The best places to source unique vintage bridal wear
IMAGE VIA @CALLMETHEBREEZE/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY SONIA BLAIR AND FASHION JOURNAL
Something borrowed.
It’s no secret, shopping pre-loved fashion is a shared strength at the FJ headquarters, we’ve even dedicated a whole section of the site to it. If you’re a New Year’s Resolution-er, being a more conscious consumer and building a more sustainable wardrobe should be near the top of your list for 2025.
When thinking about the pieces to purchase pre-loved, wedding attire seem like a logical choice. If it’s a wedding dress you plan to only wear once, why not buy secondhand? For years, chic and thrifty brides have chosen to shop vintage, hire their dress or, after purchasing their dream gown, opted to sell or rent it out for future use.
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Most importantly, you want to feel beautiful on the big day, and there’s an art to knowing where to find well-curated secondhand bridal wear. Below, we’ve rounded up seven of the best places to find your dream dress, suit, or two-piece set – because wedding day rules are overrated.
Art Garments Bridal
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Founded in Sydney, Art Garments recently launched its second collection of vintage bridal wear, a unique curation sure to impress the coolest brides-to-be. You’ll find dramatic and romantic classics, Italian wedding suits with harlequin ruffles, and Baroque-style accessories to complete your wedding look. Shop online or by appointment in Sydney.
Little Bird Bridal
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Operating out of Perth, Little Bird Bridal works on an appointment-only basis and carries a range of wedding gowns, veils and bridal accessories. Nestled in the Bickley Valley Wine Trail, it is a must-know for all brides looking to engage a more sustainable approach to their gown shopping. Founder Laura provides tailored service for each bride who walks through the Little Bird doors. Brands range from Vera Wang Bridal to Reem Acra.
Call Me The Breeze
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If retro styles are your thing, you’re going to love the bridal collection from Call Me The Breeze. Think dreamy ’70s lace prairie gowns, ’80s puff sleeve statements complete with rosettes and more minimalist ’90s satin halter dresses. With new designs arriving every week, you’re sure to find something that makes you swoon.
Vestiaire Collective
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While many of us will know Vestiaire Collective for its selection of archive designer handbags, the resale site also carries a range of preloved bridal wear. You’re likely to find a slew of luxury brands on Vestiaire, including Dior, Gucci, Chanel and Vivienne Westwood.
Still White
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Australia’s largest online marketplace for pre-loved bridal wear, consider Still White your starting point when looking for a secondhand wedding gown. The site carries a wealth of brands from Caleche, Spell, Made with Love and Jaimie Sortino, with gowns on sale for almost 50 per cent off their original price. You can filter by state and city to see what is available in your postcode, allowing you to shop with ease.
Love Me Twice
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Love Me Twice is Melbourne’s premier destination for preloved bridal wear. The retailer carries a range of silhouettes, ranging from a traditional princess ballgown to contemporary slip dresses and suiting. Coming from a background in formalwear, founders Jennifer and Mary now cultivate a space for brides to share their special gowns with upcoming newlyweds, helping support circularity in the garment industry.
Love James
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Love James is a relaxed, intimate showroom based in Auckland offering one-of-a-kind vintage bridal and occasion wear. Curated by owner Lizzie James (who wore no less than three vintage dresses on her own wedding day), the collection spans several decades and styles from the 1930s to the early 2000s. With new pieces arriving every month, the collection is constantly changing. The best way to see new arrivals to keep an eye on the Instagram stories and highlights.
The RealReal
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Similar to Vestiaire collective, the RealReal also specialises in designer consignment and houses a range of preloved bridal options for your wedding day. What many shoppers find different with the RealReal is the range of brands and styles to search through. Going in with a rough idea or mood board of what you’re envisioning will help with a successful search.
Bridal by Neeve
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Perth-based store Bridal by Neeve is known for its attention to detail and the tailored service it provides to every bride looking to find their dream dress. Alongside new pieces, the retailer also carries a curated selection of pre-loved bridal gowns, dresses and jumpsuits for those looking to add new life to an already loved garment. Karen Willis Holmes, Maggie Sottero, Grace Loves Lace and Made With Love are just a handful of the brands carried at Bridal by Neeve.
eBay
You can find anything and everything on eBay, including the pre-loved wedding gown of your dreams. Just be prepared to spend some time fine-tuning your search terms, like searching the designer and era you want (e.g. ‘Simone Rocha bridal’ or ‘Vivienne Westwood 1990s wedding dress’). With so many options out there, you’re sure to be rewarded for your efforts with an absolute bargain, meaning you can spend the money on a great tailor if you need alterations for the perfect fit.
Etsy
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Home to many independent sellers and vintage vendors, Etsy may be the unsung hero of pre-loved bridalwear. While it may take some searching to find ‘the one’, it’s the ideal destination for those wanting a special archive piece. However, a word to the wise: always check the returns and exchanges policy to ensure you can switch your gown if the sizing is off or it’s not quite right.
For more of the best stores for pre-loved bridal wear, head here.
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