Elegant Second Wedding Gown Styles: 8 Tips for Older Brides

The most perfect dress for your second marriage—so perfect we've devoted a whole article to it.

Elegant second wedding gowns

These days you can go as formal or casual as you wish for your second wedding dress. Remember, being a second-time bride doesn't mean you're required to host a smaller ceremony or more casual celebration. It's entirely up to you, whether you go all out for your second marriage or keep it intimate. Either way, we're obsessed with this new wedding dress. perfect for second-time brides.

Why We Love It

Because it's the best of all worlds in one. Designed with an iconic off-the-shoulder silhouette, classic full skirt and soft lace details, it's refined and glamorous, modern and timeless—a dress to wear on your second wedding day and beyond. Not to mention, you can keep it easygoing or dress it up even more with your choice of accessories.

Our Tips on Finding Your Dream Dress, For the Second Time

1) Don't Compare Your First & Second Wedding Gowns

Try not to think about the gown you wore at your first wedding in comparison to the dress you're wearing for your second wedding, (which can be similar or completely different from your first gown). It really is all about what feels right to you.

2) Second-Wedding Style Freedom

Tradition used to dictate that the gown for your second wedding should be less glamorous or formal than the first, but those guidelines are long gone. In fact, your second wedding dress may end up being even more dramatic than the first.

3) The Second-Wedding Dress Shopping Experience

You've done this already, so you know what to expect and what to avoid. Take the opportunity to make shopping for your second marriage a completely new experience, whether you switch up how you spend your appointment time or do it all online!

4) Bring Your Crew

The support of your besties is ALWAYS helpful, whether you're getting married for a second time or third or fourth. Also, shopping with an entourage will def help you relax and have fun if you're suddenly feeling all the feelings.

5) Take a Second-Wedding Leap

Use this opportunity to go for a second wedding dress that's a total departure from your first, whatever that means to you. Just try something different. Remember, new beginnings don't only have to happen once. The wedding dress for your second wedding can be absolutely anything you want, even if it's not a dress!

6)Think About What You Wish You'd Known

Take a moment to reflect on your first wedding dress shopping experience and consider what you might have done differently. Now that you're shopping for your second wedding dress, you can actually do all those things! Did you bring too many people? Too few? Did you wish you'd gone to a different salon, or more of them? Would you like to have spent additional time browsing for your gown? Again, now that you're wedding dress shopping for your second marriage, you can! There are lots of wedding traditions out there, one of them, of course, to keep the dress a secret from your partner until the ceremony. No longer. If you want to bring your second partner-to-be to shop for second wedding dresses, do it! (After all, it could be their advice you want the most)

7) The Second-Time Bride Experience

When you're shopping for your second wedding dress, your emotional experience will inevitably be different from the first time around. Don't set yourself up for disappointment by creating a "should " scenario for second wedding dress shopping, as in, "I should feel inspired, I should feel emotional, I should feel nervous." Your second wedding gown—and all the experiences that go along with it—will inevitably differ from the first time you did all this. The best part is: you get to do it all again, with a fresh perspective, new insight and equal (or more) joy.

8) Love is Ageless

So, when you're shopping for a second marriage, whether you're 25, 40, 50—you get the point—the gown to go for is the one that feels right for you. Being appropriate has as much to do with confidence in your look as the look itself. Which means that shopping for your second marriage when you're, say, over 40, or over 50, doesn't mean you have get dramatic and shop from the Mother-of-the-Bride department. You are the bride, no matter your age, no matter if it's your second marriage or your fifth. Wedding day is wedding day—and it's a time to shine inside and out.

Second Wedding Outfit Ideas for Bride

As a bride preparing for your second wedding, you have the unique opportunity to express your personality and style in a way that's authentic to you. Here are some chic and inspiring outfit ideas tailored specifically for second-time brides:

Slip Dresses 

A slip dress is perfect for a modern and minimalist look. Crafted from satin or silk, this style is sleek and drapes beautifully on the body. Pair it with delicate jewelry and strappy heels for an effortlessly elegant ensemble.

Classic Ball Gowns with a Twist

If you want that fairytale look, a classic ball gown can still be an option. Opt for a gown in a unique color like blush or champagne, or choose one with modern details like an asymmetrical neckline or intricate lace detailing.

Two-Piece Wedding Ensembles

Consider a two-piece outfit that includes a crop top and a full skirt. This modern combination offers a fresh take on bridal fashion, allowing for customization in fabrics and colors while showing a little skin.

Little White Dresses

If you want your look to be a little less ornate for the second time around, go for a classic: the little white dress. It's refined and glamorous, modern and timeless—a dress to wear on your second wedding day and beyond. Fresh and clean, LDWs are extremely versatile and easy to style. You can keep it easygoing or dress it up even more with your choice of accessories. Adrianna Papell’s collection of little white dresses includes everything from vintage-inspired fit-and-flares to sleek asymmetrical sheath dresses. Make your second wedding truly special with these stunning styles:

Tea-Length Dresses

Tea-length dresses are a wonderful option for a second wedding, giving your look vintage charm and style. These dresses typically fall between the knee and ankle, showcasing your shoes and adding a playful yet refined vibe to your bridal look.

Jumpsuits and Pantsuits

For the bride who wants to break away from tradition, a tailored jumpsuit or pantsuit can be a bold and empowering choice. Look for styles with beautiful embellishments or unique cuts that flatter your figure while allowing for easy movement and comfort.

Blush Gowns

Moving away from traditional white, a blush gown can bring a soft and feminine feel to your wedding look. This soft hue complements many skin tones and offers a modern twist on the classic bridal look. Explore Adrianna Papell’s range of blush dresses for bridal inspiration. These styles feature sparkling embellishment, exquisite embroidery, and pretty, tailored silhouettes.

Bohemian Maxi Dresses

For a relaxed and rustic celebration, a flowing bohemian maxi dress can make a stunning choice. Look for soft, natural fabrics, lace details, and floral patterns that work well with a laid-back, romantic atmosphere.

Dress Colors to Wear for Your Second Wedding

As a second-time bride, you have the freedom to explore the whole spectrum of beautiful hues that resonate with your personality and wedding theme. Here are some favorite dress colors (besides white) to consider for your second wedding:

Blush Pink: Nostalgic and romantic, blush pink is a popular choice for second brides. This delicate hue evokes love and warmth while offering a modern twist on traditional white. Blush gowns can beautifully complement different event styles, from rustic to elegant.

Champagne: For an understated yet sophisticated look, consider a champagne-colored gown. This warm tone is both glamorous and neutral and it looks great adorned with delicate embellishments, perfect for a formal gown.

Silver or Gray: Create a contemporary moment with a silver or gray wedding dress. This look is not just chic but also versatile, providing a stunning backdrop for intricate designs, lace detailing, or sparkling accessories.

Pastel Shades: Light, pastel colors like lavender, mint green, or baby blue can create a fresh and youthful feel. These soft shades are great for outdoor or garden weddings, adding a touch of whimsy to your look.

Bold Jewel Tones: If you want to make a statement, consider bold jewel tones such as emerald green, deep burgundy, or royal blue. These rich colors have a confident, regal quality that will definitely make you the center of attention on your special day.

Coral or Peach: Bright and cheerful, coral and peach evoke feelings of joy and celebration. These colors can bring a sun-kissed glow to your bridal look and pair beautifully with summer, beach, or tropical wedding themes.

Earthy Tones: If you're planning a rustic or bohemian wedding, consider earthy tones like taupe, sage green, or warm terracotta. These colors can harmonize perfectly with natural surroundings, enhancing the ambiance of your celebration.

Black: For the daring bride, a black wedding dress can make a bold statement. This choice signals confidence while still giving you the same versatility as classic neutrals like white and champagne.