Veiled Wisdom? Outdated Wedding Advice for 'Mature' Brides

Grey haired mature bride in bespoke sequin dress with organza coat

With thanks to Millie Fuller for this guest article

The average age women are getting married at is 35, yet a ‘mature bride’ is considered to be
past 40. It’s true, we may not be as soft, dewy – or however else the industry describes us –
as we were when we were 18. But what we are, is mature.

And by that, we don’t mean ‘mature bride’… we mean aged like a fine wine. Today, we’re
here to tell you that 40 isn’t old, and it’s certainly nothing to worry about when planning
your day.

Because the concerns are all too common. From feeling like ‘mutton dressed as lamb’ or
‘trying too hard’, we’ve seen it all. Is there a rule somewhere that says women of a certain age shouldn’t have seven bridesmaids and a wedding dress with a train 2 miles long? According to these websites
there is.

In this article, we’ll be sharing the worst advice for brides to be, and the best.
*quotes are re-worded to preserve anonymity of both the people and websites

The website: “Women beyond their mid-twenties can’t carry off ball gowns
and princess dresses. The shape will look odd. Leave the Disney fantasy to
the 20-year-old brides, or you’ll look like you’re playing dress up.”
The worry: “I feel too old to be excited about my wedding day. I think I’m worried I’ll end up
looking like mutton dressed as lamb. I don’t want to look like an old lady in a beautiful dress.”

What we say: No matter your age, it’s hard for any bride to look ‘bad’ on her big day. It’s an
event filled with warmth and happiness, and this will practically radiate from you. If you
want the princess dress of your dreams, do it. In the wider scheme of things, all it comes
down to is what you feel comfortable with!

Older bride in bespoke gold satin wedding dress with lace sleeves — See more of Julia’s gold satin bespoke dress

The website: “I think the key is simplicity, whether that be of the dress or
day. Avoid plunging necklines and off the shoulder and strapless wedding
dresses. They’re not always flattering if you have wide shoulders, and they
look better on young brides.”
The worry: “It’s going to be so hard to get it just right… I don’t want people to think I’m
trying too hard, but I also don’t want to look like the mother of the bride. I’ve also scaled down the service and reception.”

What we say: Whether its marriage 1, 2 or 10… 200 or 20 guests, here or beyond, it’s your
day. It’s a time to celebrate your relationship and make some wonderful promises to each
other. Why would you not make the most of it while you can?

Mature bride in ivory lace and pale gold satin custom wedding dress — See more of Nicola’s dress

Orange silk and lace wedding dress for mature, older bride — See more of Nicola’s dress

The website: “Tiaras and veils are reserved for under 30’s. My advice would
be, forget them.”
The worry: “I’m 50 and I’d love to have a veil. I’m not trying to recapture my youth. It’d just be at the back of my head for half of the day.”

What we say: The question you want to ask yourself, is why should we be discouraged from
looking lovely? Some may want to stick to wedding traditions, but we’re free to pull away.
After all, rules are made to be broken.

Mature bride in a boat on the thames with bubbles and bouquet — See more of Suzanne’s bespoke, hand beaded dress and bolero

Physically we may not feel as ‘fresh’ but that doesn’t mean we’re past our prime. In fact,
quite the opposite. We exude confidence that comes with experience. We know our minds.
Best of all, we worked to get here. Those lines? The smiles, the laughs, and the memories.
Those scars? The tears, tantrums, and pain. We’re not flawless. Noone is. But on our day,
we’ll radiate beauty no matter our age.

So what of the advice for ‘mature’ brides? For those still anxious, we offer you this – shop for
your shape, not your age. Trust your instincts and, most of all, simply enjoy it.

Picture one credits