Diane Parente, AICI, CIP

What Does a Bride Wear for her Second Wedding?

By Image Development & Management, Inc.

It can be tricky to find the right dress for a second wedding – especially if you are the bride!

In a traditional first wedding the bride usually wears a full white gown in white to symbolize her “purity.” However, it may come across as inappropriate for a second wedding to resemble the first one especially if there are children from the first marriage.

More often a second wedding is somewhat reserved with less fuss and commotion. But every wedding is always a special day that represents and celebrates the union of two people who love each other.

So how do you choose a dress that is reserved enough for a tasteful wedding while still expressing the glamour of this splendid occasion? The bride’s dress should reflect the mood and feel of the wedding.

Consider the location. A barefoot-on-the-beach wedding calls for a completely different type of dress from a ceremony held in a church.

Time of day. A daytime wedding is going to be softer and less glitzy than an evening affair.

Number of guests. A full- length gown could be overwhelming at a small, intimate wedding.

Style of Wedding. Will the nuptials be a formal affair or a casual gathering? Your wedding dress should be in harmony with the suggested attire for the guests. Black tie requires a more formal gown then a garden party setting.

Color of dress. Try to stay away from white or ivory and other traditional colors for the second wedding. Bridal type dresses come in a variety of shades beyond white and ivory. In fact many mother –of- the- bride collections feature simple silhouettes such as a sheath. These can be elegant and flattering choices for a bride on her second wedding.

Mother –of- the- bride collections.

Jordan Fashions	Jordan Fashions	Alfred Angelo

If you really want to wear white at your second wedding look for a dress that combines white with another color to make it less traditional and “pure”.

Alfred Angelo	Alfred Angelo	Jordan Fashions

A gorgeous cocktail length dress can be as striking as a full length gown.

A cocktail-style dress is ideal for a more intimate evening wedding.  There are great bridesmaid collections that offer some wonderful selections in this style.

Alfred Angelo	Alfred Angelo

The shorter length dress for a Daytime second wedding is more casual in feel and is another great option.

A bride can find simple elegant dresses that are flattering and will not break the bank.

Donna Rico Bridal	J.Crew Bridal	Anne Taylor weddings

For a second wedding, go ahead and have fun with the accessories.

Find classic evening shoes with a bit of color and character.

Your Jewelry can make a bigger statement.  Traditionally, a bride does not want her jewelry to outshine her dress for her a second wedding, she can exercise a little more freedom.  If the dress is simple, she can really let her personality shine through with a fabulous necklace and other accessories.

Rather than a long veil, consider a cage veil or great hair accessories: they should be beautiful and composed, but can also be playful.

What do you think would be perfect look for a woman’s second wedding?

Spring and Summer Events, What to Wear? ….. Weddings, Graduations, Outdoor Parties?
By Image Development & Management, Inc.

Is there a big event coming up in the next couple of months that you want to look great for? How do you choose what to wear? Well, here are some considerations to begin with:

• Time of day: Does it take place during the afternoon or in the evening ? An afternoon event can be a bit more casual than an evening affair, which is almost always a dressy occasion.
• Location: Will it be held inside or outside, at the beach, on a lawn, or in a marble hall? This will affect your shoe choice and the kind of cover-up you’ll need to coordinate your ensemble.
• Weather: Will it be chilly or will you be in direct sun for an extended time? Will you need a wrap, or perhaps a fabulous wide-brimmed hat?
• Your body: What should you cover; what should you expose? This is the hardest part for most people. Do you need something with long sleeves, covered legs, or a high neckline?
• Comfort: Should your outfit allow for movement or provide structure?

What challenges have you had in finding the best look for you?

Do you have any suggestions for our readers?

WEDDINGS:

Weddings are generally a dressier affair, but depending on the particularities, it could mean the difference between taffeta or a knit jersey. Think in terms of color, or light or dark neutrals.

J Renee Show	Pearl Necklace	Adrianna Papell

• The traditional style can wear a tafetta shirtdress for a wedding. It’s classic, stylish, and doesn’t reveal too much body. It is also VERY flattering. The shirtdress has so much style that a simple strand of pearls and pumps will complete the look.
• If you have a sporty style, you probably want to focus on comfort and ease. Color is great, then, think in jersey. There are some wonderful dresses out there now that are easily dressed up with mid-heel metallic sandals and a playful necklace. You will not only be appropriately attired for the occasion, but comfortable too!

Donna Ricco Jersey Dress	Naturalizer Sandal	Drop Necklace

• It’s easy for an alluring style to dress up, but remember that this day is all about the bride, so tone down the glamour. Go for a one-shoulder dress instead of the plunging neckline, metallic shoes, and perhaps chandelier earrings instead of a necklace.

Joshua Sandal	Chandelier Earrings	Tadashi

GRADUATIONS:

Graduations are academic occasions and almost always take place during the day. Color is in for any springtime event, but your dress should also reflect respect for the institution. The level of dressiness should fall somewhere between cocktail and business.

Ralph Lauren Skirt	Eileen Fisher	Low Sandal

• It is easy for the feminine style to go overboard with pinks and florals, but this may not work for the academic environment of a graduation. Tone it down a bit with solids or subtle prints in a fabric that moves. You might consider a sweater set with a tiered skirt and classic shoes with a bow or flower detail.
• The dramatic style should keep the graduation look simple but soft. Try a chic sheath dress with some pattern, black pumps, and a statement necklace. If the event is outdoors, a statement hat may also be appropriate.

Stripe Dress	Big Hats and Black Shoes	Statement Necklace

• Staying conservative enough for a graduation may also be tough on the creative style. Think suit with a twist. A really unusual jacket paired with dress trousers and a simple shirt may be perfect. Then the creativity can be expressed in the accessories!

Nanette Lepore	Christian Louboutin	Akris Punto

OUTDOOR PARTIES:

Think florals and separates. The garden party is a more casual, but an occasion still worthy of giving some thought about what to wear. Generally outdoors, some consideration should be put into protection from the elements, and if heels should be avoided because of the lawn?

• A person with an elegant style may have some trouble dressing down for the outdoor party. Try a simple cotton/spandex sheath dress in a light neutral. Pair it with some espadrilles; they are casual enough for an outdoor party, but still look put together. For the sun, add a hat; for a breeze, wear a matching cardigan.

Beige Dress	Jimmy Cho	Woven Hat

• The outdoor party is a relaxed, fun affair. The traditional style needs to stay true to your comfort level without being too stuffy. Traditional styles might consider wearing a color or a floral pattern. A floral patterned top with tan Capri pants, or a colorful cardigan over a simple T-shirt with a khaki skirt and ballet flats are a perfect look for the traditional style at a garden party.

Corsage Cardigan	Nick and Zoe	Adrienne Vittadini
	Prada

• A high-contrast color scheme such as black and white is the right choice for the dramatic style, especially if you use floral or a pop of surprise color somewhere else like the shoe. Be careful not to come off as too severe and over-the-top with a dramatic flair. An oversized top with Capri leggings is a fun, current look.

Embroidered Cardigan	Waterfall Cardigan	Skinny Capri
	Red Bow Shoe

What challenges do you have in finding the best look for you?

Do you have any suggestions for our readers