what is an appropriate bride dress color for second marriage
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Browsing second wedding dresses should be just as enjoyable as for your first marriage - maybe even more so.
However, uncertainty over remarriage etiquette can take the shine off the shopping process for even the most excited brides. One of the biggest questions we're asked is whether you can still wear a white wedding dress at your second wedding.
When Meghan Markle married Prince Harry, it was her second marriage, and she chose not one but two white wedding dresses, looking confident and radiant in both. Yet some brides seem convinced that a second marriage means white is firmly off the list of potential bridal palettes.
If you're above the average age for marriage in the UK, you may also be wondering whether you need to be looking at age-appropriate styles - and also wondering what exactly 'age-appropriate styles' even means!
Here's the truth about what's appropriate to wear to marry again, and some gorgeous second marriage wedding dress ideas.
NB: We have included third party products to help you navigate and enjoy life's biggest moments. Purchases made through links on this page may earn us a commission.
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Can Your Wear White for Your Second Wedding?
Firstly, let's break down this whole brides-in-white business. It wasn't until Queen Victoria wore an ivory lace number in 1840 that white dresses became the fashion for British weddings. Before then it was actually traditional for brides to wear red, and white was worn for mourning. Only later did the symbolism of purity, innocence and virginity become associated with white – it certainly hasn't been the case that brides always wore white.
The point is that no bride has to wear white, but any bride can wear white. If you want to follow this much-more-modern-than-you-think Western wedding tradition, go for it!
Sadly, you may encounter ignorant people who say wearing white again is "inappropriate" or a breach of etiquette. They are entirely wrong. You can wear whatever you want for your wedding, whether it's your first, second, third, fourth, fifth... You are in love and getting married, and should celebrate the occasion with the joy it deserves. Just look at Meghan and Harry – try telling them they should have married quietly.
What Colour Does a Bride Wear for Her Second Wedding?
White, as established, is fine, but any other colour will work, too. Be guided by colours that suit you and make you feel good. One thing to be aware of is that you may not be able to marry for the second time in a religious building, depending on your religion. This means your second wedding could take place at a registry office or venue licensed for civil ceremonies, and these are generally much more relaxed. You might have dressed modestly in traditional white in a church, for example, but be happy in a stunning pink gown in a registry office.
To put a twist on tradition, you could also choose to stick with white but wear something ultra-chic like a bridal jumpsuit or wedding trouser suit instead of a dress.
Should a Second Time Bride Wear a Veil?
Absolutely, if that's what you want! There really is no etiquette that says you shouldn't. All you need to consider is whether a veil will suit your personal style, be comfortable to wear and go well with your outfit and hairstyle.
READ MORE: The 7 Types of Wedding Veil & Our Favourite Designs
Of course, if you're planning on wearing a non-traditional bridal outfit, a veil might look a bit much. In that case, it's worth investigating other bridal hair accessories, from silk ribbons to headpieces.
Second Marriage Wedding Dresses: The Dos and Don'ts
Peta Hunt, bridal fashion expert, has a simple tip for dressing for your second wedding: "If at first you don't succeed – go dramatically different the second time!"
You want to avoid anything that resembles your first dress for obvious reasons, and also because it's likely your tastes have developed. "Hopefully you'll be older and a little wiser, and have found your personal style," she says.
What's more, wedding fashion doesn't stand still. The types of dress you can get will have changed from your first marriage, so there will be plenty of options available that weren't on the market the first time round. Check out our round-up of the hottest wedding dress trends to see what's new.
Other than choosing a different wedding dress style, there are some simple expert tips that will help you find the bridal look you deserve.
Do Choose the Dress for You, Not Your Preconceptions
"Forget about your dress being age-relevant, you need to work out the right shape for you and look for a dress that suits your venue," says Peta.
Think about what kind of day you're going to be having. "How about a chic suit and jacket in the style of Jackie O? It's perfect for a city wedding," says Peta. "For a countryside celebration, you could consider a boho dress if the aesthetic is laidback, or something more ballgown-inspired if it's super-formal. For an evening wedding, a beaded dress or jumpsuit can work well."
READ MORE: 21 Stylish Wedding Jumpsuits
"Whatever style you choose, the key is to make sure to pick a fabric that flatters," says Peta. "Crepe is good, as well as classic lace or silk."
Don't Be Afraid of Pattern
If you're thinking along alternative lines, you don't have to go for a block colour. Explore polka dot, floral, geometric - whatever feels right.
Do Pare It Back
"If your bridal style this time around is all about elegance, a good rule is to try to take it all down a bit," explains Peta. This is relevant whether your second marriage is in your 30s or your 60s. "It's comes down to focusing on quality. Go for a simple, perfectly cut dress and splash out on a pair of shoes or great jewellery. Don't forget good underwear, too!"
READ MORE: 50 of the Best Simple Wedding Dresses
Or Don't Pare It Back...
Remember, this is your wedding - if you want to go for high-octane glamour, we say do your thing and look amazing.
Do Find a Muse
"Think about a style icon and look at what type of outfits they pick," says Peta. "There's lots of dress inspiration to be found on the red carpet to suit brides of all ages. Think Sophia Loren, Lauren Hutton, Charlotte Rampling, Helen Mirren, Pat Cleveland, Jane Fonda and Ines de la Fressange."
The Best Second Wedding Dresses for 2021
1. Ella Wool-Crepe Gown – Roland Mouret
If you went for a dramatic dress last time, you may want to wear a dress that wows in a different way for your second wedding. This Roland Mouret gown is so refined, combining a timeless silhouette with on-trend puffed shoulders.
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2. White Joni Tulle and Crepe Gown – Rime Arodaky
Conversely, if you kept your look simple the first time, you may be in the mood for something more showstopping for your second wedding dress. Rime Arodaky is the designer to know for sophisticated bridal sexiness. We love her jumpsuits, but she also gives great dress, like this stunning gown with a plunging bodice of Swiss-dot tulle.
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READ MORE: Women's Dress Size Chart: How to Measure Yourself for a Wedding Dress and Bridal Separates
3. Style D2653 – Essense of Australia
A mermaid silhouette is flattering on most body shapes and has lots of impact. Combined with a clean, simple design on the rest of the dress, Essense of Australia has made a chic and refined gown for a bride who doesn't want anything too princess-y.
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4. Ivory Tailored Crepe Wedding Dress – Self-Portrait
This time round, you may feel freer to wear a look with a more fashion edge. If so, Self-Portrait is the brand to know. Usually, it's their bold silhouettes that draw us in. This tailored dress is actually a little more minimalist than their usual aesthetic, but it has the same cool-girl attitude of their bridal collection and would be perfect for a chic city wedding.
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5. Style 88019 – Justin Alexander
This sleek design is a ballgown for brides who think they don't like ballgowns. You get the statement full skirt and silhouette, but without any of the fussy details or floaty fabrics often associated with the style.
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6. Everly - Grace Loves Lace
Decided to have your second wedding abroad? We think these Grace Loves Lace bridal separates would help you put together a fabulously boho and carefree look for a beach celebration.
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READ MORE: 30 Beach Wedding Dresses Perfect for a Destination Wedding
7. Evelina Bridal Dress – Monsoon
A wedding dress with sleeves doesn't have to feel heavy. This Monsoon dress has fluted sleeves that enhance the overall feel of delicate romance.
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8. Lucia Dress – Julietta by Morilee
Create a glamorous look for your second wedding with this off-the-shoulder, fishtail dress from Mori Lee. You can remove the cap sleeves to switch up your look from day to night.
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9. Olympia Dress – Pronovias
If you like the idea of a boho second wedding dress but don't want to go too ethereal, Pronovias's glorious Olympia could be the gown for you. It features a form-skimming silhouette, flowing skirt and delicate lace touches.
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10. Rose Wedding Dress – Whistles
What we love about the Whistles bridal collection is that they take classic wedding dress features and give them a contemporary spin. Take this Rose dress: it's a popular off-the-shoulder style but with a high-low skirt and scalloped hem - the modern way to do pretty.
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READ MORE: The 47 Best Wedding Dresses on the High Street
11. Style 222 – Jesus Peiro
Remember that pared-back style we were talking about earlier? This Jesus Peiro dress is a prime example. It's utterly elegant, and you can make it your own through your accessories - or keep things totally simple for a minimalist look.
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12. Leia Dress – Rita Colson
For your second wedding, you may want to go all-out with a unique look. If so, check out Rita Colson's Leia, which manages to be both daring and oh-so pretty.
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13. Arielle Dress – Savin London
Sticking with the unique but pretty theme for the moment, Savin London's Arielle dress makes for an enchanting look your guests are unlikely to have seen before.
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READ MORE: Alternative Wedding Dresses: The Best Statement Styles
14. Portia Top & Brooke Skirt – Charlie Brear
High necks feel so fresh. If you don't want to commit to the look for the entire wedding, however, pair Charlie Brear's Portia top with the Brooke dress - you can remove the top as the party really kicks off to reveal your strappy gown. After all, it's a special occasion - why not treat yourself to two bridal looks?
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15. Black Sequinned Dress – Massimo Dutti
Fancy breaking all the bridal 'rules' at your second wedding? This Massimo Dutti dress does just that: it's short, it's black and it's covered in sequins. We absolutely love it.
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16. Bayler Dress – Maggie Sottero
This chic strapless sheath is one for the minimalists. It'll look elegant styled with a bridal cover-up or just on its own.
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17. Luciana Dress – Caroline Castigliano
Caroline Castigliano's designs are all about grown-up glamour - which makes them perfect for a second wedding. The Luciana dress features a high-impact silhouette and a sinuous shawl collar-neckline.
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READ MORE: 28 of the Best Designer Wedding Shoes That Are Worth Blowing the Budget for
18. Long-Sleeved Wedding Dress – Stella York
Illusion sleeves are a great way to go if you're not 100% on board with baring your arms for the whole wedding but you don't want to feel swamped. This Stella York dress proves the point perfectly, with those floral-bedecked sleeves pairing beautifully with the delicate chiffon skirt.
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19. Olena Dress – Enzoani
Enzoani are on the luxe end of the wedding dress scale - but if you can afford to, why not splash out for your second wedding? We're in love with their regal Olena dress, with those illusion side panels adding a touch of magic.
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20. Livia Velvet Shift Dress – Boden
If you want to wear a colour other than white but still want to stand out, take a closer look at Boden's Livia shift dress. The ruby shade is stunning, and the velvet fabric makes it perfect for winter weddings.
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21. Embellished Column Wedding Dress – Annasul Y
If you want to keep things covered up in the cleavage area - and hey, that's not an age thing, it's a personal style thing - there are plenty of wedding dresses with high necklines. We're drawn to the undeniable elegance of this Annasul Y gown, which is cut flatteringly around the collarbones.
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READ MORE: The 21 Best High Neck Wedding Dresses
22. Marlène Dress – Valentine Avoh
If you don't want your bridal look to include much cleavage but aren't that keen on high neck wedding dresses, look for dresses with overlay necklines, like this Marlène gown. Overlays are often floral, so it's really refreshing to see a cool geometric lace used here.
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23. Sequin Blazer Dress – & Other Stories
Now this dress is how you do city-wedding glamour: sharp tailoring meets the magic of sequins. The creamy shade nods to traditional white but is easier to wear.
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24. Demi Dress – Chi Chi Bridal
The trouble with cowl-back wedding dresses is that they're often cut too low for a bride to wear a bra. Not so with Chi Chi's stylish maxi - we reckon it's the perfect plunge. With a £140 price tag, it's ideal if you're having your second wedding on a budget.
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25. Amelia Dress – House of Mooshki
You may not want a maxi or a mini - so go midi! That way you get to show off your shoes without worrying about any accidental getting-out-of-the-car flashing incidents. This House of Mooshki dress feels agelessly romantic, with a shape that'll help you bring out your inner ballerina.
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READ MORE: 37 of the Best Short Wedding Dresses for Every Style of Bride
26. Vianne Maxi Dress - Solace London
This bias-cut maxi is just so cool, from the cowl neck to those split bell sleeves. We love the fact that the designs manages to be both of-the-moment and timeless.
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27. Cream Larina Crepe Dress - The Row
It's elegance all the way with this cream dress. That perfectly judged loose silhouette would be a joy to wear, and you can style the dress up or down depending on your bridal tastes.
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28. Brinkley Lynette – Maggie Sottero
It's your wedding day - why not go for all-out glamour? This fairytale dress has a statement skirt, a glorious beaded bodice and the prettiest of dropped straps.
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Did your wedding shoes hurt your feet first time around? We have the solution: an edit of comfortable wedding shoes that look as amazing as they feel.
what is an appropriate bride dress color for second marriage
Source: https://www.hitched.co.uk/wedding-planning/bridalwear-articles/second-marriage-wedding-dresses/