According to healthymarriageinfo.com, many Americans engage in remarriages. Recent statistics show that 12 percent of men and 13 percent of women wed for a second time. A notable 3 percent of Americans have married three or more times, as well (U.S. Census Bureau, 2007). Nevertheless, and despite this evident trend of remarriages, many second-time brides do not want to overexert their weddings. However, whether it is your first, second or third marriage, you are a bride and deserve a new and enchanting wedding to tribute to your fresh beginning.
There are three major questions that second-brides consider when planning the occasion.
Can I wear a long gown?
You might question if a long gown is necessary and because you have been married before, you wonder if it is even appropriate. However, long gowns have been a wedding craze forever. Abandon the notion that second weddings should be informal because it is not the case. You can and should wear a long gown, if that is the style you desire. It is far from a deviant look because you are a bride. However, if you do feel uncomfortable, shorter dresses are becoming more popular. In fact, the 2011 collection of bridal dresses includes a variety of shapes and cuts, a lot of which are cocktail length. They are chic, fun and different, but just as stunning as a floor length gown.
Is a white gown appropriate for a second wedding?
There are conflicting opinions about a second time bride’s etiquette, particularly concerning the color of her dress. Many previously married brides opt for pastel colored or off-white and ivory dresses, if not bridal suits, because they do not want to appear too dramatic. They decide against white because it is a color of innocence and, thus, considered unsuitable for a second wedding. However, white is more so a color of celebration and a white dress symbolizes a clean commencement. In fact, it was only after Queen Victoria wore a white wedding gown that it became emblematic; women used to wear an assortment of colors and still do in various cultures around the world. Therefore, you may definitely dress in white, but colored dresses are excellent alternatives. You might choose blue because it represents trust, stability and commitment. Because it is color of the sky and water, it is also deemed everlasting. Light shades of lilac or lavender symbolize magic, hence they are also prevailing wedding colors. Pink is calming and allows for acceptance and contentment, and red increases enthusiasm and confidence. You are permitted to choose any color that you desire. It is your wedding, and you make the rules.
Is a veil too much?
A veil is a classic essential to a bride’s attire but does, in fact, denote virginity. Although second time brides are discouraged from wearing them, a veil is a traditional wedding style and it can actually be worn in ways that do not defy its implications. The blusher of the veil, which conceals the bride’s face, is the actual representation of purity. However, veils sold today do not necessarily have blushers. There are one-tier veils that brides may wear, or multi-tiered veils in which blushers are not used. In addition, there are bird’s cage veils or short bubble shaped veils that are merely used for style.
If it is the second or even third wedding, you are still a bride and are worthy of feeling like one. As long as you remain confident, bridal etiquette is essentially nonexistent; you can dress how you want. Besides, if you are going to do it again, you might as well do it right.
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