Whether it’s your second wedding, vow renewal, or just a later-in-life marriage, there is no right age or time to get married. However, if you consider yourself an older bride, you might be wondering what you should wear down the aisle.
Choosing a wedding dress as a more mature or middle-aged bride is a much different experience than as a 20 or 30-something bride. You might be worried about the nonsense rules about bridal gowns for older women such as ‘you shouldn’t wear white,’ ‘you must cover your arms,’ etc.
The truth is that it’s your big day. Whether you go bold with a unique neckline or classic with a simple silhouette, all that matters is you feel comfortable and confident in your wedding dress.
A Wedding Suit
Wedding dresses aren’t for everyone. Many middle-aged brides opt to walk down the aisle in classy wedding suits, either with a skirt suit or pantsuit or in a chic jumpsuit. Suits are often inexpensive, which makes them an excellent option for brides on a budget. However, you can customize it to your preferences with embellishments, beads, or other accessories.
To achieve a more stylish look, consider going with a long sleeve, short city wedding-suited dress. It makes a brilliant option, especially for a warm summer or destination wedding with a ‘50s feel. Additionally, a crepe jumpsuit with a sexy plunging neckline and illusion back will help you dance the night away, flashing just the right amount of skin. It is also ideal for a non-traditional wedding or evening reception.
Sleeve Type
While many mature brides opt for wedding dresses with sleeves, that’s not a strict rule. Sleeves are necessary only if you don’t like your arms and wish to hide them. In other cases, sleeveless dresses are perfectly fine. However, when going sleeveless, opt for thicker straps to keep your dress secure.
Remember, wedding dress sleeves don’t always have to be long or of three-quarter length. You can also wear a bridal gown with short or even cap sleeves. You can be creative with different sleeve types like the bishop or flutter styles that are quite trendy recently. A modest off-the-shoulder look would also look nice on mature brides.
Neckline
Many experts state that older brides shouldn’t choose wedding dresses with deep V-necklines that expose too much. However, a modest V-cut is an excellent option.
Similarly, you can opt for something more closed like a boat or jewel neck, bateau, straight across or square, Queen Anne, high scoops, halter styles, and illusion necklines, which are among the top trends now. All these necklines will flatter, add elegance, and give a hint of sexiness without going over the top.
Simplicity
While some brides covet dramatic ball gowns crafted using layers of heavily embellished fabrics, others find clean lines, subtle details, and classic silhouettes beautiful. If you are a middle-aged bride who falls into the latter category, you are likely drawn to less glitz and beading and over-the-top ruffles and lace. Simple wedding dresses can make you look more youthful and elegant.
However, that’s not to say you can’t include these touches. Just ensure that you do it in moderation. For instance, a chiffon beaded top will look best when paired with an A-line flowy skirt.
If you love simple designs with an unexpected twist, opt for gowns that highlight subtle beading, modern necklines, and romantic lace details.
Length
Shorter dresses are a widespread option for many older brides, especially tea-length dresses. An alternative to long and short dresses, they look unique and feminine. A tea-length wedding dress with long sleeves and lace is one of the best options for mature brides.
Nonetheless, it is all personal preference, and you can always play with the length—short, floor-length dress, knee-length, or high-low.
What to Avoid
While there are only a few rules limiting what an older bride can wear, a few items are better left to first-time brides. According to experts, long trains or long cathedral veils, princess-style dresses, ball gowns, mermaid dresses, or other puffy-styled dresses are not suitable for an older bride because these shapes are more suited for younger brides.
Instead of over-accessorizing, stick to classic and timeless accessories like pearls and opt for simple hairstyles.
Choosing Your Wedding Dress
If you are an older bride, don’t worry too much about which gown to choose. The rules about appropriate dresses for a more mature bride have nearly become nonexistent in recent years, presenting you with many choices. While the tips listed above will help, go with your instinct about what you like and what suits you the best when choosing your wedding dress.