Are you looking for a unique way to honor your Mom or Grandma and wear her vintage wedding dress or veil?

Many brides have a special desire to repurpose and wear their mother’s wedding dress or veil on their special day. But the challenge comes in finding an experienced and knowledgeable craftsman to redesign, repurpose, and bring a vintage piece into the modern era.

Luckily, I am here to help honor your mom or Grandma's legacy and to assist you in creating your own bespoke heirloom from your repurposed wedding accessory.

Questions about the Dress or Veil Repurposing Process

My mom's dress has some yellowing and holes. It is not in perfect condition. Is this a problem?

Depending on the amount of yellowing and discoloration, we may need to cut around the parts that are torn or dirty. We can generally preserve elements of the bridal dress, whether it is the beading, the lace, or the satin itself. The goal is to preserve as much of the dress as possible, but if certain parts are too damaged then we can discuss other possibilities.

You will be kept informed throughout the process so that no edits are made without your permission. 

Alternatively, we can always pair some of the fabrics from your vintage dress (your "something old") with new fabrics and lace trims and beads (your "something new").

The options are limitless! 

Please contact me if you are concerned about the yellowing or holes in your mom's dress so that I can give more specific feedback.

What is the first step in the heirloom accessory redesign process?

The stress-free redesign process has 4 easy steps:

1. E-mail me photos of your dress or veil that you would like transformed along with your ideas for what you would like the finished masterpiece to look like. Alternatively, you can also contact me here.
2. Schedule a design consultation so that we can clarify your vision
3. Ship your dress or veil to me
4. I will work with care and attention to detail to create a unique and beautiful piece that can be cherished for generations.

Get Answers to FAQs about the vintage upcycle process in the video below

How do I restore the original color of Mom's bridal dress?

To restore your mom's bridal dress, I recommend a product called "Restoration Fabric Restorer".

Fill a large tub with lukewarm water and add the recommended amount of the product based on the dress size. Submerge the dress, ensuring all parts are covered, and let it soak for the suggested time. Gently agitate the fabric occasionally to loosen dirt and stains, then thoroughly rinse with clean water.

Lay the dress flat on soft towels to dry, reshaping it to avoid wrinkles. Air dry in a cool, shaded area. Always patch test on a hidden area and handle fragile fabrics with care.

What types of accessories can you make from a vintage gown?

A Custom Bridal Veil

Yes — your vintage gown can be used to create a custom wedding veil, even if you’re not wearing the dress itself. Imagine using the gown’s lace as trim for a soft tulle cathedral veil, or sewing small appliqués from the original dress into a drop or mantilla-style veil. It’s a subtle and stunning way to blend something old with something new.

A Romantic Bridal Cape

A sheer bridal cape made from your gown’s original lace or crepe can add drama and elegance to your modern dress — without altering your look permanently. Use the vintage lace along the edges or over the shoulders for a regal, couture-inspired feel. It’s perfect for outdoor weddings, heirloom photos, or covering up in a meaningful way during the ceremony.

An Heirloom Bridal Choker or Neck Scarf

Turn a piece of the gown’s lace into a high-neck choker or a delicate bridal scarf. These are modern, fashion-forward accessories that still feel timeless — especially when made from something that once meant so much to your family. Wear it at your rehearsal dinner or as a stylish second-look accent. The bride below wore it for her bridal portraits.

A One-of-a-Kind Garter

Even a small piece of lace or ribbon from your vintage gown can be sewn into a custom bridal garter. Add a little blue ribbon for your “something blue,” and you’ll have a sweet, wearable keepsake that’s both cheeky and sentimental.

6. A Bouquet Wrap or Ribbon Accent

Wrap your bridal bouquet in a strip of your vintage gown’s fabric. Whether it’s silk from the lining or lace from the sleeves, it adds a personal touch that looks beautiful in photos and feels close to your heart.

Why did you begin doing vintage heirloom redesign?

My love of vintage fabrics and design began with my own Grandma's dress. She had a strong desire for one of her Granddaughters to wear it on her wedding day! Sadly, it was not preserved in the right way and the fabrics were to fragile. The fabric literally was disintegrating with every small tug or pull.

I offered to carefully cut it up and preserve the parts that could be preserved in her own "shadow" box that she could view in her home. It brought such a smile to her face to see the lovely Chantilly lace and button detailing preserved on a daily basis.

Ever since then, I have had a passion for working with brides who want to honor the important women in their lives by wearing their mom or grandma's most cherished bridal attire.

Why would I not just wear my mom's veil or dress as is?

You definitely can! Unfortunately, many preserved wedding dresses are not appropriate for modern weddings without a few tweaks and design edits. We want to transform your mom’s old wedding veil or gown into something special for you that also represents who you are and the styles that are currently being seen. 

Inviting the special ladies in your life into this process can make this a special day to remember where you are honoring their wedding day while creating something pretty that also represents you and your style.

 

How do I get my dress or veil to you?

If you are not located near me in in Orange County, then you ship your dress or veil to me directly. I will either have you ship the whole dress to me or just the parts that we will be repurposing based on your preference.

I recommend shipping your veil in a strong and sturdy box with lost of bubble wrap to safekeep your beautiful piece. 

Start the process here and preserve your family's legacy with your new updated bridal accessory.