A vintage boho wedding dress does something rare: it looks like an heirloom you inherited and a gown made just for you, at the same time. The intricate lace, the soft romantic movement, the slightly undone elegance - it carries a sense of history while still feeling effortless on a modern bride. At Lace & Love by Shany Sasson, vintage-inspired French lace is the heart of everything we design, cut, and sew by hand.
This guide walks you through what "vintage boho" actually means, which fabrics and silhouettes define the look, how to choose the right gown for your wedding, and how to order one made to your exact measurements and shipped to your door.
What Makes a Dress a Vintage Boho Wedding Dress?
The vintage boho aesthetic borrows from the most romantic eras in fashion - the geometric glamour of the 1920s, the delicate floral lace of the Victorian period, and the free-spirited, flowing silhouettes of the 1970s. But a true vintage boho wedding dress is not a costume. It is updated for the way brides actually want to feel today: light, comfortable, and able to move.
The hallmarks of the style include:
- Detailed woven lace with genuine floral or art-deco patterns, not flat printed fabric.
- Soft, flowing skirts in chiffon or tulle that drift with the breeze rather than standing stiff.
- Romantic details such as sheer sleeves, scalloped edges, open backs, and delicate buttons.
- A flattering, body-skimming fit that celebrates your shape instead of constraining it.
The Fabric That Makes a Vintage Boho Wedding Dress
The single biggest difference between a gown that looks genuinely vintage and one that looks like a costume is the lace. True vintage-inspired lace is woven lace - structured, dimensional, and rich in detail. It is not stretch lace, which tends to look flat and reads as inexpensive in photographs.
At Lace & Love we use premium French lace, sourced specifically for its pattern quality and texture. Woven lace catches light beautifully, holds crisp detail in close-up photos, and ages gracefully - exactly what you want from a gown meant to feel timeless. Explore our vintage lace wedding dresses and our lace and chiffon gowns to see the difference woven lace makes.
Key Silhouettes in the Vintage Boho Style
Vintage boho is a feeling more than a single shape, which means it works across several silhouettes. These are the three our brides return to most often.
A-line with a lace bodice
The most versatile choice. Fitted through the bodice and gently flowing from the waist, with a lace overlay that flatters nearly every body type. It photographs beautifully and moves easily, making it a favorite for outdoor and garden weddings.
Long sleeve lace gown
The quintessential vintage bridal look. Lace sleeves that reach the wrist paired with a flowing chiffon or tulle skirt feel romantic and a little nostalgic. Browse our long sleeve wedding dresses for this style year-round - sheer lace sleeves are lighter than they look.
Open back with lace detail
A modern update to the vintage aesthetic: covered and demure in front, dramatically open behind. It is the detail your photographer will love during your ceremony exit. See our open back wedding dresses for inspiration.
How to Choose Your Vintage Boho Wedding Dress
A few simple questions make the decision much easier:
- Where are you marrying? Beach and garden weddings favor lightweight chiffon; a chapel or estate venue can carry more lace and structure.
- What season is it? Long sleeves suit cooler months, while sheer sleeves and open backs keep you comfortable in warm weather.
- What do you want to feel? Soft and ethereal points you toward tulle and flowing skirts; sleek and refined points toward a fitted lace silhouette.
Because every Lace & Love gown is made to your measurements, you are never locked into a sample size - you choose the silhouette and we build it around you.
Custom Design: Make It Truly Yours
One of the joys of ordering a made-to-measure gown is the freedom to combine elements. With Lace & Love you can pair the lace bodice of one design with the flowing skirt of another, adjust the neckline or back coverage, add or remove sleeves, and choose your lining color. Your dress is cut and sewn specifically for you - not adapted from a standard size chart.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a vintage boho wedding dress take to make?
Production takes 6–8 weeks, followed by express shipping. We recommend ordering as early as your timeline allows, but rush options may be possible - just message us with your wedding date.
How does sizing and measuring work?
We do not use generic small/medium/large sizing. Your gown is made to your exact bust, waist, hip, height, and hollow-to-hem measurements. We provide a simple measuring guide, and you can request a video call for guidance so every number is right before we cut.
Can I customize the lace, neckline, or sleeves?
Yes. You can adjust the neckline, back coverage, sleeve style, lining color, and slit, and even combine a bodice from one gown with a skirt from another. Reach out and we will confirm every detail before production begins.
Will I be charged customs fees when my dress arrives?
No. We ship worldwide via DHL/UPS Express on a DDP basis, which means duties and taxes are prepaid. There are no surprise customs charges at your door.
Find Your Vintage Boho Gown
A vintage boho wedding dress should feel like it was always meant to be yours. Explore our vintage lace wedding dress collection to find the silhouette that speaks to you - each one handmade in premium French lace and tailored to your exact measurements.
