Edwardian vintage wedding dresses - a guide.

Dear Reader

The Edwardian period was just ten years from 1901 to 1910. But it is still popular today: just look at the international success of Downton Abbey. (The period after the death of Edward until the First World War is often included, too.)

Original Edwardian vintage wedding dress (with 1930s satin slip), £1250

Fashionable Edwardian brides aspired to the 'S' shape, which was created by whalebone corsetry. The corset design (called The Health Corset) although restrictive, was at least not as damaging to their health as corsets of the Victorian era. The waist circumference was gradually reduced by tighter lacing, until they reached their smallest size which - shockingly - could be as small as 16 inches.

I look for dresses with a reasonable waist size (not 16ins!) then I have a few clever techniques for increasing the size further. For example, adding lace from the same era. This can bring the waist to about 26 or 27ins - which of course is still very small fitting and not for everyone, but hopefully doesn’t require a corset!

Original Edwardian vintage wedding dress (with 1930s satin slip), £1250

And there are other features which may need modification: first, the front of the bodice is often loose-fitting, or 'pigeon chested’. Secondly, Edwardian wedding dresses often have high necks usually supported by tiny ‘bones'. These can be removed or adapted to give a softer neck shape.

I am not at all against changing vintage dress to make them work in a modern context,  as long as it's done sympathetically and the dress looks better for it! 

I am also a fan of Edwardian style headdresses. The fashion was for delicate circlets made from wax flowers, see my post here. I've definitely seen a trend amongst my clients for fresh flowers instead of diamante - which I think is a lovely change. I will always love a well made side-tiara but it’s nice that girls are rediscovering real flowers. And circlets are definitely a trend right now.

Original Edwardian vintage wedding dress (with 1930s satin slip), £1350

I'd also like to show you a Heavenly Vintage Bride from a few years ago. Her name is Millie, and she wore a beautiful late-Edwardian dress for her Beatrix Potter themed wedding. 

Millie’s dress is wonderful fine lace called ‘Tambour’ lace, which is embroidered cotton net. This was usually worked by hand using a frame and hook.

There's lots more lovely images from Millie's wedding on the LoveMyDress wedding blog (a great blog, if you haven't seen it before.) Check out Millie's feature, here.

I'm a huge fan of this style of lace - or any cotton lace, actually! And it’s so good for vintage collectors and wearers as it stays strong for many years. 

Many veils were also made of Tambour lace such as those shown here. I am in the process of having some lovely veils made to complement my dresses, using a special sewing machine which replicates this style of lace.

As soon as my new veils are perfect, I'll let you know: you'll see them here first! I've included some pictures of two wonderful original Edwardian dresses which are both available now. If, like me, you love the dresses from this period, then do check out these vintage Edwardian dresses here. 

Hope you've enjoyed this post - and see you soon!

Love 
Helena
Heavenly Vintage Brides

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Sample sale on pretty bridesmaid dresses.

Dear Reader,
I rarely feature other people's dresses on my blog. (I never do sponsored posts, but I sometimes include other designers if I think you'll find them interesting). But I just heard this on the girly grapevine and thought you might like to know...

A few of my real brides have gone to twobirds for their bridesmaid dresses, and I've always liked the results. Their simple styling seem to work well alongside a vintage wedding dress. Perhaps you already know about them? 

Well, they have a sample sale in Covent Garden on 19 & 20 November. If you're interested, here's everything you need to know...

We’re very excited to announce a two day sample sale of our multi-award winning dress. A range of styles, sizes and colours will be available with discounts of up to 40% off while stocks last.
Date: 19th & 20th November
Time: 10:30am - 8pm with the last entry at 7:15pm.
Location: twobirds Bridesmaid, 1st and 2nd floors, 79 Long Acre, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 9NG
Do I need an appointment?No appointment necessary but there may be a queue at busy times to enter.
Is there an an entry fee?There will be a £2 entry fee per person which will be donated to The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation.
Which dresses will be available?The sample sale will be made up of a selection of our old shop samples which have been used, new dresses in discontinued colours, slightly damaged but perfectly wearable fabric and dresses in colours where we have reached the end of rolls of fabric. There may be multiples in some colours and we will have a range of colours available.
All dresses will be of wearable quality and some of them new. Please note that we will not have full details until two days before the sale of which dresses will be available but there will be a wide selection of colours and styles in the classic collection so it is well worth an early visit to grab a bargain. Please note that all sales are final.
Will there be a range of sizes available?Yes, there will be a mix of size A (UK4-16) and size B (UK18-24) dresses available in various lengths.
Will there be matching bandeaus?Matching bandeaus will be available in some colours on the day or for purchase for collection/delivery after.
Can my bridesmaids try the dresses on?There will not be a specific changing area but it will be possible to briefly try the dresses to check length and size.
Will you show us how to tie the dresses?The sample sale is likely to be very busy so we wont be able to accommodate individual styling. We will be available to advise on size/length as required.  There are video tutorials on our website for all the styles so you can have fun practising with your girls at home.
Can we attend a twobirds styling evening?Our styling evenings at always at capacity in the busy season and slots are therefore reserved for brides purchasing full price dresses.
Will there be any men’s accessories in the sample sale?We have a small range of men’s accessories at discounted rates and there will be swatches of other selected colours available which can be ordered with our standard lead-time of 6 weeks.
How can I pay?You can pay with cash or on a credit or debit card.  Please note that we cannot accept cheques.
Can I order over the phone?Because the dresses are samples, it’s preferable that you see them before purchasing but we can take some orders over the phone subject to the availability of the team and we will do our best to describe the condition of the dresses accurately.  During busy times it may not be possible to take phone orders.
So, get your favourite girls together and come and grab yourself a bargain!
Love,
Team twobirds xxx

Do let me know on my Facebook page, if you decide to go along. And good luck finding the perfect bridesmaid dress!

Love
Helena
Heavenly Vintage Brides

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