Wedding Dresses For Second Brides: Style Guide

what kind of wedding dress for second marriage

There are no rules when it comes to choosing a wedding dress for a second marriage. It's your day, so wear whatever makes you feel special. You can choose a traditional white dress or opt for a different colour or style. You might want to spend less money, keep it casual, or wear more than one outfit. If you wore white the first time, you could choose a different shade, silhouette, neckline, or fabric. If you didn't wear a white gown before, this could be your chance. You could also wear black, metallics, floral prints, or a coloured dress to reflect the season.

Characteristics Values
Colour White, champagne, blush, soft blue, metallics, floral prints, black, ivory, cream, eggshell, alabaster, gold, pink, light green, mauve, blue, orange, burgundy, marigold, dark purple, ochre
Style Simple, classic, minimal, fresh, fashion-forward, ballgown, transformer dress, convertible skirt, sleeves, mermaid minimalist gown, A-line, trumpet tulip, sheath skin-tight mini dress, figure-hugging, pearl-decorated, bead-decorated, sheer, angled corsetry
Number of dresses More than one for the wedding day, e.g. for the welcoming party, wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, wedding reception, or afterparty
Cost Less than the first wedding dress
Tone of the celebration Intimate and outdoors, formal, glam
Personal style Age-irrelevant, flattering, comfortable, confident, authentic

shunbridal

Choosing a wedding dress colour for a second marriage

Choosing a wedding dress for a second marriage is an exciting opportunity to express your personality and style. There are no rules that need to be followed, and you can wear whatever makes you feel special. If you want to wear a white dress, you can make it different from your first wedding dress by choosing from a range of shades, from soft ivories to snow whites. You can also consider other colours, such as champagne, blush, soft blue, metallics, floral prints, or even black. If you're unsure about the colour, consider the tone of your celebration and your personal style. For example, soft pastels or floral details can be perfect for an intimate, outdoor ceremony, while metallics, black, or luxe textures like satin can add glamour to a formal event.

Your second wedding dress can also be an opportunity to change things up and try alternative styles. You might want to keep it casual, choose a different silhouette or neckline, or wear more than one outfit throughout the day. If you're feeling hesitant about your options, it's a good idea to invite a few trusted individuals who know you well and can help you choose a dress that reflects your personality and makes you feel like the best version of yourself.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose a dress that you love and that represents your personal style. Whether you want to stick to tradition or try something new, the decision is entirely up to you. So, have fun with it and happy wedding planning!

  • If you're on the fence about wearing a white dress again, consider finding a dress in a different shade, such as ivory or cream, to create a new experience.
  • Think about the type of outfit that moves you. If you love your little black dress and want your unique personality to shine, don't be afraid to wear black for your second wedding.
  • Look to nature for inspiration on seasonal colours, such as pinks, golds, and light greens for spring weddings, or burgundy, marigold, and dark purple for autumn weddings.
  • Consider choosing a dress that is drastically different from your first wedding dress, or, if you loved your first dress, choose a fine copy of that style.

shunbridal

Dress styles for older brides

For older brides, there are many dress styles to choose from, whether you're opting for a traditional or non-traditional look.

If you're looking for a formal gown, a lace midi dress can be a great choice, offering a stylish look with a stunning lace finish. For a modern twist, consider a bias-cut silhouette crafted in heavy satin, like the Becca Dress, which can be styled with a headband or your bridal heels. A high neckline and long sleeves can also add elegance to a short wedding dress, while allowing your bouquet to pop against the white of your dress. For a beachside or backyard wedding, a casual dress made from lightweight fabric can still bring the wow factor. A high neckline and open back can add a simple yet elegant allure, and can be dressed up or down with accessories.

If you're looking for something non-traditional, a pearl-coloured tweed dress with a 60s-inspired shift shape can be a fun choice. A silk slip dress with tulle panels, floral appliqués, and an asymmetrical hem is another unique option that can bring the wow factor. For a playful look, an off-the-shoulder crepe midi dress with beaded trim is a glamorous choice, while a ballgown with pockets can be a fun twist on a classic style.

When it comes to colour, there are no rules for older brides. You can opt for a traditional white dress, or choose a shade that reflects your personality, such as pink, gold, light green, mauve, blue, orange, or even black.

shunbridal

Wearing white for a second wedding

There are many misconceptions about what is and isn't appropriate to wear for a second wedding. However, the most important thing to remember is that it's your wedding, and you can wear whatever you want! If you want to wear white, then go for it. White symbolises new beginnings, purity, and innocence, and there's no reason why you can't wear it for your second wedding. You can also play around with the shades of your white dress—from soft ivories to stark whites—to set it apart from your first wedding dress.

That being said, if you're looking to try something different, there are plenty of other colours to choose from. Soft pastels, blush tones, and even bolder hues like gold or silver can be stunning choices. You could also consider non-traditional bridal attire, such as a chic bridal suit or a cocktail-length or midi dress. These options can be just as elegant and are perfect for a bride who wants a modern and unique look.

Your second wedding is a chance to prioritise what's really important to you and to wear something that's uniquely you, especially if you stuck too close to tradition the first time around. So, whether you choose to wear white or not, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and beautiful in your dress.

If you're unsure about what to wear, consider looking to nature for inspiration. Think about the season your wedding will take place in and choose colours that complement your complexion and align with the overall theme of your wedding. You can also look at designers who create red-carpet looks for people with a similar body type and age range to you.

Remember, there are no rules when it comes to choosing a wedding dress for a second marriage. So, wear whatever makes you feel special and don't be afraid to inject a bit of your personality into your outfit choice!

shunbridal

Dresses for different venues

Beach

If you're getting married on the beach, you may want to go for a two-piece dress with a flowy skirt. You could also opt for a dress with off-the-shoulder sleeves and a bohemian essence, or a peachy hue that sparkles in the sun.

Garden

Soft pastels or floral details can be perfect for a garden party vibe. You could also opt for a dress with a vintage vibe, such as a boho mini dress with intricate lace trim and a cream colorway.

Church

If you're having a formal event in a church, consider metallics, black, or luxe textures like satin. A white wedding dress is also an option if you want to capture a classic 'bridal' feel.

City Hall

For a city hall wedding, you might want to go for a simple and elegant look. A sleeveless dress with a boatneck or a collared dress with sparkly buttons and a belt at the waist could be perfect. If you want to add a pop of colour, consider a dress with exaggerated off-the-shoulder puffy sleeves and a floral pattern.

Remember, your second wedding dress is a chance to prioritise what's important to you and wear something that's uniquely you. You can choose a dress that reflects your personal style and makes you feel like the best version of yourself.

shunbridal

Multiple dresses for the wedding day

The most common reason for choosing multiple dresses is to have different vibes throughout the day. For example, you might want to wear a classic, conservative dress for the ceremony and then change into something sexy and dance-friendly for the reception. This could be a shorter, flowy dress or even a colourful number for the after-party. If you're having a religious ceremony, remember to check if there are any rules regarding sleeves, cleavage, colour, and veils.

Another reason for choosing multiple dresses could be for functionality and comfort. A giant ball gown may be perfect for the ceremony, but it's not ideal for dancing the night away. Changing into something more comfortable will allow you to fully enjoy your reception.

The timing of your outfit changes is important so that you don't miss out on important moments. Most brides choose to switch up their looks between the ceremony and the reception, often just before the dance party begins. If you're planning on a third outfit, you might change into this towards the end of the reception as the party moves into the after-party.

With multiple dresses, you'll also have a range of different styles in your wedding photos, which is another bonus of this trend.

Frequently asked questions

There are no rules when it comes to what colour to wear for your second wedding. You can choose to wear white, or go for something completely different. It's your day, so wear whatever makes you feel special!

Your wedding dress should make you feel like the best version of yourself and represent your personal style. You can choose a different style from your first wedding, or go for something similar if you loved it. There are plenty of options available, so take your pick!

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

- Choose a dress that suits your venue and the tone of your celebration.

- Consider wearing more than one outfit on the wedding day.

- Opt for comfort and confidence—find necklines and silhouettes you feel comfortable and confident in your everyday life and use that to guide your wedding dress shopping.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment