Once upon a time: Everything old is new again in unique celebrations that look back

Couples are taking their passion for timeless, period-specific finds and styles to new heights.In fact, 78% of couples are turning to vintage cues to create one-of-a-kind weddings, according to the 2026 Wedding Style Report, produced by Zola, a wedding planning and registry platform, and Poshmark, an online marketplace for vintage products.You may not get ‘80’s prom, but Princess Diana’s wedding look from that decade and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s in the 90’s is possible, according to Emily Forrest Skurnik, head of communications at Zola.“The ‘50s and ‘60s were gorgeous eras too — romantic and historic.”What’s stirring the trend? Firstly, “There’s a movement away from social media influence,” Skurnik said.

“People understand wedding design from Pinterest and TikTok, but want to get away from the algorithms.Going vintage provides a way to have a ‘one-of-one’ wedding — something no one else has.”And, for Gen Z, “Vintage is a way they shop in their everyday life.

With the rise of online platforms — for renting clothes from other people’s closets and re-sale items — it’s very commonplace,” Skurnik.Vintage bridal is having a defining moment, Elizabeth von der Goltz, chief revenue officer at Poshmark, said.Searches for “white vintage gowns” has surged, which von der Goltz said is “a shift toward one-of-a-kind, archival-inspired wedding looks.Brides are increasingly choosing pieces with history — driving triple-digit growth across vintage gowns, veils, and shoes,” as per the style report.Some brides are upcycling vintage wedding dresses that are heirlooms, said Christine Carlson, owner of Maybelle Atelier in Maplewood, NJ.“A lot of people come in with their mother or grandmother’s wedding dress wanting it as their dance dress for their ‘second look’ on their wedding day,” said Carlson, a former bridal and couture designer.

“I charge for an heirloom reimagining session (90 minutes for $300) and produ...