The bride who is saying "I do" for the second time often is blessed with a deeper self-awareness than she was the first time at the altar. The remarrying bride is older, and she knows more about who she is and what she wants. This, no doubt, extends to her approach to beauty and fashion.

The time of day and where your wedding will be held are the most important elements in determining your approach to fashion and beauty. As a guideline, keep in mind that a daytime wedding is generally less formal than an evening ceremony.

The majority of women who are marrying for the second time usually bypass the long dress and formal veil for a more understated look. However, nowadays there are few, if any, restrictions. The remarrying bride may choose to wear a white gown, and the ceremony may be as elaborate as one wishes. It is important to note that every bride should strive to look stylish, but never trendy. Leave those way-out looks for nights out during your honeymoon.

To make the second time around memorable and stunning:

Wear a foundation shade geared to your specific skin color so you face will look fresh and natural. A contemporary makeup palette in pastels will provide a warm glow to any woman's complexion or fashion color. Blondes should opt for the softer pink and rose tones; brunettes for vivid corals and pinks; redheads for the peach and soft coral shades. To tear-proof the eyes, use a good waterproof mascara and a stay-put base for eyeshadow.

• If you wear glasses, don't be shadow-shy. Be sure to choose eyeshadows bright enough to show through the lenses and maintain the balance of color on the rest of the face.
• Eyebrows should be natural-looking so don't over tweeze. Brush on brown color softly to create a realistic hair-like look.
• Dim lighting in churches and synagogues tends to make people look washed out, especially in photos or video tapes, so don't be afraid to wear enough color on eyes, cheeks and lips.
• Line lips with a pencil and fill in with lip color.
• The focal point of the new suit look is the jacket. It's longer and leaner, shaped through the waist and hip. The skirt is straight and hovers around the knees. In white or off-white damask or silk crepe, the suit is refreshingly classic, is really irresistible in face-flattering tints such as pink, raspberry, aqua, celadon and lemon, and is perfect for a day or evening wedding. Under a suit, try a clean-lined silk T-shirt in the same or softly contrasting color. Or for baring the shoulders later, a silk tank top that's cut in, a sleeveless turtleneck, or a back-baring halter.
• What makes the new dresses a perfect choice for the second-time bride is the ease with which they drape. The wrap dress in silk closes languidly to one side with the look of an elongated tunic. If you don't care for wrap dresses, why not make one terrific dress by pairing two pieces such as a silk shirt tucked into a matching softly draped sarong skirt? In pale colors, of course!
• A hat with veil perched to one side or fresh flowers in the hair will complete whatever bridal effect you want to achieve.

  It goes without saying, if you take regular care of your skin, learn to apply a contemporary makeup palette and choose the right apparel, you will not only look and feel young the second time around, you'll feel like a bride long after the traditional ceremony. Good luck and God bless!

  Virginia Funk is a Fallbrook free-lance writer.