FAQ | Vintage Bridal Sizing, Care & Ordering

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Each gown in our collection is an authentic vintage or antique piece, dating from the 1800s through the early 2000s. We define vintage as 20+ years old and antique as 100+ years old.

Our gowns are sourced from original owners and their families, collectors, estates, and archives around the world.

Some gowns are preserved in their original form, while others are thoughtfully restored and intentionally modernized with care. Preservation and refinement guide every decision.

Updates are carefully considered, preserving original details while giving historic garments new life for a contemporary generation, always with deep respect for original design. In some cases, modifications may also be made to improve fit flexibility for modern brides, allowing greater adaptability through tailoring while maintaining the integrity of the original design.

Choosing vintage often means discovering something truly one-of-a-kind. A gown shaped by history, craftsmanship, and soul. There is something powerful about knowing no one else will ever walk down the aisle in the same dress. That level of distinction cannot be replicated.

Vintage reflects a deeper set of values: heirloom quality, slow fashion, individuality, craftsmanship, ritual, and timeless beauty. These are pieces chosen to last beyond a single moment, extending the life of existing garments through care and intention.

Choosing vintage is intentional. It honors artistry that already exists while aligning with a more conscious way of consuming fashion. The gown becomes more than a garment. It becomes a continuation.

At this time, we do not offer personal sourcing requests. Each piece is discovered organically through our global sourcing process.

At this time, we do not offer garment loans for stylists, editorial shoots, or events.

Because the majority of our vintage gowns are one-of-a-kind, we recommend purchasing when you find a piece you love. Unlike modern bridal collections, many of our gowns exist only once within our collection, and we may never come across the same piece again.

Our vintage pieces are ready to wear, without the long production timelines typical of made-to-order bridal. Most orders are processed and shipped within 7 business days.

Occasionally, collaborative collections or special releases may require a longer processing period. When applicable, this will always be clearly noted in the product listing.

We do not offer holds or reservations; pieces are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For early access, we recommend joining our House Membership, which allows members to shop each collection 60 minutes before the public release.

Because the majority of our vintage gowns are one-of-a-kind, we recommend purchasing when you find a piece you love. Unlike modern bridal collections, many of our gowns exist only once within our collection, and we may never come across the same piece again. Once a gown is purchased, it is no longer available.

If you missed out on a piece you loved, please reach out to hello@1208vintage.com. While we cannot guarantee we will find the same gown again, we’re always happy to keep an eye out for something similar.

Vintage garments should be stored in a cool, dry, climate-controlled space away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.

For hanging storage, we recommend using a cotton muslin garment bag, which allows delicate fabrics to breathe while protecting the gown from dust and light. A padded or satin hanger should be used to properly support the weight of the garment. Avoid metal hangers, such as those from dry cleaners, as they can rust, snag, or strain delicate fabrics.

For travel, placing the muslin garment bag inside a durable plastic travel garment bag can provide additional protection during transport.

For long-term preservation or particularly delicate gowns, an acid-free archival storage box with acid-free tissue between folds may be recommended. Avoid sealed plastic containers or plastic wrapping, which can trap moisture and damage vintage textiles.

After alterations are complete, your seamstress may also recommend the best storage method leading up to your wedding day.

BRIDAL APPOINTMENTS

Each appointment lasts up to one hour. All purchases must be finalized by the end of your hour.

Clients arriving more than 25 minutes late will be considered a no-show and will forfeit their appointment.

Ahead of your appointment, please share your sizing, any budget considerations, and any moodboards or inspiration you’d like us to see.

To help us preserve these pieces for generations to come, we ask that you arrive freshly showered and without body makeup, self-tanner, sunscreen, body lotion, body oil, perfume, or fragrance. Light facial makeup is welcome.

We recommend wearing skin-tone undergarments, such as seamless underwear and nipple covers or a strapless bra. If you plan to wear shapewear on your wedding day, we encourage you to bring or wear that as well so you can see how each gown will fit with your preferred undergarments.

We also recommend wearing shoes with a heel height similar to what you envision wearing on your wedding day, as this will help you get a better sense of the length and proportions of each gown.

You may bring up to 2 guests.

We do not take holds, under any circumstances. This ensures every bride with an appointment has an equal shot at finding something special. Since each piece is one of a kind and cannot be restocked, we recommend booking once you feel ready to commit, whether that's from research online or prior in-person fittings.

For pieces currently available online, pricing is listed on the website. We’ll also be debuting a new selection of vintage gowns at the trunk show, with most pieces priced between $3,500 and $5,500, alongside a limited selection of designer and rare special pieces at higher price points. Veils will generally range from $1,200–$2,500, and slips from $1,500–$2,500.

We love our furry friends but ask they are left at home to respect other brides allergies and protect the archive.

We observe a 48-hour cancellation policy. Appointments cancelled within 48 hours are not refunded. Appointments rescheduled with proper notice are entitled to a fee transfer toward one new appointment.

Sizing & Fit

Vintage sizing differs significantly from modern sizing, so we recommend focusing on the measurements listed in the description rather than the labeled size (if applicable).

Compare your bust, waist, and hip measurements to those provided in the listing. If you are between measurements, it is often best if the gown is slightly larger, as it can be tailored for a more precise fit.

As part of our restoration process, some pieces include original fabric that can be thoughtfully used to increase size through the addition of panels, creating greater sizing flexibility while maintaining the integrity of the original garment. When extra fabric is available, this will always be clearly noted in the product description and included with purchase.

In some cases, gowns may also be converted to a corset back, which can provide additional sizing flexibility and a more adjustable fit.

For tailoring, we recommend working with a skilled bridal tailor experienced in vintage fabrics to ensure the garment is handled with appropriate care.

If you have questions about fit, feel free to reach out before purchasing.

Depending on the seam allowance and construction, some gowns can be let out slightly.

A skilled seamstress may also be able to:

Add lace or fabric panels
Insert gussets
Convert the back to a lace-up corset
Modify closures

As part of our restoration process, some pieces include original fabric that can be thoughtfully used to increase size through the addition of panels, creating greater sizing flexibility while maintaining the integrity of the original garment. When extra fabric is available, this will always be clearly noted in the product description and included with the purchase.

We recommend consulting with a tailor or bridal seamstress to evaluate possible alterations before purchasing.

A dress that is slightly larger than your measurements is often ideal, as it allows a seamstress to tailor the fit precisely to your body. Bridal garments are often expected to be tailored to ensure a refined and personalized fit.

CONDITION

Each gown is carefully inspected, professionally cleaned, and restored when appropriate before being offered for sale.

Due to their age, minor imperfections may be present and are considered part of the garment’s history. Vintage textiles are delicate and have often lived decades of life before reaching you, so subtle signs of wear may occur. These may include light spots, faint discoloration, small marks, pinholes, areas of fabric wear, or previous repairs.

Vintage garments were also constructed differently from modern clothing. Many feature fine seam allowances and interior finishes such as pinking, which were commonly used in historic garment construction. Over time, seam edges may appear soft or slightly textured. This is normal for garments of this era and does not necessarily affect the overall wearability or integrity of the piece.

Any notable imperfections will be disclosed in the Condition Notes section of each product listing to the best of our ability. While every garment is carefully inspected, not every minor imperfection can always be individually noted.

Each piece arrives clean and ready to wear. A light steam may be needed upon arrival to release wrinkles from shipping. Please refer to the individual care instructions for proper handling and care.

Yes. As part of our restoration process, garments are extensively hand washed prior to tailoring in order to safely refresh delicate vintage textiles. After tailoring is completed, pieces are professionally couture dry cleaned, allowing them to arrive clean and ready to wear.

DROPS & MEMBERSHIPS

Every month, 1208 Vintage unveils a new curated collection of rare and one-of-a-kind heirlooms.

House members receive first access to every release, followed by availability to the public.

Everyone can view the collection, but the website is locked so members can shop first.

For example: if a drop goes live at 1:00 PM Pacific, the collection becomes visible to everyone — but only logged-in members can purchase during the early access window.

Release times:

House Members — 1:00 PM PT

Public Access — 2:00 PM PT

Measurements are shared via our email newsletter the day before each drop (Thursday) so you can review pieces ahead of time.

Individual prices go live at the time of the drop.

Because each piece is unique, drops often sell out within minutes. We recommend having your measurements ready and checking out quickly if you find a piece you love.

All pieces are final sale, so please carefully review the measurements and condition notes listed on each gown before purchasing.

To stay informed about upcoming releases, we recommend joining our email list and following along on Instagram.

Our drops typically sell out within minutes. We recommend signing up for our mailing list and being ready at launch time if you have your eye on a specific piece.

Clients are encouraged to review all details carefully prior to purchase. Questions regarding fit, condition, or specific details should be directed to us before purchasing.

For early access to shop before the public release, you can learn more about our Memberships here.

House members receive first access to every release followed by availability to the public.

Everyone can view the collection, but the website is locked so members can shop first.

For example: if a drop goes live at 1:00 PM Pacific, the collection becomes visible to everyone — but only logged-in members can purchase during the early access window.

Every month, 1208 Vintage releases a new collection on the locked website.

To access early, simply sign in using the same email tied to your membership. Once logged in, you’ll have private shopping access before the public.

Access timeline:

1:00 PM PT — House Members gain access

2:00 PM PT — Remaining pieces open to the public

House members enjoy a full 60 minutes of private access before public release.

If you are not logged in, you will see the public view and will not be able to purchase. Logging in unlocks the site and allows you to shop during your access window.

Learn more about memberships here.

You can learn more about memberships here.

You can cancel your membership at any time through your account.

Log in to your account using the email address associated with your membership. View Account.
Navigate to My Membership from your account page.
Select the membership you’d like to manage.
Choose Cancel Membership and follow the prompts to confirm.

After canceling, you’ll continue to have access to all membership benefits through the end of your current billing cycle. Your membership will not renew, and you will not be charged for the next billing cycle.

If you have any trouble accessing or canceling your membership, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help.

Shipping & Returns

Due to the unique and delicate nature of vintage garments, all pieces are final sale.

Please review the condition notes, fabric contents, full item description, measurements, and care instructions carefully prior to purchasing. If you have any questions regarding fit, details, or condition, we encourage you to reach out before checkout at hello@1208vintage.com.

The term vintage is defined as 20+ years old or older. Vintage items have survived years, decades, and often lifetimes of ownership and use. Due to their age, minor imperfections may be present and are considered part of the garment's history. Vintage textiles are delicate and may show signs of wear not noted in the listing. These may include light spots, faint discoloration, small marks, pinholes, areas of fabric wear, or previous repairs. Vintage garments were also constructed differently from modern clothing and are inherently delicate; please be gentle on seams and closures.

Many feature fine seam allowances and interior finishes such as pinking, which were commonly used in historic garment construction. Over time, internal seam edges may appear soft or fuzzy. This is normal for garments of this era and does not affect the overall wearability or integrity of the piece.

Any notable imperfections will be disclosed in the Condition Notes section of each product listing to the best of our abilities. While every garment is carefully inspected, not every minor imperfection can always be individually noted. These characteristics are typical of vintage garments and contribute to their unique history and character.

By purchasing, you acknowledge and accept the nature of vintage garments and agree to our final sale policy.

Yes, we ship worldwide.

International orders are shipped via DHL Express, which provides fast delivery and detailed international tracking.

International orders may be subject to customs duties, taxes, or import fees determined by the destination country. These charges are the responsibility of the recipient.

When applicable, duties and taxes may be calculated during checkout. If they are not collected at checkout, they will be assessed by your local customs authority upon delivery.

Delivery times vary depending on destination, but DHL Express typically delivers within 5-7 business days worldwide once the package has shipped.

All domestic U.S. orders are shipped via USPS Priority Mail and include tracking.

Most ready-to-wear pieces are processed and shipped within 7 business days. If you need to expedite your order, please reach out prior to purchasing to confirm availability.

If an item requires additional preparation or is part of a special release or collaboration, the processing time will be noted in the product listing.

Yes. All shipments are insured while in transit.

Once an order has shipped, it is in the hands of the shipping carrier. If your package experiences delays or delivery issues, we recommend contacting the carrier directly using your tracking information.

If a package is marked as delivered but cannot be located, please contact the shipping carrier and check with neighbors or building management.

If a package is returned due to an incorrect address, refusal, or being unclaimed, the buyer will be responsible for paying the shipping cost again in order to have the package resent.

We are not responsible for items lost in transit.
We are not responsible for packages marked as delivered but not received.
International orders may be subject to customs fees, duties, or taxes, which are the responsibility of the recipient.

Once a package has left our facility, it is in the hands of the shipping carrier. Any delivery issues must be addressed directly with USPS or DHL.

Still have questions?

We’re always happy to help. Please reach out anytime at hello@1208vintage.com with questions about sizing, fit, or details before purchasing.