Choosing a Wedding Dress for a Second Marriage

Choosing a wedding dress for your second marriage can evoke so many memories and emotions on both ends of the spectrum. Perhaps you’re looking for a second marriage wedding dress as a bride over 50, or you’re looking to begin anew with a fresh start and on the right foot only a handful of years later. Whatever path you’ve walked to get to this moment, there’s no doubt that the excitement and anticipation of your upcoming nuptials will start to feel familiar and welcome, especially when it comes to shopping for a wedding dress for your second wedding. Whether you want to stick with a simple wedding dress for your second marriage or go for a nontraditional bridal gown this time around, you have so many more options to explore and fewer “rules” or expectations to worry about than that of many first time brides. But don’t think more options means more stress! Avery Austin is here to help you refamiliarize yourself with the process of shopping for a wedding dress for your second marriage so you can find your next “yes” dress. Let’s start by exploring the best colors and styles of second wedding dresses, then we’ll dive into some tips on how to find the right one for you!

What Color Wedding Dress is Best for a Second Marriage?

Ultimately, the best second marriage wedding dress color to choose is the one that makes you happiest! Think about how the color makes you feel when you have it on…if your heart fills with contentment or joy, then go for it! If you find yourself worried about the hue, then explore other options that won’t prickle your anxiety. Looking for a good starting point? Let’s consider what’s traditional, modern, and popular when it comes to second marriage wedding dress colors.

• Traditional Approach: If you want to stick with past traditions, then you’ll want to avoid classic ivory or white wedding dresses for your second marriage. White has always been a symbol of the purity of a new first-time bride, so for a second wedding dress, you could explore richer shades of off-white, like champagne, instead or dive into more colorful options beyond neutral tones. Check out Avery Austin’s nude and neutral wedding dresses or black wedding dresses for stylish options beyond the classic ivory and white.
• Modern Approach: A step away from the traditional beliefs about the color white/ivory, the modern take is that white/ivory is bridal, whether it’s the first or second marriage wedding dress. A symbol of celebration, joy, and all things bridal, ivory and white wedding dresses are a valid option for any bride who loves the hue, no matter which walk down the aisle she’s taking. Explore the possibilities in Avery Austin’s ivory and white wedding dress collection. As with the traditional approach, however, colorful gown options are also allowed and encouraged if that’s what you love.
  
• Popular Choices: Whether you fall more in the traditional or modern category, there’s no denying that there are some top choices among current brides when it comes to choosing their second marriage wedding dresses. Here’s what’s popular right now among wedding dresses for second weddings:
  • Neutral Hues: Classic white and ivory, as well as off-white shades like ivory, champagne, and buff, are trending.
  • Pastels: Blush (or other romantic light pink hues), lavender, dusty blue, and seafoam green are some favorite pale shades.
  • Dark Hues: Formal colors like navy and black, as well as rich hues like red and forest green, are popular for second marriage wedding dresses.
  • Metallic Tones: Silver, gold, rose gold, and bronze are a great way to stand out with a natural shimmer.
  • Prints: Colorful floral prints are especially popular on wedding dresses for second weddings in the spring and summer months.

One last tip for choosing the color of your second marriage wedding dress, especially if you’re struggling to select a favorite: Look to the seasons or your venue for inspiration. Mother Nature already has an abundance of gorgeous hues to choose from at any time of the year, and now you have the freedom to mirror that effect with your wedding dress for this second wedding. Will you be married again by the sea, among a bountiful flower garden, or in an elegant ball room? Consider second marriage wedding dress colors that might suit the location of your new “I do’s.”

What is the Best Style for a Second Marriage Wedding Dress?

Much like with second marriage wedding dress colors, the style of your gown entirely depends on what makes you the most comfortable and happy on your special day. While this is very personalized among brides based on their body types and fashion preferences, here are a few common style choices for wedding dresses for second weddings.

• Simple Wedding Dresses: For a second marriage, many brides prefer the simple and often less “formal” wedding dress option. The mindset tends to shift from a big lavish event to a sweet and straightforward celebration of the happy couple. Simple wedding dresses for a second marriage usually have minimal (if any) embellishments, and the accessories match this tone (short veils, subtle jewelry, etc.). Check out Avery Austin’s simple wedding dresses to find one you love!
• Nontraditional Bridal Gowns: If you’ve already done the traditional white wedding dress, a second marriage might call for something completely new! A nontraditional bridal gown could be something as formal and demure as a military ball gown, as fancy and alluring as a prom dress, or as casual chic as a summer maxi dress. Consider your venue, wedding colors, and personal preferences. Some nontraditional bridal gowns for second weddings might be themed for a Renaissance Fair where the couple met, prepared for a tropical destination, or chosen for an intimate micro wedding.
• Modest Wedding Dresses: Very often, second wedding dresses are for older brides, and a common style preference for brides over 40, 50, or 60 is modesty. Whatever your age or circumstances, if you know you prefer a more modest style when it comes to your wedding dress for your second marriage, you’re not alone! Popular style choices include long sleeves, high necklines, and comfortable silhouettes that don’t hug too tightly to the figure. Browse Avery Austin’s long-sleeve wedding dresses to see just how gorgeous modest styles can be! Need some tips on how to make a particular style feel a little more modest for your comfort or your venue? Check out this Avery Austin blog on how to make your wedding dress modest.
• Two Wedding Dresses: Yes, even brides preparing for a second marriage can wear two wedding dresses! This option makes it easy to have a more traditional wedding dress for your ceremony and a more unique reception style that highlights your personality (here are gorgeous reception wedding dresses from Avery Austin to consider). It’s also perfect if you really can’t choose between two favorite styles when you’re trying them on. Second wedding, two dresses—the numbers just make sense! Learn more about the two wedding dress trend here.
• Vintage Wedding Dresses: Feeling nostalgic for those puff sleeves of the ‘80s? Or maybe you love the full skirts and high necklines from the ‘40s? Whichever past decade styles most inspire you, now’s your chance to don your favorite vintage fashion.

How to Find a Wedding Dress for Your Second Marriage

Now that you’re familiar with some of the most popular second marriage wedding dress colors and styles, it’s time to figure out how to find the one that’s right for you. As you shop online or in boutiques, here are a few tips to keep in mind that will help you make the most of your second experience:

• Feel all the feels—your emotions are valid! Whether it’s worry and doubt over trying to “get it right” this time, nostalgia for days long past, or happy anticipation for this new journey together, choosing a wedding dress for a second marriage is sure to bring your feelings to the surface. Believe us when we say this is totally normal! Whatever paths in life that led you to this moment, it’s important to acknowledge all it took to get you here and to allow yourself the chance to embrace this new adventure with an open mind and heart. You might feel some familiarity with the process of going through all of the planning and finding a wedding dress for a second wedding, but many of your experiences this time will also be new. You’re at a new stage in your life and might even feel like a completely different person, which means the bridal experience you crave will likely push you to walk a different path when it comes to preparations and choosing your gown.
  
• Try the unexpected. You’ve been through this all before, so it’s easier to be less worried about should/shouldn’t rules to focus on what you truly want. Did someone tell you that you can’t wear the same style of wedding dress for a second marriage? If you love it, flaunt it! Heard you can’t do white for a second marriage wedding dress color? Tune out the negativity and do what makes you and your new partner happy. Never tried on a mermaid or trumpet style before? Grab a few and see how they make you feel! It’s your day again, so go as big or small as your heart desires when it comes to traditional or nontraditional bridal gowns, regardless of what others expect.
• Avoid comparisons to the past. It’s so important to focus on what brings you joy in the present so that you don’t become hyperfocused on what used to be. Maybe you avoided certain styles in the past, but why not give them a try now to see how they suit you in the new life you are about to begin? Just because you went all out with a luxurious princess aesthetic the first time doesn’t mean you can’t appreciate simple wedding dresses for a second marriage. Enjoy this new experience by exploring all of the new styles and opportunities available now instead of dwelling on what you had done before.
• …But don’t forget to learn from the past. Maybe you were completely overwhelmed by everyone else’s opinions when you went dress shopping the first time around because you had a huge group of family and friends. This time, keep it simple with just those closest to you or go solo if you prefer to keep your own counsel! Did you order your bridal gown too close to your wedding date and have to skip alterations or borrow someone else’s gown? Well, for your second marriage wedding dress, you know to order well in advance! Although you don’t want to focus on comparing your present relationship and circumstances too much to the past, you can still learn from your previous wedding planning and dress shopping experience to streamline things for yourself on this second experience.
• Refresh your memory on all the bridal advice. Whether it’s only been a few years or it’s been decades since your first wedding, it’s important to brush up on the tips and tricks that make it easy for you to find the right wedding dress for your second marriage. Check out Avery Austin’s Blog for lots of insightful articles that can help you when it comes to preparing for any wedding and choosing a wedding dress for your first or second marriage!

As you begin to plan your second wedding, keep the tips above in mind but always remember that this special day is all about you and your new partner. Choose a second marriage wedding dress that will give you the freedom to truly live in those special moments when you both say your vows and begin a new adventure together.