Wedding Dresses for Older Brides (2024)

What Should an Older Bride Wear to a Wedding?

When it comes to choosing what to wear on your wedding day as an older bride, the most important thing to remember is that there are no strict rules or age-specific guidelines.

Every bride, regardless of her age, should wear something that makes her feel confident and comfortable on her special day. Whether it’s a traditional white wedding dress, a chic trouser suit or a vintage tea-length dress, the key is to choose an outfit that reflects your unique style and personality.

At Joyce Young Collections we understand how important finding the right wedding dress is and therefore strive to create a memorable experience that you will cherish forever. With 30 years of experience in dressing woman of all ages, shapes and sizes, you can trust that you’re in safe hands with Joyce Young OBE’s bridal expertise.

Check out our images of our real-life older brides on their wedding day wearing Joyce Young designs.

Can an Older Bride Wear White to their Wedding?

Older brides can and do wear white on their wedding day if they choose to.

White is a classic and timeless choice for wedding attire that symbolises purity, new beginnings and the celebration of love. It’s a beautiful option for brides of any age who want to embrace tradition or who simply love the elegance of a white gown.

See pictures of our stunning mature brides in a white wedding dresses, bridal skirt outfits and elegant dresses with coats.

What Colour Should an Older Bride Wear?

Older brides have the wonderful opportunity to incorporate colour on their wedding day if they wish to do so.

You could choose colours that resonate with the season in which you are getting married. For example, rich autumnal hues for a fall wedding or pastel shades for a spring ceremony. Alternatively, if your wedding has a theme, you could follow it for a cohesive overall look. We usually advise on matching your outfit with your eye colour for the best results.

See our beautiful older brides on their wedding day in elegant shades of blue and a sophisticated chocolate brown outfit.

What are Older Brides Wearing?

Check out our real-life older bride wedding pictures for your ultimate source of mature bridal inspiration. With each wedding outfit different from the last, Joyce Young Collections specialises in uniquely flattering outfits which are made to measure in the Glasgow production unit.

With great flexibility on fabric and deisgn, we can work with you to create your dream wedding dress without compromising on style or budget. Joyce Young OBE has over 30 years of award-winning experience and has dressed women for the grandest of occasions, from investitures to red carpet events. See below for some older celebrity bride inspiration from Anne Reid, Celia from ‘Last Tango in Halifax’ wearing Joyce Young for her onscreen wedding with Alec, Derek Jacobi.

Older Brides Wedding Dresses with Sleeves

Having dressed many older brides for their wedding day, we find bridal outfits with sleeves to be of preference. Whether the bride chooses delicate lace, intricate beading or classic satin, sleeves are a great way to add a touch of modesty and sophistication to wedding dresses for brides over 50.

Mature brides often appreciate the elegance and comfort that sleeves bring to their wedding dresses. Sleeves can provide added coverage and support, which can be especially flattering and practical for older brides. Whether they opt for short sleeves, three-quarter sleeves, or long sleeves, this style choice can beautifully complement their personal taste and enhance their overall bridal look.

Sleeves can be a versatile element in wedding attire for brides over 60, catering to different seasons and venues. They can keep a bride warm during cooler months or provide protection from the sun for outdoor ceremonies. Regardless of the reason, sleeves have become a popular choice among older brides for their ability to create a timeless and graceful bridal appearance.

Elegant Wedding Dresses for Mature Brides

For older brides with Scottish heritage or those who appreciate a contemporary and stylish wedding look, incorporating tartan into your attire can be a fantastic choice. Tartan, with its rich history and versatility, offers a unique and meaningful way to infuse heritage into a modern wedding ensemble.

Our Tartan Weddings collection allows you to honour your heritage, express your individual style, and create a wedding look that is as timeless as it is personal.

Shop our bridal collections.

Shop a curated collection of wedding dresses and bridal outfits for older brides.

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Valentina Wedding Dress

Elegant Coat and Dress with Guipure

Larissa Wedding Dress

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FAQs

What do older brides wear for their wedding? ›

While some older brides may feel restricted to more mature wedding dress styles, we believe that personal style trumps all and you should wear what makes you feel your best, regardless of age. Whether that's a more conservative gown or a sparkly mini dress, you get to make the rules for your wedding day.

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What to wear as a 60 year old bride? ›

Having dressed many older brides for their wedding day, we find bridal outfits with sleeves to be of preference. Whether the bride chooses delicate lace, intricate beading or classic satin, sleeves are a great way to add a touch of modesty and sophistication to wedding dresses for brides over 50.

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What to wear for a second wedding with an older bride? ›

Second-time brides can wear evening gown-type floor-length dresses, instead of traditional gowns. A sheath dress without elaborate beading, delicate lace details, and other embellishments will help maintain simplicity and give the bride a wedding feel without making her look overdressed.

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What should an older bride wear in her hair? ›

Hair pins or hair combs can be an option, embellishing a sleek up do. Side tiaras can work well, particularly in short hair. Birdcage veils definitely work well but steer clear of cutesy bows. Either a beaded or embellished centre of elegant sculpted feathers work well.

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What should I wear to a wedding at 50? ›

“Typically, a midi dress will end around the middle of your calf, which is great for over 50's who want to have a little extra leg coverage without wearing a maxi style. The key is to opt for a dress shape that suits your body the best, whether that be a wrap dress, a tea dress or even a tailored dress.”

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How do you look elegant and classy at 60? ›

Know What Works

"Just add a necklace for a little sparkle." Plus, every senior woman should have wardrobe staples such as a black blazer, white button-down shirt, dark-wash jeans, straight-leg trousers, neutral-colored cardigans, a collection of dolman-sleeve tops and T-shirts with varying sleeve lengths and necklines.

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Do older brides wear veils? ›

One of the benefits of wearing a veil as a bride over 50 is that it can add a youthful and fresh look to your overall appearance. A veil can also add a touch of glamour and elegance, making you feel like a true bride on your special day.

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What should a 65 year old woman wear to a wedding? ›

A dress with a waist-cinching feature is best for women over 60 because women tend to gain weight on the upper body and lose the natural waist as they get older. A waist-cinching dress gives the eye the illusion that there is a waist.

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What color do second time brides wear? ›

For your second wedding, wear whatever you want. This is still your wedding day, and you should wear whatever makes you feel beautiful. You may choose to stick with traditional white, or switch it up for an ivory or blush color – or something even brighter! Whatever you pick, make sure it makes you happy.

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What is a second look bridal? ›

A second look is an outfit change to reveal at another point in the day. This second look, or reception dress, can be more fun, stylish, romantic, comfortable, and ready for dancing. Brides typically make the costume change at a specific shift in the event. – Right after the ceremony. – After the co*cktail hour.

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Do brides wear 2 wedding dresses? ›

Today, the tradition of changing into a going away dress has largely been replaced by the practice of changing into a second gown for the reception. The second style is typically less formal and more comfortable than the bridal gown.

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What should a senior woman wear to a wedding? ›

Pastel colors, floral prints, and weather-ready styles should be taken into consideration when choosing your look. Colors such as pale blue, mauve, gray, lavender, and pink are ideal for the spring wedding season.

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Can an older woman wear pants to a wedding? ›

The short answer is yes, women can absolutely wear pants to a wedding. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind to ensure you look stylish and respectful of the occasion.

Is 40 too old to wear a wedding dress? ›

Nope. In fact, the maxim we subscribe to is, no matter your age, it's your day and you deserve to feel beautiful, whether that's in a princessy white ball gown or a hot-pink mini.

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What do most brides wear under their dress? ›

What's more, your wedding gown might be luxurious and fancy, but your undergarments don't need to be. A bra that fits well and underwear that doesn't bunch, ride up, or produce panty lines are really all that's needed to look and feel your best. Additionally, shapewear is always an option if needed.

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