George Boyle
Traditionally, wedding dresses are worn once and then stored away, but modern brides are increasingly choosing to wear their dresses more than once. This shift is partly due to rising concerns about sustainability and the wastefulness of the wedding industry. Brides are now opting for non-traditional dresses that can be worn again or altering their wedding dresses into new garments. Some brides are also choosing to wear their wedding dresses to other formal events, such as red-carpet events or vow renewals. Others are choosing to repurpose their wedding dresses into new items, such as baby blankets, robes, or works of art.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Opt for a non-traditional colour | Pale pink, red |
| Choose a contemporary designer | Simone Rocha, Molly Goddard |
| Style it differently | Trainers or flats for a daywear look |
| Dye it | Deep blue, baby pink |
| Wear it to a formal event | Red carpet, black-tie |
| Alter it | Mini dress, two-piece set |
| Frame it | Hang it on your wall |
| Donate it | Brides Across America, Every Girl's Dream |
| Sell it | Nearly Newlywed |
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What You'll Learn
- Choose a non-traditional colour for your wedding dress, like pale pink or red, that you can re-wear
- Opt for a versatile dress style, like an A-line, sheath, or shorter gown, that can be dressed up or down
- Plan to re-wear your wedding dress to a future formal event, such as a red-carpet or black-tie occasion
- Dye your wedding dress a new colour to give it a second life and make it more wearable for everyday occasions
- Alter your wedding dress into a new garment, like a mini dress, two-piece set, or robe, that you can wear again
Choose a non-traditional colour for your wedding dress, like pale pink or red, that you can re-wear
If you want to wear your wedding dress more than once, choosing a non-traditional colour is a great option. Opting for a hue other than white or ivory, such as pale pink or red, means you can re-wear your dress to future events without it being obvious that it's a wedding dress.
Artist Rose Electra Harris, for example, chose a pale pink Simone Rocha dress for her civil ceremony and a red tulle Molly Goddard dress for her second wedding. She explained, "I love colour and knew if I wore white, I would never wear it again. It makes me sad thinking of a wedding dress just hanging in your cupboard forever, and never wearing it." Since her weddings, Harris has worn her red dress again for her birthday, pairing it with an oversized knit.
You can also consider dyeing your wedding dress a different colour after your wedding, as one bride did with her Gabriela Hearst slip dress, which she dyed a deep blue. Another bride, inspired by Gwyneth Paltrow's 1999 Oscars gown, dyed her minimalist Own Studio wedding dress a baby pink shade and then wore it to a friend's wedding the following summer.
If you're worried about standing out at future events, you can always style your dress differently. For instance, you could wear trainers or flats for a more casual look, or add an oversized knit over the top for a different silhouette.
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Opt for a versatile dress style, like an A-line, sheath, or shorter gown, that can be dressed up or down
If you want to wear your wedding dress more than once, opting for a versatile style is a great idea. A-line, sheath, or shorter gowns can be dressed up or down, making them perfect for a range of occasions.
A-line dresses are known for their universally flattering silhouette, with a fitted bodice and a skirt that widens gradually from the waist down. This style is versatile enough to be dressed up for formal events or dressed down for a more casual look. You can even pair it with trainers or flats for a daywear look.
Sheath dresses are another classic and versatile option. They tend to be more form-fitting and can easily be styled for different occasions. For a more casual look, layer a jacket or cardigan over the dress, or add a statement necklace for a touch of glamour.
Shorter gowns are also a great choice if you're looking for versatility. They can be dressed up with heels and statement jewellery for a formal event or dressed down with flats and a simple cardigan for a more casual affair.
When choosing a versatile wedding dress, consider the fabric and colour as well. Lightweight and breathable fabrics like chiffon or cotton may be more comfortable and versatile for various settings. As for colour, while traditional white or ivory are always elegant, you could also consider a subtle blush or light grey hue for a modern twist that can easily transition to other occasions.
Remember, by opting for a versatile dress style, you're not only getting more wear out of your wedding dress, but you're also making a sustainable choice by extending the life of your garment.
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Plan to re-wear your wedding dress to a future formal event, such as a red-carpet or black-tie occasion
If you're planning to re-wear your wedding dress to a future formal event, such as a red-carpet or black-tie occasion, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you may want to style the dress differently to how you did on your wedding day. This could mean pairing it with trainers or flats for a more casual look, or adding different accessories, shoes, or a cardigan to change up the overall style.
Another option is to alter your wedding dress to create a new garment that you can wear again. You could work with a tailor or seamstress to create a new piece, such as a charming mini dress or a two-piece set, that you can wear on special occasions or even surprise your partner by wearing it on your first anniversary.
If you're feeling creative, you could also dye your wedding dress a different colour to give it a new lease of life. For example, you could turn it into a formal gown perfect for special occasions by dyeing it a deep blue or a baby pink shade.
Some brides choose to re-wear their wedding dresses as they are to red-carpet events, such as the Fashion Awards, or even to renew their vows. It's a sustainable and cost-effective choice that allows you to get more wear out of a typically expensive item. A-line, sheath dresses, and shorter, simpler styles are suitable for black-tie events, and you can always add different accessories to change up your look.
If you're having a small, intimate wedding followed by a larger reception, you may also want to consider wearing your wedding dress twice. This way, you can feel beautiful and get your money's worth, creating two special moments: one at the small ceremony and another at the larger reception.
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Dye your wedding dress a new colour to give it a second life and make it more wearable for everyday occasions
Dyeing your wedding dress a new colour is a great way to give it a second life and make it more wearable for everyday occasions. This method has been endorsed by several brides and stylists, including stylist Gemma Sort Chilvers, who dyed her wedding dress baby pink and then wore it to a friend's wedding.
When choosing a new colour, consider your personal style and the colours that dominate your wardrobe. This will make it easier to incorporate your newly dyed dress into your everyday outfits. You can also take inspiration from your favourite celebrities. For example, if you love Emma Stone's style, you might want to opt for a flapper-style short dress, which she wore for her wedding in 2020.
When it comes to the dyeing process, you can either do it yourself or seek the help of a professional. If you're feeling creative and want to give it a go yourself, there are plenty of DIY tutorials available online. However, if you want to ensure a professional finish, it might be worth contacting a natural dyer like Cavan Jayne, who can help you achieve the perfect shade.
Once your dress has been dyed, you can start planning how to style it for different occasions. With the right accessories and footwear, you can easily transform your look to suit a variety of settings, whether it's a casual brunch with friends or a more formal event. For a casual look, pair your dress with trainers or flats, a denim jacket, and some simple jewellery. For a more formal occasion, you can style your dress with heels, a statement necklace, and an elegant clutch bag.
By dyeing your wedding dress, you're not only giving it a new lease of life but also ensuring that it becomes a versatile piece in your wardrobe that you can cherish for years to come.
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Alter your wedding dress into a new garment, like a mini dress, two-piece set, or robe, that you can wear again
If you want to wear your wedding dress again, consider altering it into a new garment. One of the easiest ways to do this is to shorten the dress. You can keep it floor-length and remove just the train, or shorten it to ankle, midi, or mini length. By removing the train, you can take away the 'bridal' element that may make you hesitant to wear your dress again. A shortened wedding dress can be styled in many ways, such as layering a roll-neck underneath or adding a jumper, jacket, or blazer on top. For a more formal event, pair it with heels, or go for a relaxed brunch style with boots.
Another option is to simplify any details that may make the dress feel too bridal for everyday wear. You can also transform your wedding dress into a charming mini dress or a two-piece set, which you can wear on your first anniversary to surprise your partner. Many newlyweds also create robes from their wedding dresses, allowing them to enjoy a piece of their wedding day every morning and night.
If you want to keep your dress intact, you can still turn it into a family heirloom by passing it down to future generations or having it professionally preserved. You can also repurpose your wedding dress into décor for your home, such as pillows, tablecloths, table runners, or napkins. If you're feeling creative, you can check out Pinterest and Etsy for endless DIY ideas and visuals. Alternatively, you can work with a company like Unbox the Dress, which specializes in creating one-of-a-kind heirloom pieces from wedding gowns.
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Frequently asked questions
You can opt for a non-traditional wedding dress that you know you'll have an opportunity to wear again. You can also alter your wedding dress into a more wearable garment, such as a charming mini dress or a two-piece set.
You can turn your wedding dress into a robe, art by getting it framed, or a garment for special occasions. You can also donate your dress to an organisation like Brides Across America, which gives wedding dresses to military brides in need, or sell it on a platform like Nearly Newlywed.
You can style your wedding dress with trainers or flats for a more casual daywear look. You can also accessorise it differently the second time around, such as by adding different shoes or accessories.
