From Port Halcyon, June 2004

Planning Your Vintage Wedding (Excerpt)
by Amanda Porter

For restoration, Diana Ackerman of TheThreadbender.com comes with high regard; check out her website for wonderful before and after examples of her work. Ackerman noted that the real trend for wearing vintage started after the movie Titanic was released. About 80 percent of her clients come to her with a family heirloom, often from the 50s or 60s. She points out though, that her favorite era for bridal fashion is the 1930s, referring to this age as "the best decade of sewing techniques, from nouveau to deco."

"Gowns from the 1930s often hold up quite well, as they tend to made from crepe-backed silk," she commented. "If the bride can pull off the slim, bias cut style, her great grandma's gown will make a stunning piece."

Bear in mind though, that the reputable seamstress, quality material and labor involved in sewing a custom wedding gown may cost you upwards of $800-$1000 or more. Ackerman estimates that it can cost anywhere from $350-$1200 to make an heirloom gown wearable for another generation, but stresses that this is money well spent.

"Many brides tell me that the cost to remake a vintage dress usually works out to be less than they would have spent on a modern dress they wouldn't have liked as well!"

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