Deborah Chan
When it comes to renewing your wedding vows, there are endless options for what to wear. While some opt for a traditional wedding dress, others prefer to choose a different style or colour to mark the occasion. Some sources suggest that it is inappropriate to wear a wedding dress to a vow renewal, while others encourage it. There are many alternatives to a wedding dress, such as a cocktail dress, a ball gown, a jumpsuit, or a custom-made dress. Ultimately, the most important thing is to wear what you feel comfortable and happy in.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dress code | Semiformal attire is appropriate for most locations. |
| Colors | White, Black, Pink, Blue, Taupe, Ivory, Gold, Silver, Green, Yellow, Purple, Multicolored |
| Style | Wedding dress, evening gown, cocktail dress, jumpsuit, pantsuit, skirt and top, mini dress, midi dress, maxi dress, sundress, ball gown, bridal gown, custom-made |
| Accessories | Veil, train, cape, hat, sandals, wedges, flats, sneakers, flip-flops, boots, shoes, jewelry |
| Location | Indoors, outdoors, beach, tropical destination, garden, ocean-side |
| Season | Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall |
| Time of day | Daytime, evening |
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What You'll Learn
White is appropriate
White is a perfectly suitable colour for renewing your wedding vows. It is a symbol of the joy of a wedding and is a popular choice for brides who want to wear a classic bridal gown to symbolise their ongoing vows.
If you want to wear a white dress, you can choose a simple, formal gown, perhaps with an open-back design and side slits for a contemporary look. You could also opt for a minimalist white strapless dress, adding diamonds, statement shoes, and an Old-Hollywood hairstyle. If you want to wear a wedding dress, you can even wear your original wedding dress if it holds a special place in your heart.
You can also choose to have a custom-made dress in white, or any other colour. This is a fun and luxurious experience, ensuring you have a dress that fits you perfectly.
If you want to wear white, it is important to communicate this to your guests, so they do not accidentally wear the same colour as you. It is also important to be mindful of the venue and setting. For example, if you are walking across a lawn or sand, you may want to avoid a floor-length gown and opt for a shorter dress or trousers.
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Other colours are an option
While white is a popular choice for those renewing their wedding vows, other colours are an option. You can choose any colour you like, as long as it suits your skin tone, hair and makeup.
If you're planning a casual ceremony, a mini or midi dress in a fun colour or print could be a good choice. You could even wear a little black dress and accessorise with colourful shoes. If you're having a larger event that more closely resembles a traditional wedding, a bridal or ball gown might be more appropriate. You could opt for a gown in a colour other than white, such as pink or taupe.
The setting of your vow renewal can also influence your colour choice. If you're having a tropical destination ceremony, a cotton sundress and sandals or wedges would be perfect. For an outdoor ceremony, you might want to avoid a floor-length gown, as it could be impractical. Instead, a midi dress in a vibrant colour could be a nice way to celebrate all the colour and sparkle your relationship has gained.
If you're having a semiformal or dressy casual ceremony, the time of day can guide your colour choice. For a daytime ceremony, light colours are perfect, while darker, more formal colours are ideal for an evening event.
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Avoid a veil and train
While you can wear white when renewing your wedding vows, it is best to avoid wearing a veil and train. Both the veil and train are typically worn by a woman who has never been married before. Therefore, wearing a wedding dress with a veil and train to renew your wedding vows may be viewed negatively and considered improper.
If you are having a smaller, more intimate renewal ceremony, a traditional wedding dress style with a veil and train might not be the best choice. In this case, a fancy cocktail dress or evening gown might be more appropriate. You could also consider a mini or midi dress in a fun colour or print. If you're having a larger vow renewal event that more closely resembles a traditional wedding, a bridal or ball gown would be a better option.
If you are set on wearing a wedding dress, you could opt for a low-key wedding gown. There are many styles designed for "destination weddings" that are classy and sophisticated, yet still bridal. You could also have a dress custom-made for you—this is a luxurious experience that will ensure your dress fits you perfectly.
If you want to avoid a wedding dress altogether, you could wear a colourful gown or a little black dress. You could also wear a blue dress, a pink wedding dress, or a taupe evening gown. If you're having an outdoor ceremony, consider wearing a cotton sundress with sandals or wedges, or a maxi dress with flat shoes.
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Consider the venue
When it comes to choosing a dress for your vow renewal, the venue is an important consideration. The setting and style of your chosen location will help guide your outfit choice.
If you're planning a beach ceremony, a light and airy dress will be perfect. You could go barefoot and opt for a breezy, bohemian-style gown with an off-the-shoulder neckline and a tiered skirt. If you want to wear white, this is a great opportunity to do so, as it will keep you cool and comfortable in the sun. A sunhat and sandals or wedges are also recommended for a beach setting.
For an outdoor ceremony, you may want to consider the practicality of your footwear. If you're walking across a lawn or sand, choose wedges, flats, or block heels to avoid sinking into the ground. A cocktail dress or a simple silhouette in a complementary colour is a great choice for an outdoor setting.
If your venue is indoors, you might want to consider a heavier dress, especially if the event is during the colder months. A dress with sleeves will keep you warm, or you could opt for a ball gown or bridal gown for a more formal indoor setting.
The level of formality of your venue will also influence your dress choice. If you're having a small, intimate ceremony, a traditional wedding dress might feel out of place. In this case, a cocktail dress or an evening gown could be more suitable. If your venue is more casual, such as a backyard, park, or the couple's home, a cotton sundress and sandals or wedges would be a lovely option.
Ultimately, the venue you choose will help you decide on the style and formality of your dress. Remember, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to vow renewals, so feel free to choose an outfit that makes you feel comfortable, confident, and joyful.
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It's your choice
Renewing your wedding vows is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate your love and marriage. When it comes to choosing what to wear, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable, confident, and true to yourself. It's your choice, and there are no hard and fast rules, but here are some considerations to help guide your decision:
The Setting and Season
The location and season of your vow renewal can influence your dress choice. If you're celebrating on a tropical beach, for instance, you might opt for a light and airy dress, perhaps made from cotton or a similar casual fabric. You could pair it with nice sandals or wedges and a sunhat. Conversely, if you're having an indoor ceremony during the colder months, you might consider a dress with long sleeves and a midi or floor-length skirt. For an indoor celebration during the colder months, a heavier dress or one with sleeves can keep you warm.
The Level of Formality
The level of formality of your vow renewal ceremony is another key factor in choosing your dress. If you're planning a small, intimate gathering, a full wedding gown with a veil and train might feel out of place. In this case, a shorter dress or a fancy cocktail dress might be more appropriate. On the other hand, if you're having a larger, more traditional celebration, a bridal gown or ball gown could be a perfect choice.
Your Personal Style and Preferences
Ultimately, the dress you choose should reflect your personal style and the chapter of life you're in. Don't feel limited to traditional wedding colors or styles—you can opt for a classic white gown or something completely different, like a pink or taupe dress. If you want to wear a wedding gown because you didn't have a traditional wedding the first time around, go for it! Or, if you want to wear a little black dress or a vibrant gown to symbolize the color and sparkle your relationship has gained, that's your choice too.
Practical Considerations
There are a few practical considerations to keep in mind as well. Firstly, comfort is key—choose a dress that you'll feel comfortable in, both physically and mentally. Secondly, if your ceremony is outdoors, consider the terrain. You might want to avoid a very long dress or choose a wedge, flat, or block-style heel to prevent your heel from sinking into the ground. Finally, if you're planning to wear your original wedding dress, that's wonderful! But if not, this could be the perfect opportunity to have a dress custom-made just for you, ensuring a perfect fit and a design that's uniquely yours.
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Frequently asked questions
There are no set rules for what colour to wear when renewing your wedding vows. It is your chance to wear what you like and feel comfortable in. If you want to wear a wedding dress, many people choose to wear classic bridal gowns to symbolise their ongoing vows. You could also opt for a non-traditional look, such as a cocktail dress, a colourful gown, or a custom-made dress.
It is generally advised that guests avoid wearing white or ivory to a vow renewal ceremony, so it is best to avoid these colours.
Yes, you can wear your original wedding dress if it holds a special place in your heart.
Yes, you can wear a white dress to renew your wedding vows. White is regarded as a symbol of the joy of a wedding. However, it is best to avoid wearing a veil and train, as these are usually worn by a woman who has never been married before.
