13 Vintage and Modern Wedding Dress Ideas for Your Big Day Look

From ’20s day dresses to the sleek styles of the ’90s, vintage gowns are having a moment. Hairstylist Alexandra Archibald, owner of Bardot Bridal in Midtown Village (her salon doubles as a shop for throwback wedding attire), has seen an influx of brides seeking out retro looks. We’ve seen new boutiques pop up (like Best of Philly-winning Glass Canary Vintage in Manayunk) and events surrounding the trend (At My House’s vintage bridal market). But even modern ensembles are finding inspiration in the past. Here, looks that transcend time, all available at Philadelphia-area bridal salons.

Above: Monique Lhuillier Brea mini-dress, $6,000 at The Wedding Shoppe (Wayne). Alexis Bittar Solanales crystal woven hoop earrings, $345, and Alexis Bittar Liquid Lucite crystal pavé geode ring, $295, both at Neiman Marcus (King of Prussia).

Location: The Diplomat Hotel, which recently opened in Old City, is ideal for hosting wedding guests or serving as a getting-ready space. Each of the four suites is outfitted with its own kitchen, living room, dining area, and bedrooms. The hotel is inspired by Ben Franklin — a Philly classic.

Jazz Age

Enaura Winnie gown, $7,975 at Laura & Leigh Bridal (Cherry Hill). McClelland Barclay brooch, $98, and buttercup diamond earrings, $1,250, both at Malena’s Vintage Boutique (West Chester). Old European–cut diamond Art Deco ring, $3,375 at Good’s Vintage (Bella Vista).

French filet lace dress, $895 at Katy Kane Vintage (New Hope). McClelland Barclay brooch, $98, and buttercup diamond earrings, $1,250, both at Malena’s Vintage Boutique. Van Luna Nine Baby Akoya pearl necklace, $475 at Workshop Underground (Grad Hospital). Cameo bracelet, $950, and Old European–cut diamond Art Deco ring, $3,375, both at Good’s Vintage. Prada Vernice Saffiano pumps, $1,170 at Neiman Marcus.

Beaded pineapple bag, $145, and La Regale envelope bag, $65, both at Glass Canary Vintage. Old European–cut diamond Art Deco ring (left), $3,375, and opal ring with filigree frame, $895, both at Good’s Vintage. Diamond ring set, $2,800 at Malena’s Vintage Boutique.

Hollywood Glam

Liquid satin long-sleeved gown, $1,100 at Malena’s Vintage Boutique. Hand-embroidered silk coat, $1,800 at Katy Kane Vintage. Brooch, stylist’s own. Diamond flame earrings, $2,700 at Good’s Vintage.

Mark Ingram gown with detachable belt and straps, $8,950 at The Wedding Shoppe. Brooch, stylist’s own. Diamond flame earrings, $2,700, Victorian cushion-cut amethyst ring (left), $750, and diamond cluster woven yellow gold cocktail ring (right), $2,450, all at Good’s Vintage. Beaded pineapple bag, $145 at Glass Canary Vintage.

Mid-Century Muse

Priscilla of Boston wedding dress and cape, $350, and earrings, $38, both at Malena’s Vintage Boutique. Prada Vernice Saffiano pumps, $1,170, and Cult Gaia Eos clutch, $398, both at Neiman Marcus.

Jude Jowilson Regina gown, price on request at The Wedding Factor (Old City). Chandelier clip-on earrings, $68, and diamond ring set, $2,800, both at Malena’s Vintage Boutique.

Flower Child

Emma Domb Laurel gown, $398 at Bardot Bridal. Baroque pearl earrings, $650, and Victorian gold bracelet with blue topaz and seed pearls, $3,500, both at Good’s Vintage.

Victorian gold bracelet with blue topaz and seed pearls (left), $3,500, Art Deco–style platinum diamond and sapphire belt buckle link bracelet, $13,500, and Victorian amethyst link bracelet, $1,300, all at Good’s Vintage.

By Watters Etienne dress, $631 at Lovely Bride (Old City). Baroque pearl earrings, $650, and Victorian gold bracelet with blue topaz and seed pearls, $3,500, both at Good’s Vintage. Diamond ring set, $2,800 at Malena’s Vintage Boutique. Jimmy Choo Heloise sandals, $1,050 at Neiman Marcus.

About Lace

Idan Cohen Arlene in Blush gown, $4,250 at The Wedding Shoppe. Buttercup diamond earrings, $1,250 at Malena’s Vintage Boutique. Linea full-bezel kite diamond ring, made to order, $6,300 at Workshop Underground.

William Cahill button-front dress, $1,500 at Glass Canary Vintage. Buttercup diamond earrings, $1,250 at Malena’s Vintage Boutique.

Cool Classic

NEWHITE Adore gown, $5,170 at Kinfolk Bride (East Passyunk). Linea half-bezel hexagon diamond stud earrings, $3,300, and Linea full-bezel kite diamond ring, made to order (right), $6,300, both at Workshop Underground. Diamond tennis bracelet, $2,400, and channel-set diamond band (left), $2,000, both at Good’s Vintage.

This gown feels fitting for multiple decades, whether you’re after the slinky, barely there looks of the ’90s or the figure-hugging styles of the ’30s. It’s your choice.

Claire Pettibone Forget-Me-Not gown, $6,750 at Nicole Bridal and Formal Shoppe (Jenkintown). Diamond chandelier earrings, $2,350 at Good’s Vintage. Platinum Art Deco diamond and synthetic emerald dinner cocktail ring, $3,995 at Malena’s Vintage Boutique.

Linea full-bezel kite diamond ring, made to order (in box), $6,300, and Linea half-bezel hexagon diamond stud earrings, $3,300, both at Workshop Underground. Ruby flower ring with enamel petals, $995 at Good’s Vintage.

Published as “The Eras Tour” in the Summer/Fall 2026 issue of Philadelphia Wedding.