How to choose a wedding dress you’ll wear again

“If I’m investing in a wedding dress, I want it to have a life beyond just one day.”

Planning a wedding can be incredibly stressful and as a newly engaged bride, I’m becoming well acquainted with the many decisions that need to be made. One of the more exciting choices, though, is finding the perfect wedding dress. With fashion increasingly focused on thoughtful consumption, it feels impractical to invest heavily in a gown meant for just a fleeting 24 hours.

While there are so many things to consider when planning a wedding (I recommend using Say I Do to simplify the process), choosing a dress should be about finding something that will continue to bring joy well beyond your big day.

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Like many modern brides, I’m searching for something less traditional and more understated – something designed to be enjoyed long after the wedding day. Having been a bridesmaid and attended formal events, I’ve worn many gowns that fit the typical dressy attire you might expect.

Don’t get me wrong, they were beautiful for the occasion, but too formal for my style and something I probably wouldn’t wear again. These pieces get dry-cleaned and then shoved to the back of the closet after a single wear, never to be seen again. If I’m investing in a wedding dress, I want it to have a life beyond just one day.

Thankfully, fashion is moving in a more sustainable direction, where outfit repeating is considered cool and wearing items multiple times is a badge of honour. Rather than buying something new for every special occasion, it’s more acceptable to consider the garment’s life beyond one use, avoiding the trap of overconsumption.

There’s also been a shift away from extravagant weddings, with a growing trend toward more pared-back celebrations – think low-key settings and close-knit guest lists. Most of my Pinterest wedding boards are filled with images of backyard ceremonies, intimate locations and courthouse nuptials, which I plan to emulate for my own wedding day.

This also means taking a more casual approach to choosing a dress, focusing on designs that can easily transition into my everyday wardrobe and fit this more relaxed style. Here are my recommendations for what to consider when choosing a wedding dress you’ll actually want to wear again.

Choose a mid-length dress that can be repurposed as a party dress

Perfect for repurposing as a party dress, mid-length styles are easier to restyle than a floor-length gown – just add layers or accessories to transform it into something new. Their versatile length makes them ideal for various occasions, from casual gatherings to more formal events.

Go for classic, simple silhouettes and designs

Classic doesn’t have to mean traditional or boring. When I think of classic, I think of clean lines and well-structured pieces that won’t go out of fashion. Simple silhouettes, like a slip dress, make it easy to repurpose. It’s less about following trends and more about simplicity.

Experiment with colours – or even better, dye your dress afterwards to give it a new life

I’ve recently seen a few very successful wedding dress dye jobs, like British stylist Gemma Sort Chilvers, who dyed her dress pink and wore it as a wedding guest dress. I adore this idea and would love to try it with my own dress in the future. It’s a fun and creative way to give it another life.

I’m also seeing people experiment with colour when choosing their wedding dresses. Opting for a different shade and steering away from traditional white means you’re more likely to wear it again, as it doesn’t scream ‘white wedding’ vibes.

Opt for a set

While we tend to go straight to dress options, a set shouldn’t be overlooked. Having multiple items that can be worn again separately, or items that can be styled with other pieces, is an easy way to ensure you’ll wear your wedding day outfit again and again.

Layers or attachments

Another way to get more wear out of your wedding dress is to take advantage of layers. Similar to sets, layers like detachable trains, skirts and accessories that can be removed are a great way to see your wedding dress evolve into something new. Some layers are so seamless these days that you won’t even realise they aren’t part of the original dress.

Some of my favourite fashion designers making versatile dresses that I’ve saved for my upcoming wedding are Lovaan, who make romantic dresses I could see myself wearing at my wedding and beyond and Lola Varma, a Melbourne-made bridal label for the modern-day minimalist. I also love Viktoria and Woods for timeless pieces that can be easily transformed from your wedding day to every day and Hansen & Gretel, who do great simple slip dresses in a variety of colours.

It’s not just about sustainability; it’s about keeping the memories alive and enjoying the dress for years to come. Life’s too short (and my closet space too limited) to keep precious items tucked away forever. So stay tuned – you just might catch me in my repurposed wedding dress at your next party.

To take the stress out of wedding planning, try Say I Do.