Welcome! Cherished Requests the Honor of your Presence ... At the Wedding of your dreams ~                        Every little girl dreams of it, and No matter how strong and independent she grows up to be     ~        The day she weds is a Day like no other  ~           For the independent Bride with her own sense of Style ~ Who treasures beauty in fine things ~ Quality in fabric and line ~ The timeless romance of times gone by ~ ~   To You who honor the thread of ~ Time that binds us ~ Woman to Man ~ Parent to Child ~ Generation to Generation ... I offer these Cherished gowns ~  For a Cherished Bride.   Blessings for your future, Jennifer Hollon Proprietor, Cherished bride

My mother, Mrs. Robert B. Reed, née Eleanor Anne Weatherby, on the occasion of her marriage, May 13, 1950.

5 Reasons to buy a Vintage wedding gown:

Twice the Gown for Half the Money...

The quality and workmanship exhibited in vintage gowns is far superior to all but the most expensive gowns available today. Many of the richly lustrous slipper satins, delicate laces and dressmaker details are simply not available today at any price.

Made in America..

In the not so distant past, American goods were recognized as the best in the world. Most of the gowns offered by Cherished were Made in America by skilled artisans during the era of the country's greatest manufacturing achievements. These craftspeople worked to the exacting standards of designers and producers whose clientele recognized - and required - quality.  They were not cranked out by the thousands in foreign sweatshops by manufacturers who care far more for profit than excellence.

Timeless and Classic...

Ever notice how wedding pictures of even a decade or two ago often appear hopelessly dated? Fashion changes so quickly that what seems fresh and new one moment quickly becomes stale. But as the saying goes “Everything old is new again.” Vintage gowns have survived their own phase of “hopelessly dated” to emerge afresh as classically elegant.

Something for Everyone..

The vintage bride has decade upon decade of fashion design arrayed before her. From the elongated curves of a 30s biased cut gown and the shapely gowns of the 1940s, to the full ball gowns of the 1950s and the Camelot-inspired dresses of the Kennedy era. Choosing to wear a vintage gown is choosing romance with a capital “R” - and expresses the creativity and individuality of the bride in a way that a modern gown, however lovely, cannot.

A Vintage Gown is History ...

But it’s also the future. When you buy a Cherished gown you are buying an heirloom for your new family. These gowns were made to last and have stood the test of time. A vintage gown could be a treasure you’ll share with your own daughter someday.

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We are diehard, cock-eyed romantics, and we're not ashamed to say so.  When we first got the notion to begin this enterprise ("Hey - wouldn't an online vintage bridal salon be a neat idea?") our minds wandered back to the "olden days" when we were very young.

We loved shopping with our grandmother in the "better" stores - with elevator operators who swung the heavy latticed safety door open and announced the delights available on each floor. The lighting was soft and subdued, the merchandise tantalizingly displayed, and your own saleslady showed genuine interest in helping you find just the right thing.  

She would bring her offerings to the dressing room and carry away your discards.  If something didn't quite fit, Alterations would be called, and an accomplished seamstress soon arrived to make the necessary adjustments. When you finished making your selections, your purchases were whisk away to be carefully wrapped in boxes tied up with string. You could choose to have your packages delivered or if you preferred, take them with you to the store restaurant where you were refreshed with tea ("a cherry coke for me, please") and sandwiches before making your way home.  The excitement of unwrapping your new treasures was like a little Christmas.  The whole experience was so very pleasant - so very civilized.

My how times have changed!  Although online shopping can never recreate that bygone experience, the same level of service and attention to detail remains our ideal and our guiding principle.

We know that choosing a wedding gown is an extremely important and often emotional decision, and we are dedicated to helping our customers find the perfect gown for a perfect day.  Through a free personal consultation, (either by telephone or email, though we prefer the phone) we will work with you to answer all your questions and help you find your dream gown. Each Cherished gown is hand-chosen for its condition, beauty and materials. Our gowns are in excellent, wearable condition and have been thoroughly cleaned and pressed. Any necessary repairs have been made.  

Cherished gowns are in fine Vintage condition. Most have had some sort of minor repair(s) in addition to cleaning to make ready for your big day. Vintage gowns will almost always have some small flaws and signs of their venerable age, and even new gowns have imperfections.

On a scale of 1 to 10, our typical inventory is 9 – 10. Seams will be strong, zippers will work, buttons will be tightly sewn, and minor repairs will be made. Any small flaws will disappear in the overall beauty of the gown and will never be noticed except under close inspection. We will tell you of any flaws we see, but please keep in mind that they will not detract from the gown when worn.

If you're a bit intimidated at the thought of a vintage wedding gown-

Don't be!

You may be concerned that a vintage gown might be too fragile to stand up to your big day …

     Basic soundness of the garment is a big concern at Cherished, too. Every gown offered has been carefully examined and cleaned. If the gown is too frail to wear, we do not offer it. That is why we don't carry vintage clothing made before the 1930s. Long experience has taught that gowns made before that era vary widely in wearability.

     The rayon satins that were a staple of the bridal industry for more than thirty years have not only retained their luster and depth, but are aging beautifully. Gowns made of these satins are sturdy and strong, usually with virtually no signs of aging of the fabrics. They are truly a testament to the quality of manufacture that once prevailed in the US, and there's little doubt that with a modicum of care, these gowns will delight future generations of appreciative brides.

     Please be aware though, that our gowns are between 30 & 70 years old, and do deserve some respect in the wearing. We believe in the dignified behavior of brides regardless of the age of their apparel. If worn and stored with reasonable care, your Cherished gown can be your first family heirloom.

Perhaps you wonder if you can find a vintage gown in your size ...

     Though it is true that surviving vintage gowns tend to be in the smaller sizes (not because people were smaller then, but because women typically married much earlier) we try to stock larger sizes as well. Many of our gowns have room to be let out, which will be mentioned in the description. If you are a modern size 0 to 16, there is every possibility that you will find the vintage gown of your dreams.

     Finding the right size is not rocket science. A few simple measurements are all you need.

    You can find lots more information in the About the Gowns, Measuring, Policies & Ordering sections. Please read about our On Approval service under Policies. We also hope you will take advantage of our free personal consultation before reserving your gown. Make sure you write down your questions in advance so you won’t forget anything, and we’ll work together to find your perfect Cherished gown.

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About our Veils, Headpieces & Accessories

We try to stock accessories and headpieces that are not only beautiful in their own right, but particularly compliment Cherished gowns.  Many of the catalog entries for the gowns also include picture links of recommended accessories, veils and headpieces currently in stock.  Please look for them. When you click on one of the recommended items, the pictures and description will open in a new window so you will not lose your place in the catalog. We are always looking for wonderful additions to our stock of gloves, jewelry, headpieces, shoes and veils.

The condition of each item in the Accessories and Veils sections will be carefully described.  Some of our headpieces have veils attached that will require replacement.  These are usually the only items we offer that are not completely ready-to-wear.  We sell these headpieces with the original veil attached to provide a pattern for replacement.  Most of the time, attaching new veiling (widely available in any fabric shop) only requires the most modest sewing skills, and might easily be done at home.

Note:  In addition to recommending appropriate accessories for our gowns, we try to accurately date them so you can match them with your chosen era.  However, the nuances of fashion are always fluid, and it is our personal philosophy that there is no reason to be a slave to fashion history. Fashion has always found inspiration in previous styles, and many "new" fashion designs are mere re-interpretations of those that went before. If you have found the perfect headpiece or accessory for your gown, don't be afraid to combine eras.

Some brides, of course, want to recreate a moment in time as authentically as possible - and this can truly create magic.

About our Keepsake Albums, Cards & Gift Wrap

Please visit our albums, cards, and gift wrap sections.  Our selections are all genuine vintage items - not reproductions.  Our romantic keepsake memory albums from the 1920s through the 1960s make treasured gifts, and our cards, invitations and wrapping paper will bring smiles to any wedding celebration!

Because unused vintage cards and gift wraps are hard to find, many of the ones we stock are one-of-a-kind. However, we have multiples of many of our cards and papers. To see how many we have in stock, just click on the "add to cart" feature - a window will open that will show you how many of that item we have in stock. The item will not actually add to your cart until you choose to.

	Contents ·About the Gowns Decade-by-Decade Overview of Bridal Fashion      ·1930s      ·1940s      ·1950s      ·1960s Measuring ·How we measure ·How to measure      yourself ·Alterations

Shopping Our Site:

We've worked hard to make the site easy to use, but if you have suggestions or comments about it's design or usability, please let us know.

Shopping for Gowns:  The gowns are arranged by decade, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s & Neo-Victorian. Gowns are sometimes listed in more than one category. If you click the Gowns button on the home page, a drop-down menu will take you to the decade of your choice, and links are available at the bottom of each catelog page. 

A full description of the gown will be give, and you can click on each picture to have it enlarged on the left of the catalog entry.  Usually more pictures are available, and will appear in a new window when the "Click for more Pictures" link is used. This is the basic format for each shopping section of the site.  Measurements are taken according to the method described in the Measurements section.  The armhole measurement is most useful for the tight-fitting sleeves of 1950s gowns.  Sometimes, we've added "Recommended Accessories" which will be shown at the bottom of the catalog entry for that gown.  These are sometimes the original accessories for that gown.  When you click on a recommended accessory, a new window will open up so that you will not lose your place in the catelog. All items can be added to your shopping cart in the usual manner.

Shopping for Veils:  Our Veil & Headpiece section is arranged on the same system as the Gowns sections, except that they are all in one section, not separated into decades, and there are no "Recommended Accessories."

Accessories: Same as above.

Albums: Same as above.

Gift Wrap & Cards:  Often have duplicates of the same items in these sections.  Clicking on the "Add to Cart" feature on each catalog entry will open a new window that tells you how many we have in stock. You can also choose the number you want from this screen, but the item will not actually go into your shopping cart unless you choose "Add to Cart" from this screen.

Ordering & Policies

We want to make it easy for you to fall in love with a Cherished Bride gown.  That is why we offer our "On Approval" service (see below.) We also urge you to send us an email or give us a call so we may answer any questions you have before you buy.  We will soon be adding a convenient toll-free number.

Payment:  We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express & Discover online through PayPal.  You may also send us an electronic check through PayPal.  If you do not already have a PayPal account, go to their website at http://www.paypal.com to see how easy it is to register.  We also accept personal checks (with a hold period AFTER receipt of 10 business days) & money orders.  Choose your method of payment when you use our Check Out.

On Approval Service:

 (Applies to Gowns only - see below for policies regarding other merchandise)  You have 3 days (72 hrs.) after receiving your gown to try it on and make your final decision. Each gown will have a tracking number. Your Approval time will be based on the delivery date and time posted on the United State Post Office website. If you wish to return the gown, just follow these proceedures.  Failure to do so, will void this policy. See the Returns Policies below for procedures that will ensure your refund and a smooth transaction.

INTERNATIONAL BUYERS:
Cherished online welcomes purchases from the following:
Canada
Europe
UK
Australia
New Zealand
Japan

To ensure a smooth transaction, please follow these important instructions:

Cherished online’s automatic shipping calculator cannot calculate shipping and handling charges for international sales. Therefore, PLEASE EMAIL US BEFORE PURCHASE inqueries@cherishedbride.com with your full name, shipping address, and the title of the item(s) you wish to purchase.

We will reserve your items for you, and email you with your shipping options/costs. We ship via the US post office. The post office has several service options available to each country. These options vary as to cost, speed of delivery, and whether insurance is available.

When you reply with your preferred shipping method/cost, we will send you an invoice for payment in US currency by credit card through PayPal. All international sales must be paid by Credit Card in US dollars through PayPal. We cannot accept payment in any foreign currencies. All cost of currency exchange is the buyer’s responsibility.

A 3% handling charge will be added for each International sale. Please understand that due to US customs fees, ALL International Sales are Final. However, we want very much for you to have the best shopping experience possible. We encourage you to contact us with any questions regarding measurements, fit, etc. before you buy. We will work with you in any way possible to ensure your complete satisfaction.

Shipping:

Gowns - We ship our gowns via Post Office priority mail which generally delivers in 2 days in the Continental US.  We insure for the price paid for the gown, and we buy a return receipt request which requires you to sign for the package.  We also purchase a Delivery Confirmation tracking number so that your package can be tracked on the US Post Office website.

Other items: Items are shipped via the US mail using the most reasonable method.  Most veils and accessories are shipped Priority, but we may mail other items via parcel post, 1st class or media mail.  If you have a preference, please let us know and we will try to accommodate. Multiple items will be shipped in the most efficient and safe method. This may mean your purchases will arrive all in one box, or in more than one box as required.

Shipping Charges:

We add a modest handling charge to each order.  This is automatically added when you place your order through Check Out.  For items under $24.99 we add 3%. For items above $25, we charge 2%.

Gowns:  All gowns are shipped for a flat rate of $30 plus the handling charge described above within the US & most of Canada. 

Shipment for other items is as follows:

Total amount of Purchase:

$0 - $9.99 = $4.50

$10.00 - $49.99 = $6.50

$50.00 and above = $8.50

Returns:

Returning On Approval Gowns: Contact us via email with the reason for the return, or  give us a call to discuss any issues you may have.  We may be able to help solve the problem or offer alternatives.  You must contact us either with email or by phone before returning the gown and Mail the gown within 72 hours of receiving it.

Please understand that the short turn-around time is deliberate and we will not make exceptions to this policy. Failure to mail your gown for return within 72 hours of receipt (weekends & holidays included) as determined by the tracking number information on the US Post Office website (www.usps.com) will void the refund and the gown will be returned to you.

Of course, the gown must be in the same condition as received. We will inspect the gown to determine condition on receipt, and we reserve the right to the final assessment of condition.

Note: We almost always send the gowns via priority mail unless the cost is prohibitive. Priority Mail usually delivers within 2 days  You may return it at the cheaper parcel post rate. Insure the gown for the actual value, and purchase a delivery confirmation tracking number for its return to us. Failure to purchase a Delivery Confirmation will also void your refund as there is then no objective proof of when the item was returned.

When we receive the gown we will issue a refund using the same method as your payment less our original shipping & handling and an iinspection and restocking fee. We do not reimburse for postage in either direction.  

Restocking fees: For gowns paid for through PayPal, the restocking fee is 10%. For gowns paid for by check or money order, the restocking fee is 15%. This is because the vast majority of our business is via PayPal, so handling and issuing checks is an added administrative expense.

Note:  We pack our gowns with their safety in mind, and we purchase postal insurance in the amount you paid for the gown. In the event of damage during shipment, any claims should be made with the Post Office and are the responsibility of the buyer.

Return of Other Merchandise:

Items in the Veils and Accessories sections are Non-Returnable. Items in the Albums, Cards and Gift Wrap sections are returnable for exchange (for equal dollar amount or less) within 14days, if Customer pays the cost of shipping the exchanged goods. We are sorry, but we cannot make partial refunds.  

Valuable Links

As an added service to our visitors, Cherished online is in the process of building a comprehensive directory of links. We are striving to find beautiful and unusual merchandise and services that we think will be of special interest to people who love Vintage - and to the people who love people who love Vintage! All the sites listed here have been personally reviewed and selected, but we can make no warranty as to their business practices or merchandise.
Port Halcyon http://www.porthalcyon.com Your refuge from the modern world. Your portal to the Golden Days of music, fashion, culture and lifestyle. Read the second in a series of articles from Port Halcyon on vintage weddings featuring Cherished online Vintage bridal salon. porthalcyon.com Article
Art Deco Society of Washington (ADSW) http://www.adsw.org/ Washington, DC society celebrating Art Deco in all its expressions, with a comprehensive links directory.
Organic Bouquet http://www.organicbouquet.com Gorgeous flowers & a healthier planet!
Jerry Schuster Painted Portraits http://www.portraitking.com/ Beautiful portraits from photographs. Check out his wedding portraits link!
Heritage Gowns http://www.heritagegown.com Preserve your vintage gown properly for future generations. Most "preservation" services offered by dry cleaners are nothing more than hype. These folks do it right - and reasonably priced, too! They also have "do it yourself" kits that we highly recommend.
Decodame http://www.decodame.com Beautifully designed site sets off a fabulous selection of Deco through Mid-century furnishings and accessories. Great selection of period fabrics.
Retro Redheads http://www.retro-redheads.com Wonderful web site specializing in 40s & 50s kitchen and kitsch - gorgeous photos of very fun stuff.
Posh Vintage http://www.poshvintage.com Exquisite clothing with fabulous style!
Marian's Vintage Vanities http://www.vintagevanitiesclothing.com/7-206.htm Great prices on vintage fashions from all eras - good place to look for vintage bridesmaid and flower girl stuff.
Besame Cosmetics http://www.besamecosmetics.com Wonderful, very authentic reproduction 1940s cosmetics. I've tried them - gorgeous packaging and their lipsticks, powder, foundation, etc. feel and smell like my mother's did. Great accurate colors and outstanding customer service!
reVamp Vintage - Limited Edition Vintage ReCreations http://www.revampvintage.com Los Angeles fashion house specializing in authentic limited edition fashions from the 1910's through the 1950's. Web site has comprehensive instructions on recreating vintage hairstyles and make-up by decade. Firm also offers in-person seminars on vintage hairstyles and grooming, make-up, etiquette and deportment, 'immersion' classes by decade and sewing and beading classes. Fabulous online resource!
Sense and Sensibility http://www.sensibility.com Wonderful historically correct patterns from many eras - easy to sew with modest skills. She designs for Simplicity!
A Web Wedding and Ask A Bride http://awebwedding.weddingcheckout.com The Wedding Super Store! A Secure Wedding Store featuring bubbles, gifts, cameras, software, unity candles, bridesmaids & groomsmen gifts, and more.
Fashion Mission http://www.Fashionmission.nl Fashion Mission is an online fashion and "lifestyle" directory originating in the Netherlands with thousands of listings covering everything from the fashions of ancient history to the cutting edge of what's happening Now. Many listing for American as well as European designers and companies.
Bliss!™ Weddings http://www.blissweddings.com To achieve wedded bliss, you first must plan for it. For trend-setting wedding favors and gifts, visit BlissWeddingsMarket.com
Shared Memories http://www.shared-memories.com Southern California Wedding Resource Center
123 Greetings http://www.123greetings.com Free e-cards for any occasion
Online Wedding Planning For Wedding Themes http://www.wedthemes.com In a Medieval Mood? Are you a Beach Babe? Rodeo Queen? Want to honor your cultural heritage in your ceremony? This is a great resource for all kinds of themed weddings with ebooks and many informative articles. http://9cherish9.eventbooks.hop.clickbank.net
Bowlingshirt.com/CruisingUSA http://www.bowlingshirt.com Large selection of 50's themed items including poodle skirts and a 50's Party in a Box, plus great retro-style telephones, jukes & record players
Predicta TV http://www.predicta.com/index.shtml Absolutely must-see retro-designed televisions - WOW!
New York Weddings http://www.nycityweddings.com Everything for planning a wedding in NYC & environs. <a href="http://www.nycityweddings.com"><b>New York Weddings</b></a> - Planning guide and community for weddings in New York.
WWII Home Front National Historic Park http://www.nps.gov/pwro/collection/website/home.htm Located in Richmond, California, an important war factory town, this site has a lot of well-researched information about what it was really like during this crucial era of our history. Much insightful information about women and their lives.
Second Harvest http://www.secondharvest.org/related_links.html Share your happiness with others.
Imus Ranch Foods http://www.imusranchfoods.com/index.aspx?lobid=972 The Imus Ranch is a non-profit working cattle ranch in New Mexico for kids with cancer. They carry a line of salad dressings and coffees, and a full line of environmentally safe (people safe, too) cleaning products called Greening the Cleaning. All profits go to support the ranch. Interesting wedding favors, perhaps?
Treehugger http://www.treehugger.com Amazingly rich web site dedicated to all things Green.
Portovert Magazine http://www.portovert.com The first and only magazine for eco-savvy brides and grooms. Many ideas and resources for a Green wedding including a Calculator to estimate the environmental impact of your wedding!
BUST Magazine http://www.bust.com The magazine describes itself as "Fierce, Funny & Proud to be Female! Busting stereotypes since 1993, with an uncensored view of the female experience. It's "Girl Wide Web" is a mammoth link directory.