Love Is Lovelier the Second Time Around." Remember that old Sinatra song? For many brides, the same tune rings true for their gown as well as their groom.

Quite simply, there are no dos and don'ts. This is your day, your ultimate opportunity to wear your dream dress. Many second-time brides were very young the first time around; many were talked into dresses they never really loved. How lucky can you get? Now you've got a great guy and a second chance to get that gorgeous gown!
Take a minute and stand in front of the mirror. Really. Do it. How do you envision yourself on your wedding day? What is your fantasy? Sophisticated? Feminine? Sexy? Demure? All rules have been banished. Some brides feel like a fairy tale princess and go very poufy and grand. Some feel glamorous, opting for a sleek, chic look. Others want to feel less formal, preferring a fun, casual style. Which will it be?

Though not written in stone, your locale helps determine your look. Sometimes second weddings become grandiose affairs. Sometimes very intimate. Gala formals, small dinner parties, cosmopolitan cocktail receptions, brunches, lunches, barbecues, teas. Are you being married in a big hotel or on the beach? A country club or a country church? A great restaurant or a glorious garden? Take all of that into consideration.

On the other hand, today, anything goes. Use common sense. Yes, your dress should match your surroundings -- yet, if you've always dreamed of big and poufy, there is no law that prohibits big and poufy on the beach. Go for your dream dress.

A wonderful second-wedding trend: The destination wedding. Many brides and grooms prefer to keep their second weddings intimate but interesting. They achieve this by moving it to a fabulous venue, inviting only their nearest and dearest family and friends. There is something extremely romantic about being carried away to an exotic place; make sure your dress reflects that feeling. What's more, you eliminate the obligation to invite your Great Aunt So-And-So, achieving your dream guest list also. This completes the entire "making your dreams come true" theme. If you've always wanted to get married in Paris or Venice, the Caribbean or Colorado, Martha's Vineyard or Maui -- do it.

"We see everything!" exclaimed Pattie Winkler, manager of Suky Rosan, the elite bridal shop in suburban Philadelphia. "Some second-time brides go for the whole thing, including train and veil. Some choose a stunning, understated style. There is absolutely no right or wrong. The only rule? Wear what looks best."

"Second wedding fashion is definitely an eveningwear look," advised Susan Cohen, manager of the bridal department at Saks Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. "Many brides select exquisite evening gowns in ivory, champagne, or blush, rather than stark white. Frequently, there is a slim, close to the body chicness, not often seen in traditional bridal gowns."

Headpieces? "Some do, some don't. Most wear something decorative in their hair, though not necessarily a full veil," Cohen remarked. "I often hear 'I want to be the bride, but I don't want to look like a bride!' Something sophisticated is usually the answer."

Second wedding fashion revolves around the fact that second-time brides are older and more confident. More self-assured. To put to rest any qualms you may have about doing your own thing, I asked expert Claudia Hanlin, owner of The Wedding Library in Manhattan. "At one time, rules demanded a bride wear virginal white with a veil for a first marriage, and a subtle beige or pastel suit for a second (or third or fourth)." Why? "Years ago, there was a stigma attached, so you quietly went off and got married in a small ceremony." Of course, those days are gone for good.

Beautiful alternatives abound. Look through fashion magazines like Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Town & Country, and W. Zero in on designers like Pamela Dennis, Badgley Mischka, Richard Tyler, and Randolph Duke. Choose a magnificent creation in shades of candlelight, gold, silver, pewter, or softest bronze. If you can not afford a designer original, tear out photos and look for copies at your price point. Try outlet stores too. Be brave. This is your day to shine.

What about bridesmaids? Everyone agrees ten bridesmaids dressed alike feels like overkill. A small wedding party seems right. Remember, your bridesmaids are probably not 22-years-old either--unless they are your daughters. Keep it elegant. Choose simple sheaths or ballskirts and sweaters, or let your attendants select their own dresses in a specific shade. Check out Bridesmaids Dresses for more ideas.

"Love Is Lovelier the Second Time Around." Often weddings -- and wedding gowns -- are too. Think fabulous. Think sophisticated. Think chic. Think fun. The supreme opportunity to make all your dreams come true. In every way. Enjoy each moment you wear that smashing dress. And, of course, heartiest congratulations.

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