One thing that will probably never cease to amaze us are upcycled wedding gowns. There’s truly just something so heartwarming and special about taking an old dress and breathing new life into it–whether that means adapting it to fit a modern silhouette, incorporating vintage lace into a contemporary design, or something else.

By reimagining a gown that has been part of someone’s history, brides are able to create a deep, meaningful connection to their wedding day attire. It’s a thoughtful way to preserve and celebrate heritage, making the old new again with love and imagination.

In this article, we spoke with two brides who upcycled their wedding gowns from their moms’ old dresses. And in doing so, they were able to walk down the aisle not just in gorgeous dresses, but dresses that were made all the more special, possibly for future generations, too.

Lia found inspiration in her mom’s gown, a piece straight out of the 1980s with a mix of Princess Di’s iconic style and traditional Filipiniana elegance. “Mom’s gown was made in 1989 and the design was very 80s—like a cross between Princess Di’s wedding gown with the drop waist and ball skirt, and a traditional Filipiñana with a panuelo on top,” Lia recalls. Despite the fabric’s age, she focused on preserving the panuelo (neck scarf or shawl worn around the shoulders) and sleeves, which were still in good condition.

Working with designer Mel Orlina, Lia incorporated these elements into a new design that mirrored her mother’s gown but fit her body type better. “I asked Mel how mom’s gown could be incorporated and after examining the old gown she quickly sketched how she envisioned incorporating the fabric in the bodice and adding flowy sleeves.”

Lia’s motivation was simple yet heartfelt: “Honestly, I just thought it would be cool. And I’m an only child so there was nobody to fight over Mom’s gown with.” She not only surprised her mother with the transformation but also preserved her own gown for her daughter to use in the future.

Meanwhile, Kally’s journey began with rediscovering her mom’s gown, a stunning off-shoulder piece with statement sleeves.

“A while back, we were cleaning out my grandmother’s old house, we found my mom’s wedding gown stored. My family jokingly made me try it on to see how it looks. I was only 16 that time and nowhere near getting married. We took home the gown that day and I honestly forgot about it,” she shares. “Fast forward to 2021, after getting engaged, my mom and I visited a couple of wedding gown stores. It was then when we remembered that I had my mom’s wedding gown sitting in my closet.”

“At first, I really didn’t want to wear my mom’s wedding gown because when we brought it to a couple of designers, they all said that it would be difficult given the state it was in. The stitching was an old technique that would require destroying the gown completely to just salvage a few parts. I already had an idea of what I wanted my wedding gown to look like but because it made my mom happy, I put my feelings aside. I wanted to honor her instead, which I think was the most important thing.”

Facing the challenge of updating the gown to match her minimalist style, Kally sought the help of designer Aureo Alonzo, opting for a strapless design to work around the original gown’s limitations.

To successfully transform a cherished piece into something that fits the modern bride while honoring its original essence, there are a few key steps and considerations to keep in mind.

Firstly, it’s crucial to have a clear vision. Understanding what you love about the original gown and how you want to incorporate those elements into your design is the foundation of upcycling. Whether it’s the fabric, a specific detail like lace or embroidery, or the overall style, identifying these aspects early on will guide the design process. Lia’s focus on preserving the unique elements of her mom’s gown, such as the panuelo and sleeves, is a perfect example of this.

Next, finding the right designer or seamstress is just as important. Lia’s collaboration with Mel Orlina proves that working with someone who quickly grasps your vision and proposes creative solutions is how it should be. Your designer should not only have the skills to execute, but also the sensitivity to understand the sentimental value of the gown.

The upcycling process also requires flexibility and openness to adjustments. Vintage fabrics can be delicate, and sometimes, not all parts of the original gown can be preserved or reused as intended. Being open to alternative ideas that still capture the essence of the original dress is key. Kally’s experience, where the original gown’s limitations led to a strapless design, showcases the necessity of adaptability in the upcycling journey.

Finally, enjoy every moment of this journey and the history it carries. Turning a wedding gown into something new isn’t just about the dress itself—it’s about adding to a story and weaving it into your own life. It’s a beautiful way to add meaning into your special day. One that you’ll probably always remember and look back on fondly.

Lia and Kally also shared invaluable advice for anyone considering upcycling a vintage wedding dress: Trust the process.

Patience is key in the art of upcycling. As Kally points out, working with vintage materials and transforming them into a modern gown can be more time-consuming than starting from scratch. “For mine, we were only able to keep the lace/beading…We had to transfer the details to a new body because the original shape wasn’t flattering on me. The process took a bit longer than designing a gown from scratch, so you have to be patient!”

Meanwhile, Lia’s approach to upcycling her mom’s gown showcases the versatility and creativity possible in this process. She was able to repurpose her mother’s dress into three distinct pieces for her wedding day. “I was actually able to upcycle my mom’s gown into 3 dresses—my preps dress, my gown for the ceremony, and a simpler gown for the reception. Each used the fabric in a different way,” she shares. “One was just an overlay, one was sort of a redux of mom’s gown, and the last just incorporated some of the lace in the back. So for me, upcycling an old gown can come in different forms—it does not need to completely dictate the look of your gown.”

The takeaway here is that upcycling your gown can be a thoughtful way to honor those who came before, all while making a statement that is entirely your own. With the right approach and a team that understands your vision, an old dress can start a new life, just in time for a new chapter in your own.