Regardless of your age, planning your wedding is an exciting time. From choosing the wedding venue to picking your flowers, wedding planning can be lots of fun, but it can be stressful too. One of the biggest worries for brides-to-be is finding their wedding dress. Whether you're taking to the aisle after years of waiting or you're renewing your vows, searching for wedding dresses for older brides can feel like a particularly daunting prospect. But as an older bride, you already have the advantage of knowing your style better than ever. You're less likely to be drawn to the current trends and more likely to choose a wedding dress that reflects your personality – something we think is key when it comes to finding your dream dress!
As you start the search for wedding dresses for older brides there are a few things to consider. From the season to the setting, follow our advice and recommendations and you'll find the perfect wedding dress in no time…
What to Consider When Shopping for Wedding Dresses for Older Brides
Location, location, location
One of the first things to keep in mind when shopping for your bridal gown is your wedding venue. The setting will greatly influence your dress choice. A destination wedding might call for a lightweight, floaty gown, while a city ceremony would suit a formal, structured dress.
Stick with the season
The time of year you're getting married will also impact your dress choice. Shop the collections designed for the season you are set to marry. For winter weddings, shop from autumn/winter dress collections and explore luxurious fabrics, like silk satins. Summer brides might opt for chiffon or organza dresses to stay cool in the heat.
Stay within budget
A practical consideration for every bride, set a realistic budget for your dress before you start shopping. Being clear on your budget will save you from falling in love with a dress that's out of your price range. Older brides tend to spend less on their dresses, but you can find stunning dresses at all price points, and alterations can make a less expensive dress look bespoke.
Personal style
At any age, your wedding dress should be a reflection of your personal style. Whether you prefer classic elegance, bohemian chic or modern simplicity, there's a dress out there for you.
Styles of Wedding Dresses for Mature Brides That Will Ensure You Glow
Dress for your shape
Finding the right silhouette is crucial for any bride, but especially for mature brides who want to highlight their best features. Look to classic silhouettes when trying to find wedding dresses for older brides. Choose an empire waistline to elongate the body, a sheath gown to smooth across your figure or a gentle a-line dress – a style that flatters most figures. Knee-length dresses are a chic and elegant option, too.
Sophisticated sleeves
From full-length lace sleeves to floaty, capped sleeves, covering your shoulders and arms will keep your overall look classy. You could even add a bridal jacket to your outfit, providing extra coverage and allowing for a quick transformation between the ceremony and reception.
A hint of colour
While a white gown is traditional, when searching for wedding dresses for mature brides many women introduce subtle hints of colour. Shades like champagne, blush and taupe can add a unique and flattering twist to your bridal look. These hues often complement mature skin tones beautifully and offer a subtle departure from the classic white dress.
Where to Shop for Your Wedding Dress
With so many options available to you, mature brides have more choice than ever when shopping for their wedding dress. For those wanting to find a designer gown or have that "Say Yes To The Dress" moment, we recommend contacting a bridal boutique or bespoke bridal designer directly who will help you find a style that flatters your shape and makes you feel amazing! Alternatively, if you are on a budget, many high street stores now offer stunning bridal ranges that suit every bride's style no matter your age or body shape.