Getting married? Congratulations!
Are you getting married for the first time? Have you been down the aisle before? Or maybe you are renewing your vows with your longtime sweetheart? No matter what the context, you need a wedding dress that will make you shine on your special day.
Just because you are an older bride doesn’t mean you have to skimp on your wedding dress style. Many wedding dresses are designed with the older woman in mind without compromising on trends.
Here is a list of our favorite wedding dress styles for older women:
- BHLDN Bonheur Dress – romantic vintage wedding dress with scalloped sheer sleeves and fine beading.
- Max Mara’s white Fucino dress – shaped with a beautiful folded off-the-shoulder neckline that will highlight your décolletage.
- Perfect Lace Plus-Size Dress – he perfect fit-and-flare cut to accentuate your silhouette and flatter your figure as you float down the aisle.
- Elegant Hi/Low Wedding Dress from Tadashi Shoji Bridal – a beautiful, lace, off-the-shoulder gown that is short in the front and long in the back.
- Jenny by Jenny Yoo Shipley Gown – a great modern look and one that suits the older bride very well.
- Calisto dress from Olivia Rose Bridal – made of crepe and styled with the perfect bateau neckline that accentuates beautifully a mature bride’s silhouette.
- Shiri Gown – simplicity and elegance in this off-the-shoulder, crepe, fit-to-flare wedding dress.
- Ripley Sleeveless Full-Skirt Gown – Tadashi Shoji effortlessly combines lace and tulle in this chic dress to provide an elegant look that can cater to many different body types.
- Tatum Jumpsuit From Justin Alexander Signature – Jumpsuits are very trendy for modern brides and can be a great alternative if you don’t wish to wear a dress.
- Embroidered Plus Size Three-Piece Pantsuit – It will take you from afternoon to evening effortlessly on your special day.
- ATOL STYLE 116 – Luxurious combo of floral embroidered placements on the bodice and a knee-length silk skirt.
Sure, the body may change with age, but the spirits remain young, and you deserve to look stunning on your wedding day.
Let’s take a look at some simple tips and style advice to help you choose the perfect wedding dress.
White or Not?
You don’t have to shy away from wearing white just because you are an older bride or even if this isn’t your first wedding. White is the traditional color for wedding dresses, and if this is what you wish, go for it!
If you don’t want to wear white, you can also take a look at shades like ivory, blush, grey, or even gold. Truthfully, you can choose a wedding dress in any color that suits your style, personality, and complexion.
Be Yourself
The sky’s the limit when it comes to your wedding dress style. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t wear a certain style because you are an older bride.
At this point in your life, you have pretty much determined your fashion sense and you know what suits your frame. You want something that will showcase your confidence and elegance.
Tip: Empire waists and soft lines typically flatter an older woman’s body as opposed to ball gowns and princess dresses.
What Length to Choose
Wedding dresses come in an assortment of lengths: from mini to floor-length. If your legs are one of your best features, why not think about a cocktail or tea-length dress? Choose the length that you are most comfortable in.
Tip: Mid-calf A-line dresses are a classic and look great if you are shorter and carry a few extra pounds. Also, you can show off those great shoes if you wear a shorter wedding dress.
What About Sleeves?
You don’t have to cover your arms – unless you want to. Don’t let anyone convince you to hide your arms simply because you are a bride over 50.
But if you do want to cover up your arms, you have plenty of options. Look for wedding dresses with sleeves, a matching cover-up, or even a formal jacket.
Tip: ¾-length sleeves are quite stylish and can flatter your hands and wrists.
Necklines that Flatter
Chances are you won’t want a plunging and extra revealing neckline for your wedding. But then again, if you are proud and confident showing cleavage, go for it.
Tip: Look for bateau and scoop neck necklines that are typically very flattering and chic. Halter tops and lace necklines are also great options for brides over 50.
Think Vintage
Vintage-inspired wedding dresses are a great option for older brides. Timeless elegant and sophisticated styles from the 20s and 30s can complement your beauty and grace on your wedding day.
Tip: Many vintage wedding dresses are designed with lace and delicate beading which can soften the look and provide a romantic feeling.
11 Wedding Dress Styles for Older Brides
There’s a lot of ways you can shop for your wedding dress. From your local bridal shop to designer online options. Online shopping has come a long way and now offers you more possibilities than ever before.
Here’s a list of some of my favorite wedding dresses for mature brides.
Vintage Romance at BHLDN
When shopping for wedding dresses you can visit Anthropologie’s bridal division BHLDN stores or easily shop your dress online and have it delivered. They offer a variety of designer and signature dresses in an array of styles.
I particularly like this romantic vintage wedding dress with scalloped sheer sleeves and fine beading.
Photo: BHLDN Bonheur Dress
Stylish Design at MATCHES FASHION
Max Mara’s white Fucino dress is shaped with a beautiful folded off-the-shoulder neckline which will highlight your décolletage. This is the dress for you if your shoulders are your best feature. This dress is produced in Italy from textured silk cady which gives it a fluid soft drape. The fitted bodice cinches at the waist and falls to a sweeping bias-cut skirt and a slight train.
There are a variety of other unique and interesting bridal options at MATCHES FASHION for the creative and discerning bride.
Perfect Lace Plus-Size Dress at David’s Bridal
This plus-size blissful floral lace floor-length wedding gown at David’s Bridals is the perfect fit-and-flare cut to accentuate your silhouette and flatter your figure as you float down the aisle or across the dance floor.
Elegant Hi/Low Wedding Dress from Tadashi Shoji Bridal
Get the best of both worlds with this beautiful, lace, off-the-shoulder gown that is short in the front and long in the back.
Photo: Mimi Gown
Tadashi Shoji Bridal has an assortment of exquisite wedding dresses that you can purchase in one of their retail stores or order online.
Modern Silhouette at BHLDN
Photo: Jenny by Jenny Yoo Shipley Gown
This is another great modern look that I love and that suits the older bride very well. This chic halter top dress from BHLDN is perfect for the stylish and modern woman on her wedding day.
Sophisticated Gown from Hitched
This A-line Calisto dress from Olivia Rose Bridal is made of crepe and styled with the perfect bateau neckline that accentuates beautifully a mature bride’s silhouette.
Off-the-Shoulder Stylish Dress by AMSALE
Photo: Shiri Gown
There is both simplicity and elegance in this off-the-shoulder, crepe, fit-to-flare wedding dress by AMSALE. It’s sure to flatter your figure.
Tulle Beauty by Tadashi Shoji
Photo: Ripley Sleeveless Full-Skirt Gown
Tadashi Shoji effortlessly combines lace and tulle in this chic dress to provide an elegant look that can cater to many different body types.
Elegant Jumpsuit with Jacket From Hitched
Tatum Jumpsuit From Justin Alexander Signature
Jumpsuits are very trendy for modern brides and can be a great alternative if you don’t wish to wear a dress. This perfectly tailored jumpsuit by Justin Alexander from Hitched is classy and will assure a flawless and comfortable all-day fit.
3-Piece Pantsuit by David’s Bridal
Photo: Embroidered Plus Size Three-Piece Pantsuit
For an untraditional look go for this simple yet eloquent 3-piece pantsuit in sandstone offered by David’s Bridal. It will take you from afternoon to evening effortlessly on your special day.
Gold Floral Elegance at Pronovias
ATOL STYLE 116
Luxurious combo of floral embroidered placements on the bodice and a knee-length silk skirt make this dress offered at Pronovias the perfect option for the discerning mature bride.
Go Ahead, Say I Do
Choosing your perfect wedding dress can be challenging when you’re getting married later in life. Let’s face it, most photos promote young women in their 20s and it can sometimes be difficult to relate.
Simply follow your heart, and don’t let anyone tell you that you have to limit yourself because of your age. Choose a dress that you are comfortable in and that makes you feel beautiful and confident.
Which style of wedding dress do you like best? Tell us about your upcoming nuptials and what your wedding dress will look like.
