Couples turn back clock for big day with a slightly smaller price tag

A growing trend for vintage weddings has seen a boom in the last 12 months as couples adopt a thrifty approach to their big day while also seeking inspiration from when their parents and grandparents tied the knot.

A vintage wedding fair was staged in Harrogate yesterday with more than 50 exhibitors offering brides the chance to buy a dress for as little as 75.

More than 400 wedding dresses and gowns dating from the early 20th century to the 1980s were on display, along with vintage-themed flowers, stationery, photography, decorations, jewellery and accessories.

Organiser Keeley Harris, who runs a vintage clothing store called Space in Harrogate, claimed that the trend had emerged as couples looked to ensure their wedding stood out from the crowd – while also giving them the chance to reduce costs.

Miss Harris said: "There are thousands of vintage wedding dresses out there, and people want to have something a little bit different on their big day – it's just a case of marrying the two together."

She is looking to launch a shop in York by Christmas.