Your Guide to Wedding Dresses for a Second Marriage

Wedding Dresses for Second Marriages: A Simple Guide to Finding the Right 'Fit'

 

Choosing a wedding dress is exciting, no matter how many times you’ve been married! 

 

Still, there are unique considerations when choosing what to wear the second time around. You’re a little older, a lot wiser, and you might have more hesitations about wedding planning – and wedding spending – than you did the first time you got married. 

 

With this in mind, we've put together 5 simple pieces of advice to help you choose the perfect wedding dress (or dresses) for your second marriage ceremony.

 

Read Next: 5 Great Reasons to Ask a Friend to Officiate Your Wedding

 

 

Your second wedding is a chance to prioritize what's really important and to wear something that's uniquely you, especially if you stuck too close to tradition the first time around! Go bold with a black or red wedding dress, sweet seasonal colors, vintage styles and cuts, an effortlessly chic jumpsuit -- whatever makes you feel your best. (Photo: ojanstory / iStock)

 

 

Choosing a Wedding Dress for Your Second Marriage: 5 Tips on Finding the Right Fit

 

Choosing a wedding dress for a second marriage might look a little different than the first time around. Planning a second wedding gives you the chance to change things up, and to put your past experience into practice.

 

When choosing a second wedding dress you might want to spend less money, keep it casual, choose alternative styles and colors, or wear more than one outfit on the wedding day.

 

Let’s take a closer look!

 

1. White still works

 

White wedding dresses look ethereal on people of every body type, skin tone, and age. So, if you didn’t get to wear the white gown of your dreams at your first wedding, this is your chance. 

 

And if you did wear white at your first wedding? You can choose another gorgeous gown in a different shade, silhouette, neck line, or fabric to create a new experience! Find a flattering style in ivory or cream, eggshell or alabaster, and walk down the aisle with confidence.

 

Readers ask: “Is it appropriate for a bride to wear a white gown to her second marriage ceremony?”

 

Heck yes! “Appropriate” is really just another way to say “traditional,” and you don’t need to worry about any wedding traditions you don’t agree with.

 

White wedding dresses once symbolized purity and virginity, a patriarchal wedding tradition that was popular in the Victorian era of the late 1850s. But that was a long time ago! Today, white wedding dresses are a symbol of marriage, love, hope, and beauty. These sentiments are just as meaningful on a first, second, third, or fourth wedding. 

 

Ask yourself this instead: Do you want to wear white to your second wedding? If the answer is yes, then it’s appropriate for you! You’re going to look stunning. 

 

Officiating a Friend's Wedding? What to Wear (and Not Wear) as a Wedding Officiant

 

 

Second time bride? You might prefer a simple dress in white or cream that captures the classic 'bridal' feel, without the cost of an average wedding dress. (Photo: KAMPUS / iStock)

 

 

2. Consider Simple Wedding Dresses for Your Second Marriage

 

If the thought of planning another big wedding gives you a headache, why not keep it simple this time? 

 

Opt for a simple, affordable, nontraditional wedding dress that helps keep costs and stress levels low. Picture a casual sundress, a simple-but-sophisticated satin dress, or a chic tea-length cocktail dress. 

 

Choose a simple white or cream colored dress to keep the classic ‘bridal’ look without the cost, or lean into the alternative wedding vibe with bold colors, embroidery, or florals. 

 

And if you’re really over the wedding dress hype? Choose a stylish jumpsuit in your favorite color instead!

 

Expert tip: Bridesmaids’ dresses are often more affordable than the average wedding dress, and can be ordered in many shades of cream or white (or any color you choose!). This is a budget-friendly option for a dress that’s simple, affordable, and elegant.

 

Need a Wedding Officiant Script? Simple Wedding Ceremony Script for Older Couples

 

 

Choose a simple-but-sophisticated look for your second wedding to save money and reduce the stress of wedding planning. (Photo: Paul Bradbury / iStock)

 

 

3. Wear More Than One Dress on the Wedding Day

 

It’s increasingly common for brides to wear multiple dresses on the wedding day. And it’s not just brides – marriers of all genders are embracing multiple wardrobe changes on the big day. 

 

This is your chance to show more of your personality, with a unique style and mood for each outfit, from formal to playful! Choose two or more dresses for the welcoming party, wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, wedding reception, or afterparty.

 

 

3. Seasonal Inspiration & Creative Color Choices

 

When it comes to choosing a second marriage wedding dress/es, color is your superpower! Your wedding dress color is a chance to express your personality, stand out from the crowd, embrace your authentic style, and set the tone for the entire event. You might feel like other people’s expectations forced you to miss out on a personal wedding experience the first time around, but you don’t have to stick with traditions that don’t fit you anymore. Get creative and choose a dress in any color you want! 

 

Need more inspiration? Look to Mother Nature for seasonal suggestions: Consider pinks, golds, and light greens for spring weddings; mauves, blues, oranges, greens, and golds for summer weddings; burgundy, marigold, dark purple, and ochre for fall weddings; icy whites, emerald greens, deep purples and blues, and elegant blacks and grays for winter.

 

Readers ask: “What color wedding dress for a second marriage?”

 

The takeaway here is that you can wear any color dress you want at your second wedding! Champagne white lace, coral pink tulle, glittering gold sequins, green satin, even a black wedding dress – you really can wear any color you wish. There are no taboos to worry about here.

 

 

Look to the season for color inspiration when choosing a nontraditional wedding dress: Bright spring shades and summer hues, warm fall colors, or cozy jewel tones at winter. (Photo: Adene Sanchez / iStock)

 

 

4. Consider Vintage Wedding Dress Styles

 

It’s easy for first-time brides to get caught up in the current wedding trends and styles. (This is true for marriers of every gender, to be honest.) But we’ve all seen expensive wedding dresses fall in and out of fashion over the years, right? 

 

Instead of chasing trends, consider a vintage wedding dress that best fits your personal style, comfort level, and budget – a dress that makes you feel confident and truly beautiful. 

 

Love the subtle curve-hugging bias cut of the 1930s, the high necklines and full skirts of the 1940s, or the tea-length gowns of the 1950s? Or maybe the romantic empire waist dresses of the 60s and 70s, the puff sleeves and tiered waists that made 80s brides stand out, or the halter tops and strapless styles of the 90s and 2000s? All of these vintage styles look gorgeous on a walk down the aisle!

 

Readers ask: “Can I be too old for a wedding dress?”

 

No, you can't be too old for a wedding dress! There’s no such thing as an “age appropriate” wedding dress, and you’re never too old to wear a particular fashion. You’re getting married – this is YOUR special day and you should wear what makes you feel good!

 

Never let your age discourage you from choosing to wear a modern style you love: Form-fitting lace or high slits can be the perfect choice for a bride over 50, over 60, or only 25, if it makes you feel beautiful.

 

Our only suggestion is that if modern dress styles or cuts don't make you feel confident and comfortable, it’s a great choice to go vintage! 

 

 

Vintage wedding dresses never go out of style! (Photo: sbrogan / iStock)

 

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More Wedding Dress Ideas:

 

• 5 Reasons a Pink Wedding Dress Might Be Best
   
• 11 Black Wedding Dresses & Suits for Every Style
   
• Red Wedding Dresses: Symbolism and Modern Meanings
   
• Cosplay Wedding Ideas & Advice for a Fun Costumed Ceremony
   

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Ask a Friend to Officiate Your Second Wedding!

Good things happen when friends and relatives help out at the wedding ceremony! Having a friend officiate your wedding is more affordable than hiring a professional officiant, and a great way to ensure the wedding day is as intimate and personal as it can be. When a loved one officiates, every moment means more! 

Ask a friend or family member to officiate your wedding with free online ordination through American Marriage Ministries (AMM). 

ORDAINED MINISTER ONLINE APPLICATION

Why AMM? American Marriage Ministries is an inclusive nondenominational internet church that ordains and trains ministers to officiate marriage ceremonies. We are a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit church, and help people from all backgrounds and beliefs become ordained ministers for weddings. Our online ordination is free, accessible, and never expires.

 

Officiating weddings is an incredible honor, and a great way to show your love and support for the people getting married. As a wedding officiant, you will help to create memorable ceremonies and memories that last a lifetime.

AMM Ministers can legally officiate weddings in every state* (it's much harder in Virginia, where we're looking into our options). After getting ordained with AMM, you might need to register your ordination with your local county clerk’s office. Click the link above to get started! 

 

Become an ordained minister online with American Marriage Ministries and officiate wedding for friends and relatives. (Photo: Jacob Wackerhausen / iStock)

 

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