possible to bring the past into the heart of your wedding day. Whether you go for 1920s or 30s Art Deco luxury or 1950s rockabilly; 1960s swing or 1970s freedom and harmony; the vintage wedding will whisk you, your bridal party and your guests back in time and leave a distinct mark on everyone’s memories.
What is vintage bridal wear?
Naturally every vintage wedding needs vintage bridal wear. The bridal gown, the groom’s attire and the bridal party apparel and all the accessories that go with them will be what really set the scene.
Vintage bridal wear can be authentic, period dress; or it can be replica pieces designed to mimic the style and elegance of the era.
Why is vintage bridal wear so popular with today’s brides?
Vintage bridal wear allows the bride to choose a look that suits her style, and her figure. Flamboyant personalities for example will feel at one with the 1930s Great Gatsby look, whilst fun and flirty types will adore the femininity of 1950s full lace skirts, corseted waistlines and halter necks. And then of course you have your ethnic, romantic, natural 1970s vintage brides who are dressed to float barefoot through their big day.
“Vintage bridal wear allows the bride to choose a look that suits her style, and her figure.”
Where to buy vintage bridal wear in Essex
When it comes to buying vintage bridal wear in Essex, you’ll be looking either for genuine vintage (as in pre-loved), or replica vintage, which could be off-the-peg pieces, or bespoke, handmade gowns that are crafted specifically to suit all you love and wish for as a bride.
We’re going to take a look at and list, in reverse order, what Google ranks in a search for the top 10 vintage bridal shops in Essex. We’ve left out the ones that aren’t actually in Essex, and we’ve also given our view on whether they actually fall into the vintage category.
10. Abigail's Collection & The Groom’s Room
In at number 10, we have Abigail's Collection & The Groom’s Room. Based in Colchester, Abigail’s has a score of 4.7 out of 5 from 33 Google reviews. Is it vintage? There are some classic, vintage styles on offer for sure. If you are a traditional vintage bride, it could be for you.
9. Fleur de Lys Bridal
At number 9 it’s Fleur de Lys Bridal with a score of 4.7 out of 5 from 27 Google reviews. Based in Saffron Walden, again we have some classic vintage styles here which are perfect for the traditional bride who loves her classic white gown.
8. Blush Bride
Blush Bride, based in Leigh-on-Sea, scores 5 out of 5 from 6 Google reviews. Is it vintage? There are some stunning gowns on offer here; they certainly differ from ‘the norm’ and some of the collections offer styles reminiscent of bygone eras.
7. Belissima Weddings
Belissima Weddings is next in the rankings. Based in South Woodham Ferrers, this is described as a designer wedding dress boutique with an in-house seamstress service for alterations. Rated 5 out of 5 from 28 Google reviews, Belissima is perfect if you are looking for traditional bridal gowns.
6. Adore Brides
Adore Brides, based in Chelmsford, scores 4.7 out of 5 from 19 Google reviews. It’s perfect for brides on a budget looking for off the peg gowns and an in-house alteration service. Style wise you should find something to suit a selection of the more popular vintage eras.
5. MiliMili Bridal
Next on the list at number 5 is MiliMili Bridal. Based in Colchester, this Essex bridal shop scores 4.8 out of 5 from 6 Google reviews. Described as a ‘fashionable bridal shop which is modern and classical at the same time’, MiliMili certainly offers styles to suit many of the eras vintage brides love.
4. Kay Mason Brides
In at number 4 we have Kay Mason Brides. Scoring 4.3 out of 5 from 29 Google reviews, this bridal shop is based in Westcliff, Southend-on-Sea. This is a couture bridal shop offering traditional collections for the classic bride.
3. Grace & Lace
At number 3 it’s Grace & Lace, with bridal shops based in Chelmsford and Colchester scoring 4.6 out of 5 from 10 Google reviews. Is it vintage? Not sure. The collections are said to ‘combine glamour and sophistication, contemporary and classic designs’.
2. Rock The Frock Bridal Boutique
Getting down to the wire now at number 2 we have Rock The Frock Bridal Boutique. This is a small chain with four shops and one concession, including a shop in Chelmsford. Scoring 4.5 out of 5 from 19 Google reviews, Rock The Frock prides itself on catering for the boho and alternative bridal market, with vintage styles one of their offerings.
1. Lucy Can’t Dance
So, we’ve finally reached number 1 in the Google local rankings, and what have we here… it’s Lucy Can’t Dance! Situated in Chelmsford, in the heart of Essex, Lucy Can’t Dance specialises in alternative wedding dresses for non-traditional brides. We score 5 out of 5 from 6 Google reviews.
Because every dress is tailor made to the bride’s wishes, it means there really is no compromise. So, if you are set on a vintage wedding, you’ll find your perfect vintage style dress, designed just for you, right here at Lucy Can’t Dance.
“Lucy created a beautiful 50s vintage style dress for my big day which was perfect. I felt amazing on my wedding day. Lucy is super cool and friendly; really easy to work with.”
Looking to go vintage with your bridal style whilst keeping it unique and tuned in to your personal style? Take a look at the Lucy Can’t Dance bridal gown collections. All hand crafted, all bespoke made to individual style, all perfectly unique, just like you.