Photo by Amy Anaiz
A vow renewal has always been one of the most special ways to celebrate your love with your partner: giving yourselves a second chance to stand up in front of family and friends to once again declare your love for each other is fun and romantic. Traditionally, vow renewals have happened on big anniversaries (think 10, 20, 30, even 50 years), but more recently, it's not uncommon to hear about them happening a year or two after a couple tied the knot.
Regardless of the reason behind your vow renewal, you probably need a great dress to wear. While generally still formal, these occasions do tend to be more relaxed than weddings. However, there are no rules! If you didn't get to have a huge wedding the first time around, this might be your chance to do exactly that. In that case, you might be looking for a more traditional wedding gown.
If you want to keep things more on the casual side, there are plenty of options. You can stick with a bridal white, of course, but you could also branch out and wear champagne, ivory, blush, blue, or florals. You can play around with different textures and silhouettes, opt for a two-piece outfit or a jumpsuit, or wear a shorter dress. Have fun with your look and wear something that is comfortable and makes you feel good.
Not sure where to start? Here are our favorite vow renewal dresses to consider.
Best Cape: Adrianna Papell Structured Cape Sheath Dress
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Courtesy of Adrianna Papell
Size Range: 0-20 | Length: Mini | Material: Crepe fabric
This cape cocktail dress has a fitted silhouette and a cape look on the back that makes it look incredibly chic. Made of crepe fabric, this is a lovely look for a vow renewal.
Price at time of publish: $160
Best Blush Dress: Callahan Sami Dress
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Courtesy of Revolve
Size Range: XS-L | Length: Midi | Material: 60 percent tencel, 40 percent rayon
If you're going for a relaxed but glamorous vibe, this drapey dress is a nice choice. With simple jewelry and your hair pulled back, this dress looks incredibly stylish.
Price at time of publish: $188
For a Summer Vow Renewal: Bronx and Banco Megan V-Neck Illusion Tiered Lace Dress
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Courtesy of Bergdorf Goodman
Size Range: XS-XL | Length: Mini | Material: Polyester
The lace illusion and tiered skirt of this dress are both such pretty details. The florals feel fun and make this cocktail dress perfect for a summer vow renewal.
Price at time of publish: $415
For a Daytime Event: Black Halo 3/4 Sleeve Jackie O Dress
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Courtesy of Shopbop
Size Range: 0-16 | Length: Midi | Material: Lightweight, stretch suiting
If you're looking for something more understated and practical, this aptly-named Jackie O dress was made for you. A thin belt cinches at the waist and the three-quarter sleeves make this versatile for most seasons.
Price at time of publish: $390
Best V-Neck: Sachin & Babi Emmie Jumpsuit
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Courtesy of BHLDN
Size Range: Standard 0-16, Plus 16W-26W | Length: Floor-length | Material: Satin
This satin jumpsuit is ideal for a formal pants moment. With flutter sleeves and a square back, it looks just as elegant as any gown.
Price at time of publish: $325
Best Long-Sleeve Option: ASOS Edition Curve Elizabeth Beaded Bodice Wedding Dress
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Courtesy of ASOS
Size Range: 12-26 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Lightweight tulle
It's not easy to find a gown with long sleeves. This one, with a beaded bodice and sleeves, is just right for an autumn or winter wedding.
Price at time of publish: $297
For the Minimalist: Reformation Dusk Dress
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Courtesy of Reformation
Size Range: 0-12 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Viscose
Sometimes a minimalist look makes more of an impact than you would think. This dress seems simple, but an open back, fitted bodice, and detailed sleeves make it anything but boring.
Price at time of publish: $278
Most Daring: Tadashi Shoji Dawson Gown
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Courtesy of BHLDN
Size Range: Standard 00-18, Plus 16W-26W | Length: Floor-length | Material: Stretch crepe
Opt for something more daring with this gorgeous low-cut gown. Made of stretch crepe, it features an interesting twist detail, plunging neckline, and high center slit.
Price at time of publish: $995
For a Beach Vow Renewal: BHLDN Belize Dress
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Courtesy of BHLDN
Size Range: 0-18 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Polyester
Subtle beading, floral-inspired embroidery, and a long skirt make this dress feel bohemian and just casual enough. We love the long sleeves that make it feel more versatile.
Price at time of publish: $298
Best Wrap Dress: Zimmerman Silk Wrap Midi Dress
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Courtesy of Shopbop
Size Range: 0-12 | Length: Midi | Material: Silk
This drapey wrap silhouette in a lightweight silk is so dreamy and elegant. The ruffled hem and light pink shade are extra romantic.
Price at time of publish: $630
Most Versatile: Reformation Isaac Dress
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Courtesy of Reformation
Size Range: 0-12 | Length: Midi | Material: Organ cotton
This midi dress is a step up from casual. The ruched bodice and wrap-style skirt are flattering, and this is another lovely option for anyone looking for long sleeves.
Price at time of publish: $298
For an Outdoor Celebration: Jenny by Jenny Yoo Lourdes Gown
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Courtesy of BHLDN
Size Range: 0-26 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Lace
This fit-and-flare gown feels bohemian enough for an outdoor celebration, yet still effortlessly chic. The lace appliques have a vintage vibe, and (bonus!) the sleeves are detachable.
Price at time of publish: $1,695
Best Halter: Show Me Your Mumu Jasmine Halter Midi Dress
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Courtesy of Show Me Your Mumu
Size Range: XXS-XXL | Length: Midi | Material: Satin
The halter neckline of this dreamy satin dress is unexpected and really works. It's simple and so pretty, and comes in a variety of different shades.
Price at time of publish: $178
Best Sleeves: ASOS EDITION Curve Winnie Pleat Waist Wedding Dress
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Courtesy of ASOS
Size Range: 12-26 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Textured jacquard
This dress appears simple, but is actually made of a subtle floral texture that really makes it stand out. We also love the statement sleeves and overall glamorous look.
Price at time of publish: $320
Most Unexpected: Sachin & Babi Archie Dress
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Courtesy of BHLDN
Size Range: Standard 0-16, Plus 16W-26W | Length: Mini | Material: Polyester
This is a fun one: A very oversized bow in the back leads to a graceful train. It's unexpected and unique, especially in this gorgeous baby blue shade.
Price at time of publish: $395
Most Romantic: Eloquii Tiered Puff Sleeve Dress
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Courtesy of Eloquii
Size Range: 14-28 | Length: Midi | Material: Polyester
For something more casual, opt for this tiered dress. Puff sleeves, a sweetheart neckline, and a full skirt make it feel romantic and sweet.
Price at time of publish: $140
For a Casual Ceremony: Reformation Nikita Dress
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Courtesy of Reformation
Size Range: 14-24 | Length: Midi | Material: Viscose
Renewing your vows in the summer? This midi dress is what you want. With a ruffled-edge neckline and a trumpet skirt, it is so pretty and has a beautiful shape.
Price at time of publish: $278