If you are renewing your vows, you can wear anything that feels special to you: a white or ivory gown, a soft floral, or a color you love. There is no rule against wearing white or even your original wedding dress. Guests should follow the invitation and the venue, usually cocktail attire for an evening party or a dressy midi for a daytime or backyard event, and skip all-white so the couple stands out.
What is the dress code for a vow renewal?
Vow renewals range from a backyard ceremony with family to a formal reception that looks like a second wedding. The invitation and venue set the dress code.
| Type of vow renewal | Couple renewing vows | Guests |
|---|---|---|
| Backyard or home, daytime | White sundress, soft floral midi | Dressy casual: midi or knee-length dress |
| Church or chapel ceremony | White, ivory or pastel dress with sleeves or a cover-up | Modest midi, sleeves or a light layer |
| Restaurant or evening party | Cocktail dress or gown in white or a favorite color | Cocktail attire, dark colors, jewel tones |
| Formal reception or destination | Full-length gown | Semi-formal or formal, maxi or dressy midi |
What should you wear to renew your vows?
Whatever feels like a celebration of your marriage. Common choices:
- A white or ivory dress, often simpler than a first wedding gown.
- Your original wedding dress, if it still fits or can be altered.
- A floral or blush dress that reads bridal without being a full wedding look.
- A favorite color, or the color of your original wedding flowers or bridesmaid dresses.
Choose a dress that matches the size of the event. A full gown at a casual backyard renewal can feel out of place, and a sundress at a formal reception can feel underdressed. The white dresses below are all for the person renewing her vows.
Margaret Wedding Dress
The Margaret Wedding Dress is white floral with floral embroidery, a ruched bodice, a V-neckline, fixed straps with adjustable bows, an empire waist, a low V-neck cut back, a back zipper and full lining. Sizes XXS to 6X. It is made for weddings and formal garden parties, so it suits a renewal where you want a true bridal look.
Coco Dress
The Coco Dress is a white maxi in textured jacquard with a full A-line skirt, a lace-trimmed basque waist, elastic straps you can wear on or off the shoulder, and boning at the princess seams for a structured, supportive bodice. Sizes 00 to 34 (final sale, so check the size chart before ordering). Wear the straps up for a daytime or church renewal and off the shoulder for an evening party.
Harlow Dress
The Harlow Dress is a white floral lace midi with a halter V-neckline that closes with a hook, bust seaming, built-in bust cups, a dropped waist with soft shirring at the hips, vintage-inspired button details and an A-line skirt. Sizes 00 to 34. The midi length suits a backyard or daytime renewal where a full gown would feel like too much.
Bria Dress
The Bria Dress is a white A-line gown with a sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, bodice boning, a built-in bra, pockets and an invisible zipper. Sizes 00 to 34. The brand designed it for courthouse weddings as well as the big day, so it works for a restaurant or small evening renewal.
Everbloom Wedding Dress
The Everbloom Wedding Dress is a white A-line maxi with off-the-shoulder puff sleeves, a square V-neckline, boning, a keyhole back and a zipper closure. Sizes 00 to 34. It suits a formal reception or garden renewal, and the brand designed it with family photos in mind.
Pearl Dress
The Pearl Dress is a white sleeveless gown covered in sparkling sequins and pearl-like embellishments, with soft tulle layers, a fitted waistline and a corset back, in 100% polyester. True to size, 00 to 34. It suits a formal evening reception where you want the most sparkle in the room.
See more options in the Bridal Event Dresses collection.
What should the husband or partner wear?
Match the formality of the dress. A suit or dress pants with a jacket works for most renewals. For a backyard or beach event, a button-down with no tie is fine. Many couples pick one accent color, like a tie or pocket square that matches the dress print.
What should a guest wear to a vow renewal?
Dress like you would for a wedding at the same venue. Pick color, print or classic black, and avoid solid white, ivory or cream unless the couple asks guests to wear white.
Guests: choose any non-white dress. Every dress we picked for this post is white, so they all belong to the couple. Use the guest column in the table above to match your dress to the venue: a dressy midi for a daytime or backyard renewal, a modest midi with sleeves or a layer for a church, cocktail attire in dark colors or jewel tones for an evening party, and a maxi or dressy midi for a formal reception.
Can you wear your original wedding dress to a vow renewal?
Yes. Wearing your original dress again can be especially meaningful for a milestone anniversary. Have it cleaned and fitted a few weeks ahead. You can also update it with a new sash, a jacket or different shoes so it feels like a new chapter.
FAQ
Is it okay to wear white to your own vow renewal?
Yes. The couple renewing vows can wear white, ivory or any color they choose.
Can guests wear white to a vow renewal?
Avoid solid white unless the invitation asks for it. White is usually reserved for the person renewing her vows.
Is a vow renewal formal?
It depends on the event. Follow the invitation and venue. Many renewals are smaller and more relaxed than a first wedding, so a dressy midi works for a lot of them.
Can kids and family wear matching colors?
Yes. Many families coordinate colors for photos. Choose one or two colors and let each person pick a style in that range.