Style options for a second-time bride

Before Queen Victoria set the trend with a white wedding gown in 1840, most brides wore their best dress in any colour on their wedding day. In the years following Victoria’s and Albert’s royal wedding, white came to symbolise purity — a tradition that prompted heated debate over whether encore brides could wear white.

In today’s fashion world, the answer is a resounding "yes!" Regarded as a symbol of joy instead of virginity; white is a perfect colour for dresses for a second wedding. Pastels and ivory are also popular colour choices for your second wedding dress.

Second wedding dress selection guidelines apply to all brides: Your gown’s formality should match the tone of your wedding celebration. With so many available design and fabric options, you should have no difficulty in finding a gown that matches your personal style and taste.

Second wedding dresses should reflect your personality, lifestyle and fashion sense. Consider selecting a cocktail-length dress or beautiful couture suit that you can wear again. Again, take your cue from the size, time and day, and formality of your wedding ceremony and reception.

It helps to know what flatters your figure when you’re shopping for the perfect second wedding attire. Whether you’re pear-shaped or petite, top-heavy or tall, choose the right cut for your body type to highlight your best features and downplay those that concern you.

Bring along a friend, your mom or your teenage daughter to get a second opinion, and be sure to wear the appropriate undergarments so you’ll know exactly how your second wedding dress will look.

Second-time brides should forgo a blusher veil that covers the face — a traditional style reserved for first-time brides and one of the few real fashion "don’ts." (Note: Etiquette expert Peggy Post says it’s acceptable for encore brides to wear a veil that cascades down the back if it matches the formality of the wedding.) Try substituting a hat, hair ornament or fresh flowers. Splurge and have a professional stylist come to your home to create a glamorous updo!

Be sure to schedule this appointment several months before the big day so you can try out different styles and hair ornaments. You don’t want any last-minute surprises, and you may decide to cut or even grow your hair.

Trains are fine, but keep it simple, again matching the formality and style of the wedding.

With so many available choices in headpieces and veiling for second wedding attire, search the Internet for beautiful designs, and print out photos of the ones you like. Buy a few bridal magazines, and cut out some of your top choices. Then visit local bridal shops, and ask experienced consultants for expert guidance.