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The saying goes, “Love is sweeter the second time around,” and so is wedding dress shopping.
For your second time, you have wisdom and experience, so you’re bound to enjoy the shopping process.
Still, you might need some tips to navigate etiquette and rules for second-time brides. The color, cut and silhouette of your dress are just some of the factors you must consider for your second wedding.
Here are some tips to help you as you look through second-marriage wedding dresses.
You Can Still Wear White
In Western weddings, brides traditionally wear white for their big day. It’s supposed to be a symbol of purity and innocence.
As a second-time bride, you can still definitely wear white for your wedding. Don’t worry too much about tradition.
The white wedding dress started from a trend popularized by Queen Victoria at her wedding in 1840. The current association with purity is not a hard, fast rule.
Many brides are non-traditional now, anyway. Non-white wedding dresses are popular even for first-time brides, so don’t hesitate to go for white the second time. The important thing is you find the best dress that will make you happy on your wedding day.
You Can Choose a Different Color
Conversely, if you’ve already worn white before, you can experiment with other wedding dress colors now. There are so many colors to choose from, ranging from off-white to bold hues.
You can stick with classic neutrals like beige, blush, champagne, or gray. If you feel more adventurous, you can wear a beautiful purple or burgundy dress.
You have the freedom to choose whatever colors you like, so don’t be afraid to venture outside of white. Of course, if you prefer classics, you can stick to them. The beauty of modern weddings is there are no strict rules.
You Can Try Simpler Silhouettes
Now that you’re wiser and more mature, you might not want to go for grand ball gown silhouettes anymore. Plenty of second-time brides opt for simpler silhouettes.
A classic choice would be a simple evening dress with a modest neckline. If you’re aiming for more coverage, you can choose a long-sleeved dress or use a bolero or shawl.
You can also go for shorter, simpler dresses. An appropriate length would be anywhere below the knee. A simple a-line cut would be perfect for a more intimate and quiet celebration.
A more adventurous choice would be to wear a pantsuit. Yes, many brides prefer the uniqueness and ease of movement a good pantsuit brings. The key is to get it perfectly tailored for that sleek, clean look.
Go for Less Embellishments
There’s nothing more gorgeous than a gown with intricate beadwork and embellishments. Many brides dream of sparkly, beautiful dresses.
However, for your second wedding, you might want to go for something simpler. Of course, if you still want embellishments, you are more than welcome to get a flashy dress. But a simpler dress might be more appropriate for a second wedding, especially for more mature brides.
Most second-time brides no longer look for the grandeur of the first time but instead opt for a more solemn, intimate and sincere ceremony.
Follow Your Style
There’s no better time to follow your style than when choosing your second wedding dress. For your first wedding, you might have considered too many factors when choosing your dress. Perhaps you wanted to please everyone or wanted to go with what’s on trend.
Now, you should follow your heart. Choose what’s right for you. Think of the style and color you’ve always wanted. Would you have enjoyed a more adventurous dress?
Even if you found the perfect dress the first time and have no regrets, you should still follow your style for your second dress. Doing so will ensure your comfort and happiness on your big day.
Dress for Comfort
With large, heavy dresses, many brides feel much discomfort on what is supposed to be the happiest day of their lives. When choosing a dress, go for one that is comfortable. Can you imagine yourself sitting and standing wearing the dress for hours?
For more mature brides, asking bridesmaids to hold waves of tulle while going to the bathroom is no longer viable or dignified. Thus, it’s best to choose a comfortable dress that will help you keep your composure and spirits up throughout the ceremony.
Learn From Experience
Wedding dress shopping can be a stressful ordeal. Thankfully, this isn’t your first rodeo. You’re now armed with wisdom from your experience. When you go dress shopping, apply your learnings from your first experience to now.
What did you forget last time? Were you satisfied with the people you brought dress shopping with you? Did you schedule your in-store visit on time, or were you in a time crunch?
Learning from your past experiences will help you have a much smoother and happier shopping experience this time around.
Go for Dress Rentals
It’s perfectly fine if you no longer want to buy a wedding dress. Think about it. What happened to your first dress? How much did it cost back then? Depending on the material, cut, and embellishments, wedding dresses can be expensive.
You can opt to go for something more practical this time around. Dress rentals are very popular and are relatively inexpensive. Renting is also better for the environment.
Don’t Compare
When you go dress shopping the second time around, you might get the urge to compare your new dress choices to your first wedding dress.
It’s best to focus on the now and appreciate your sense of style, choice, body and state of mind in the present.
You are most likely in a very different place in your life now, so you should embrace the upcoming future rather than dwell in the past.
Be Ready for Your Emotions
As you shop for your dress, you might encounter plenty of emotions while going through the process. You might be reminded of your past, or you might be overwhelmed by this new chapter of your life.
Before you go dress shopping, be prepared for your emotions. Try to journal or talk to someone about it. What do you think you will feel the moment you see yourself in a wedding dress again?
Find the Perfect Second Marriage Wedding Dress
Dress shopping is part of this new journey that you will embark on. Most second-time brides focus on simpler silhouettes and opt for fewer embellishments. However, it’s important to remember that there aren’t any rules for second-marriage wedding dresses. There are basic recommendations, but in the end, the choice is always yours.
Go for the dress that will make you happiest on your wedding day. Go for one that expresses your soul better and is more attuned to your personality.
