When you are getting married for the second time it can be a little more complicated when it comes to choosing a wedding dress.
While there are no rules about what you can and can’t wear when you are over 40 the choice is not always that straightforward.
You want to wear something beautiful that makes you feel like a million dollars but you don’t want to look like you’re trying to relive your youth.
A good compromise between beauty and appropriateness is tricky so we’re going to help you find the right balance between the two.
1. Off-The-Shoulder Wedding Dress
When you are about to get married for the second time, you still want to look beautiful but perhaps in a more refined and mature way.
With this beautifully simple gown you will look every inch the bride with its soft satin fabric and off the shoulder neckline.
It has a sheath silhouette and the hemline comes to the knee, so it is perfect for brides who don’t want a figure hugging dress. There is an off-center split in the front of the dress and closure is via a zipper in the back.
2. Fit-And-Flare Backless Wedding Gown
It may be your second time around, but that doesn’t mean you can’t wear a beautiful lace wedding dress. This gorgeous floor length fit and flare gown is sleeveless and has an elegant sweep train to make a grand entrance and exit with.
There is a bateau neckline which is flattering for any age bride and a daring open back with buttons running down the length of the lower back.
If you prefer not to have the dress in white there is a choice of other colors such as cream, champagne or blushing pink.
3. Appliqued Lace Wedding Dress
If a full length lace wedding dress is not appropriate for your second wedding this knee length applique gown is a good choice. You still have the elegance of the lace and there is a pretty V neckline, front and back.
The sheath silhouette is flattering for all ages and there is pretty detailing on the hemline.
As it is a sleeveless dress, you could pair it with a matching jacket or delicate shawl if you are not comfortable exposing your arms. An ideal choice for a spring, summer or fall wedding.
4. Column Maxi Wedding Dress
This beautiful lace applique dress makes a perfect second wedding dress. Its sheath silhouette is very flattering and the embroidery and beading are delicately pretty. The dress has a high, jewel neck and short sleeves.
The hemline reaches the floor and there is a covered zipper in the back. The colors available in this dress mean you can choose from blush pink, cream, champagnes, ivory or white.
Its chic and elegant style make it ideal for a bride over 40 and it is available in sizes 2 to 24W.
5. Gold Sequined Wedding Gown
To make a huge splash at your second wedding this gold sequined gown is absolutely perfect. It has a seductive off the shoulder neckline with slight cap sleeves.
There is a back zip for closure and the dress is fully lined. The hemline reaches the floor.
The lace overlay is smothered in gold matte sequins which make the gown shimmer elegantly in a floral pattern.
For a perfect vintage glamor look for an over 40 bride this is a showstopper and will make you feel amazing on your wedding day.
6. Short Lace Wedding Dress
This pretty A line wedding gown will flatter most body types and is suitable for any age bride. The fabric is lace with flower embellishments and it has a notched V neck and short sleeves, perfect for a spring or summer wedding.
A knee length hemline makes this reminiscent of a 1950s wedding dress so is perfect for a bride who loves a vintage look.
With the addition of a petticoat the skirt will be much fuller and look even more retro. Available in five colors and from sizes 2 to 26W.
7. Beaded Sheath Wedding Gown
A gorgeous beaded wedding dress in a flattering sheath silhouette, this is a lovely choice for a second wedding dress.
There are applied floral embellishments all over this dress apart from around the banded empire waistline which is heavily beaded.
This is a very pretty and feminine wedding dress which would suit a mature bride. It has a bateau neckline and is sleeveless. The hemline ends between the knee and the ankle and there is a slit in the back.
The gown has a slim silhouette and is available in one color only.
8. Midi Lace Wedding Dress
For something a little different, for a second wedding gown how about this floral applique midi dress. It is sleeveless and has a jewel neckline.
Apart from the lace there are tulle godet insets around the skirt which is finished with a raw cut hem reaching the calf.
The silhouette of the dress is fit and flare and there is pretty lace detailing around the arms. After the wedding you can always wear this again as it is not distinctly a wedding dress, making it very versatile.
Available in X-small to X-large and in one color.
9. Full Overlay Lace Wedding Gown
If you want a dress that is unmistakably bridal for your second wedding this gown is perfect. It features a full lace overlay with an A-line silhouette which suits most body shapes.
Underneath the lace is a wraparound style bodice with a full lining.
The lace forms a V neck and there is an illusion style back and short sleeves. The dress has a sweep or brush train which can be put into a bustle of your choice for the wedding reception. Available in five colors and in sizes 2 to 26W.
10. Tea-Length Wedding Dress
This extremely pretty tea-length dress would work wonderfully as a second wedding gown. The appliqued lace is very feminine and it has a flattering A line silhouette.
A V neckline is edged with delicate lace and there is a thin satin ribbon belt on the natural waistline.
The back of the dress features attractive button detailing and it is sleeveless. Available in cream, ivory, blush pink, champagne and white you can choose the tone that best suits your complexion.
Sizes range from 2 to 26W as well as custom sizing.
11. Knee-Length Wedding Dress
For the bride who wants something a little more conservative and that perhaps she can wear again, this dress is ideal. Its sheath silhouette is flattering and the hemline comes just below the knee.
This wedding dress is made from soft satin.
It has a jewel neckline and the top of the gown is covered with a pretty lace cape detail which comes down to the waist.
The sleeves are half-length perfect for someone not comfortable with exposing their upper arms. The back has a keyhole feature with buttons.
12. Short Sheath Lace Dress
A stunning lace dress that will work beautifully as a second wedding gown. It will make you feel every inch the bride. It has a sheath silhouette with a hemline that comes just above the knee.
The hemline is edged with a delicate lace detail.
There is a high neck and a corset style bodice for shape and support. At the back the dress has a lace up feature and a keyhole opening in the lace illusion top.
The sleeves are long and have the same edging detail as the hem of the dress.
13. A Line Tulle Wedding Dress
This is a lovely dress for a second marriage. Its A line silhouette is flattering for just about every body type and the tea length skirt is very cute. The V neck lace top covers a structured bodice and the full skirt is made from tulle.
There is a broad wrap around the middle of the dress in a different colored fabric which accentuates the fitted bodice and complements the fluffy skirt. The dress has short sleeves and a back zipper for closure.
14. Jacquard Tea-Length Gown
For an informal wedding or civil ceremony this gorgeous jacquard dress is perfect. You will also be able to wear it again, making it a long lasting investment. The gold color of the dress is striking and will suit most skin tones.
The wide V neckline is very flattering and the straps sit prettily on your shoulders while a fit and flare silhouette shows off your figure.
The hemline is calf length and there are shaping darts in the body of the skirt. There is a concealed zipper in the back for closure.
This gown exudes style and elegance, perfect for your wedding day.
15. Off-The-Shoulder Wedding Gown
If you want to go all out with color on your second wedding day then this is the dress for you. A gorgeous pink and multicolor gown which is floaty and feminine.
It has a seductive off the shoulder neckline with a defined bustier and a cape overlay detail at the back.
The skirt sits high on the waistline, elongating your legs and making best use of the long, flowing skirt which reaches the floor. The dress is sleeveless apart from the cape detail which sits on the upper arms.
Closure is via a concealed zipper in the back.
16. Off The Shoulder Jumpsuit
Ditch the dress and jump into this fabulous jumpsuit for your second wedding. Made from stretch crepe material you will be comfortable all day long and still look great.
The off the shoulder cuffed neckline creates drama and is very feminine.
At the back the neckline has a soft V and there is a concealed zipper for closure. The wide legs of the jumpsuit make it flow as you walk and you even have pockets for a casual look.
Add some sparkling jewelry to make a big splash on your wedding day.
17. Embroidery Lace Wedding Dress
For a truly vintage look on your second wedding day choose this elegant sheath gown. The dress is made from chiffon and tulle with beautiful embroidered detailing. It has a flattering V neckline and an empire waistline.
The short butterfly sleeves are very pretty and the ruching on the bodice gives the dress a soft but fitted feel. The hemline is edged with embroidered lace detailing as are the sleeves.
The hemline reaches the floor and there is a low V back as well as a zipper for closure.
18. High Neck Tulle Wedding Dress
This is a perfect second time around wedding dress for a bride over 40. It has a vintage tea length skirt that is fully pleated giving lots of movement.
The A line silhouette is flattering to almost all body shapes and the high neck provides a degree of modesty for older brides.
For ladies who don’t like exposing their upper arms the dress has half length sleeves with pretty button detailing. There is also a daring surprise with the keyhole opening in the rear of the bodice and the skirt sits on the natural waistline.
19. Beaded Bodice Wedding Gown
Make a statement on your second wedding day with this gorgeous beaded wedding dress. The mesh illusion top is covered with beading, sequins and delicate flower embellishments and has a gold trimmed bateau neckline.
The short sleeves have a raw hem.
The floor length skirt sits high on the waistline, elongating your legs and flowing as you move. The back of the bodice features a deep scoop neckline.
There is a concealed zipper for closure and the dress is fully lined for comfort. A perfect second wedding dress.
20. Sweep Train Lace Wedding Dress
If anyone thought a second wedding should be a muted and low key affair change their minds with this stunning gown for your big day.
This dress has a beautiful trumpet or mermaid silhouette and will show off every inch of your figure.
The bodice is heavily embellished with sequins and embroidery with a flattering V neckline which is repeated at the back. In contrast to the bodice, the skirt has simple clean lines and a gorgeous sweep train.
The long mesh sleeves are also embroidered and there is a concealed zipper in the back.
Final Thoughts
A second wedding dress should still reflect your style and personality. Don’t be conformed by what others think, it’s your day so you should wear what makes you feel beautiful for your wedding.
There are no rules about color, style, length or design so go for it! We hope that our guide to wedding dresses for second marriages over 40 has given you some inspiration.
My husband proposed to me in spring and it was a very lowkey setting, in our backyard without anyone else around to see it. It was a perfect proposal. But then everything got real, and I was suddenly thrust into planning mode.
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