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Dress for a vow renewal that doesn't look like a wedding gown.

jdaleo
New User

Post #1 of 3 (2269 views)

Dress for a vow renewal that doesn't look like a wedding gown.

Thank you for such a wonderful website. I�ve found a lot of helpful advice, but I still need more help. My husband and I will celebrate our 10 years of marriage in June by renewing our vows. We were married by the JP so we didn�t have a wedding. We have everything planned accordingly so this doesn�t end up looking like a wedding. However, I�m stuck with my gown. Our ceremony will be held at 4pm at a tiny, historic chapel. The chapel is very simple and casual. For the party, we booked a restaurant/night club. It�s a cozy and simple place. The tables, linens, chairs, everything is very simple. However, the restaurant has Paper Mache trees throughout with strands of white lights (like Christmas!). This to me gives it a slightly formal feel. I�ve looked at so many dresses (Evening gowns, Ballroom gowns, Prom dresses and Bridesmaid dresses). Some of the dresses can even be worn as wedding dresses. The dresses I particularly like are the ballroom style. Would it be appropriate, given the ceremony and party, if I wore a white ballroom gown with gathers? If not in white, then what about in a solid color? If ballroom gowns are out of the question, what about an Embroidered Mesh gown, with volume in the skirt with a slight train in white? If no, then a pleated Empire waist with a godet style skirt with in a coral color? I�ve tried on so many dresses and have had so many different opinions from people. But I�m just stuck. Please help.

(This post was edited by the_admin on Feb 29, 2008, 4:12 PM)

the_admin
Remarriage Forum Moderator / Moderator

Post #2 of 3 (2265 views)

Re: [jdaleo] Don't want to look like a bride, but will I? [In reply to]

As long as your dress does not look like a wedding dress it should be fine. I would avoid a train or full skirt since those are typically seen in wedding gowns. The color isn't quite as important, although, if you select a dress that could appear to be used as a wedding gown then choosing that dress in white would obviously not work. Be sure to match the formality of the event (most vow renewals are not formal events) and consider the time of day and venue. And, I know many women don't want to face this but, you should also choose a dress appropriate for your age so prom dresses wouldn't be a good choice.

Have a look at our page on dresses for vow renewals.
I Do - Take Two Moderator

(This post was edited by the_admin on Feb 29, 2008, 4:14 PM)

Etiquette Now
WEDDING ETIQUETTE EXPERT

Post #3 of 3 (2245 views)

Re: [jdaleo] Dress for a vow renewal that doesn't look like a wedding gown. [In reply to]

I couldn't agree more. In fact, the dress you describe seems a bit formal. Yours would have to be very formal for this to work. I would have thought that a cocktail dress would be perfect.
Rebecca Black, Etiquette Consultant
Etiquette Now
http://www.etiquettenow.com