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I’ll start this feature with two confessions. One, I’m not as young as I used to be and two, I’ve got secret hopes of being a more mature bride. And I’m not alone. Recent figures from the Office of National Statistics suggest that the number of opposite-sex marriages of women aged 45 and over are increasingly popular. Whatever age you get married, the dilemma is the same – what to wear? Here are some beautiful bridal dress ideas for more mature brides. 40 is the new 30!
Let’s get one thing straight before we start. Being a more mature bride shouldn’t stop you from wearing whatever you want. If you want to go for the full bridal look, a more alternative outfit or a contemporary ensemble, go for it. Your wedding dress is a way for you to express your personality so ignore anyone who tells you that an older bride ‘must’ wear a certain style.
One of the joys of being a more mature bride is that you’ve probably developed your own style over the years. But, however great you are at shopping on the high street, shopping for your wedding dress can be another matter altogether. There’s a huge choice, you might feel as if bridal boutiques aren’t really set up for women of your age or you could just want to find the one that disguises any areas of your body that you’re not super happy with. And of course, you want to look and feel fabulous, whatever your age.
So, let’s start with the most flattering gowns to mask those parts of you that you’re not in love with.
If your tummy isn’t your favourite area, don’t worry. The classic A-line gown is THE perfect shape for you. It flatters feminine curves, fits perfectly around your bust and waist and flares out over your tummy. Should you prefer to cover your upper arms, don’t instantly look for gowns with full or heavy sleeves. Instead, look for a more interesting option – elbow length or flutter sleeves in pretty lace or even a tulle drape or cap sleeve can give you want you want. Look for something that flatters rather than covers you up entirely.
Images: Top Row Left via Beauty of Wedding | Top Row Right via You & Your Wedding | Second Row (both images) via Love My Dress | Third Row Left via Style Me Pretty | Third Row Right via Lindsey Ocker Photography | Bottom Row Left via Wedding Ideas Magazine | Bottom Row Right via GemGrace
Wedding dress collections from all the major designers are now full of gowns that suit the more mature bride. If you’re blessed with a bigger bust, there are plenty of dresses with gorgeous straps and interesting necklines – the racks full of nothing but strapless gowns are long gone!
Think about the fabric of the gown as well. Satins and silks can be clingy and will reveal lumps and bumps on even the most perfect of figures. Lace and chiffon are feminine and will always fall beautifully.
Lots of mature brides often worry about how to look ‘bridal’ without looking, or feeling, ‘too young’. If this is something that’s playing on your mind, there are still plenty of ways for you to impress. Going for lace rather than sparkles is a great idea and look for well placed details such as oversized bows. That said, don’t let your age stop you wearing anything – with those extra years comes extra confidence that allows you to carry of anything you please!
Images: Top Row Left via James Melia Photography | Top Row Right via Beautilicious 40 Bride | Second Row Left via Elisha Clarke Photography | Second Row Right via Micahla Vaughn | Bottom Row Left via You & Your Wedding (as before) | Bottom Row Right via Happy Wedd
Lastly – the bridal boutiques. I can tell you that every boutique and every stylist is well used to dealing with more mature brides. They won’t care how you look in your underwear and they won’t push you to order anything you don’t love. Let your stylist advise and help you and give you a little shot of confidence if you need it.
Remember that you’re a bride, you are loved and you are going to be all kinds of fabulous on your wedding day. Your age doesn’t matter.
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