Franklin Dean
The idea of wearing a wedding dress once and then storing it away in a box is becoming outdated. Brides are increasingly looking for ways to rewear their wedding dresses, whether by altering the dress or choosing a non-traditional wedding dress that can be worn again. This trend is driven by a desire for sustainability and a reluctance to spend a lot of money on a dress that will only be worn once.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | Some people are concerned about the cost of a dress that is only worn once |
| Sustainability | The wedding dress industry is considered wasteful, and some brides are concerned about sustainability |
| Tradition | Traditionally, wedding dresses were worn once and then stored away |
| Rewearing | Some brides are choosing to rewear their wedding dresses, either by altering them or dying them a different colour |
| Non-traditional dresses | Some brides are opting for non-traditional dresses that are more wearable after the wedding, such as colourful dresses or two-piece outfits |
| Upcycling | Some brides are upcycling their wedding dresses, either by shortening them or turning them into other items such as robes or christening gowns |
| Repurposing | There are companies that will repurpose wedding dresses into new designs |
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What You'll Learn
Opt for a non-white dress
Opting for a non-white wedding dress is a great way to ensure you can wear your wedding outfit again. While white wedding dresses are stunning, they are not the only option. A non-traditional wedding dress is a perfect way to showcase your personality, uniqueness, and style. It's a chance to wear your favourite colour on your special day.
There are many beautiful colours to choose from when it comes to non-white wedding dresses. Pastel tones are always a lovely choice for a wedding day, especially pastel blue for a winter wedding. For a boho or rustic wedding, soft beige or neutral tones are a great option, and set against a backdrop of natural textures and greenery, they can look incredibly romantic. If you're having a summer wedding, a golden yellow sundress or halter dress inspired by rustic flowers is a wonderful choice. For a fall or winter wedding, a deep burgundy is a romantic option.
If you want to stick to more traditional colours, pink is a great choice as it's associated with innocence, freshness, love, and femininity. Red is also a popular choice as it is the same shade as Valentine's hearts and is associated with love. If you want to make a statement, a bold black lace wedding dress is a modern choice, and can represent power, sophistication, wealth, and mystery.
If you're looking for a non-white wedding dress that you can wear again, consider choosing a shorter dress or a two-piece outfit so that you can pair the top with jeans for a night out, or wear the skirt with a different top. You could also choose a bridal jumpsuit, which gives you the option to run, jump, and dance around in on your wedding day, and can be dressed up or down for different occasions.
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Choose a two-piece outfit
If you're looking to get more use out of your wedding dress, a two-piece outfit is a great option. This style allows you to mix and match the pieces, creating multiple looks that can be worn both during and after your wedding. Here are some ideas to consider when choosing a two-piece wedding outfit:
Crop Top and Skirt
A crop top and skirt combination is a modern and versatile option for your wedding day. The crop top can be paired with a voluminous or form-fitting skirt, depending on your personal style. After the wedding, you can style the crop top with jeans and pumps for a casual look, or dress it up by pairing the skirt with a sleek black bodysuit for a night out. This option gives you the flexibility to create multiple outfits with just two pieces.
Embellished Top and Tiered Skirt
For a fashion-forward statement, opt for a two-piece outfit with an embellished top and a tiered skirt. The embellishment on the top adds a touch of glamour and sophistication, while the tiered skirt creates a romantic and whimsical silhouette. After your wedding, you can style the embellished top with tailored trousers or a sleek midi skirt for a more understated, yet elegant look.
Lace Bralette and High-Low Skirt
A lace bralette paired with a high-low skirt is a beautiful choice for a two-piece wedding outfit. The lace bralette adds a touch of romance and delicacy, while the high-low skirt showcases an interesting and modern silhouette. After your wedding, the bralette can be styled with high-waisted pants or a midi skirt, and the skirt can be dressed down with a simple t-shirt and sneakers for a casual, yet fashionable look.
Colourful Two-Piece
If you're open to steering away from the traditional white wedding dress, a colourful two-piece outfit is a perfect choice. Opt for a colour that complements your skin tone and makes you feel confident. A colourful two-piece can be worn as-is on your wedding day, and afterwards, you can mix and match the pieces with other items in your wardrobe. This option gives you the freedom to create multiple looks and showcase your unique style.
When choosing a two-piece wedding outfit, consider the versatility of the pieces and how they can be styled separately. This will ensure that you get the most wear out of your wedding ensemble, creating lasting memories with each outfit combination.
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Dye your dress a new colour
Dyeing your wedding dress is a great way to ensure you get more wear out of it. If you're planning to dye your dress, it's a good idea to research the process first, as not all dyes are created equal. For example, if you want to achieve a deep, dark colour like royal blue, the process will be different from adding a wash of colour to a white dress or dip-dyeing it. Check your garment's care label to confirm what type of fabric it is, as that will determine the type of dye you need to buy. Natural fabrics like cotton, silk, and linen will pick up dye, while synthetic fabrics will result in a splotchy or uneven finish. If you're happy to proceed, you can follow these steps:
- Find a piece of scrap fabric to test out your dye before committing to the whole dress.
- Prepare your dye bath and stir slowly and continuously for ten minutes to avoid splotching.
- Add your wet garment to the dye bath. The exact amount of time your dress should remain in the liquid depends on the fabric, but an hour is about the maximum.
- Once you've added your fixative, rinse your dress in cool water until it runs clean.
- Wash with mild detergent and warm water, then rinse your dress again and hang to dry.
If you're looking for colour inspiration, why not try a dark, rich colour like midnight blue or deep red? These shades can also help disguise any marks on the dress. Alternatively, you could take inspiration from stylist Gemma Sort Chilvers, who dyed her wedding dress baby pink and wore it to a friend's wedding the following summer.
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Alter your dress for future events
There are many ways to alter your wedding dress to make it more suitable for future events. Firstly, you could opt for a non-traditional wedding dress that is more rewearable from the outset. For example, you could choose a colourful gown, a chic white jumpsuit, or a two-piece outfit where the top and skirt can be worn as separates. Alternatively, you could dye your wedding dress a different colour to give it a new lease of life, or shorten it so that it can be worn day-to-day. You could also add an overskirt to your wedding dress to create a new silhouette, or remove an overskirt to create a simpler look. If you're feeling creative, you could even transform your wedding dress into a completely new design, such as a cocktail dress or a bridal robe. There are companies that specialise in repurposing wedding dresses, or you could take your dress to a local tailor to be altered.
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$86.95
Wear your mother's or grandmother's dress
Wearing your mother's or grandmother's wedding dress is a beautiful way to honour your family and create a unique connection on your special day. It is also a sustainable and cost-effective option, reducing waste and saving you money on a dress that might be worn only once. Here are some considerations and ideas for wearing your mother's or grandmother's wedding dress:
Alterations and Customisations
While it is wonderful to wear a family heirloom, you may want to make some alterations to modernise the dress or make it better suit your style and body type. Simple alterations can be made to update the dress, such as removing sleeves, changing necklines, or adjusting the length. You can work with a skilled seamstress to ensure the dress complements your natural shape and fits you perfectly.
Multi-generational Wear
Some families have a tradition of passing down wedding dresses through the generations. This creates a beautiful continuity and connects the brides across time. With some care and preservation, a wedding dress can be worn by multiple generations, each bride bringing something new to the dress while honouring the past.
Repurpose the Dress
If wearing the dress as it is doesn't appeal to you, there are numerous ways to repurpose the fabric into something new. You can create a custom wedding garter, a bridal bouquet wrap, a ring bearer pillow, or even a rehearsal dinner or bridal shower outfit. You can also use a piece of the dress as a patch on the inside of your chosen wedding dress, keeping your mother or grandmother's love and support close to your heart on your special day.
Dyeing and Restyling
Consider dyeing your mother's or grandmother's dress a different colour to give it a new lease of life. You can also restyle the dress by shortening it or adding modern touches to make it more wearable for future events. This way, you can extend the lifespan of the dress and create new memories with it.
Wearing your mother's or grandmother's wedding dress is a heartwarming way to honour your family and create lasting memories. With some creativity and alterations, you can make the dress your own while cherishing the legacy it carries.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is okay to wear your wedding dress twice. Traditionally, wedding dresses were worn only once, but this mindset is changing due to rising concerns about sustainability and the wastefulness of the industry.
You can wear your wedding dress twice by either upcycling it or dying it a different colour. You could also opt for a non-traditional wedding dress that is more wearable in different contexts, such as a colourful dress or a two-piece outfit.
You can find rewearable wedding dresses at BHLDN, Leanne Marshall, Flora and Lane, and Etsy. You can also repurpose your wedding dress with companies such as Unbox the Dress.
