So you’ve got a wedding comin’ up and need an outfit that’s both festive and age-appropriate.
There are lots of gorgeous dresses that will have you looking and feeling fabulous!
At our mature yet fabulous age, we can rock dresses in luxe fabrics like satin, chiffon or lace in colors and silhouettes that highlight our best assets.
Look for midi or tea length styles with sleeves or a shrug to keep it refined.
Accentuate your waist with wraps or sashes to flatter your figure.
And shoes, honey!
Bust out those rhinestone pumps or metallic sandals – time to sparkle!
A-Line Wedding Dress
The A-line or princess cut wedding dress is a timeless and flattering choice for women over 50.
This silhouette features a fitted bodice that highlights the waist and bust, paired with a skirt that gently flares out from the natural waistline to create an “A” shape.
This flowy skirt has a slimming effect while drawing attention upwards to emphasize the waist and slim upper body.
For older brides, the A-line dress has many advantages.
The fitted top creates elegant structure through the torso, shoulders, and arms, while the skirt skims gracefully over the hips, rear, and thighs to create a streamlined look that elongates the appearance of the legs.
This Balance between fitted and flared elements flatters a variety of body types.
An A-line dress is a great choice if you wish to downplay the stomach or hip region while playing up your shoulders, bustline, and legs.
When selecting your A-line dress, consider trying different necklines to complement your shoulders and décolletage.
Off-the-shoulder and portrait necklines can highlight elegant collar bones, while strapless sweetheart bodices will accentuate the bust.
Pair your dress with minimal accessories to allow the silhouette to shine.
A polished up-do and pearl earrings or necklace will exude timeless grace.
Opt for fabrics like satin, chiffon, or crepe that will skim gracefully over the body.
An A-line dress speaks effortless elegance for the mature bride.
Ball Gown Wedding Dress
For an unforgettable fairy-tale wedding look, the classic ball gown reigns supreme.
This dramatically full skirt creates serious drama and elegance, perfect for the woman who wants to celebrate her wedding in true princess style.
Ball gowns are characterized by a fitted bodice topped with an extravagantly full skirt that floats gracefully as you walk.
This style flatters petite brides by adding volume to the lower half of the body for balance.
Curvier brides benefit from the defined waistline and bodice, which shows off the collar bones and draws the eye upwards.
Consider a strapless or off-the-shoulder neckline to highlight your beautiful neck, shoulders, and arms.
Avoid heavy beading or appliques, and instead let the fullness of the skirt take center stage.
Because the skirt demands attention, keep accessories minimal.
A simple bracelet, earrings, and perhaps a delicate crystal hairpin or jeweled clip will let the gown stand out.
The abundant skirt fabric enables you to choose luxurious materials like satin, tulle netting, lace, or silk.
High-quality fabrics in ivory, champagne, or blush pink hues will emit refinement.
Pair your ball gown with either a chapel length or cathedral length train for drama.
Walk down the aisle clutching a simple bouquet to complete this look.
Sheath Wedding Dress
Ultra-chic brides will shine in a figure-hugging sheath wedding dress.
Streamlined from shoulder to hem, this style highlights curves for a sexy silhouette.
The close fit feels modern and fashion-forward.
Sheath wedding dresses work well for taller or petite brides with athletic builds.
The dress skims flawlessly over the natural curves of the body.
Strategically placed ruching at the waist or bodice provides shaping.
Look for strategic draping that adds dimension while showing off your best assets.
Depending on your comfort level, try a plunging V-neck or open back to add alluring detail.
Stay away from heavy embellishments and opt for clean lines and minimalist seam detailing instead.
Let the dress shine by accessorizing simply with statement earrings and an elegant bracelet or cuff.
Strappy heels and a chic up-do will perfectly finish the look.
When shopping for your sheath dress, seek out luxe fabrics like silk crepe, satin, or micro lace that will coast smoothly over curves.
Mermaid and trumpet style dresses also follow the body’s shape while flaring gently at the bottom.
These sensual silhouettes celebrate the feminine figure for an eye-catching wedding day choice.
Tea Length Wedding Dress
The tea length wedding dress hits right below the knee, perfect for showing some leg in a tasteful way.
Also called a cocktail dress, this length flatters women over 50 by subtly displaying the calves with a touch of retro allure.
Tea length dresses suit casual backyard or countryside weddings, offering a chic look that’s less formal than full-length gowns.
The hem shows off pretty shoes and adds mobility for dancing.
This length also works well for justice of the peace or city hall ceremonies.
Accentuate the legs with a pair of classic pointed toe pumps or strappy heels.
Delicate jewelry like drop earrings and a thin bracelet or anklet allow the dress to take center stage.
Details like a square, sweetheart, or illusion neckline exude sophisticated style.
Consider adding dimension with a full skirt made from layers of breezy chiffon or by including lace overlays.
Pair the shorter length with sleeves for a touch of vintage charm.
You can also play with layers and asymmetric hemlines for whimsical movement.
Tea length dresses keep the look light and airy, perfect for women seeking understated chic style.
The modest flash of leg shows just enough skin to feel fun and flirty.
Jumpsuit Wedding Dress
If you crave an alternative to traditional dresses, consider a bridal jumpsuit or pantsuit.
This chic look has steadily gained popularity, perfect for the modern bride seeking something a bit more unexpected.
A jumpsuit combines the comfort of pants with an elegantly tailored bodice for refined style.
The streamlined look creates a long, lean silhouette.
Tailored pants that are either wide legged, tapered, or slim cut exude sophistication.
Pair with a halter neck or strapless top for a stylish update on formal wear.
Jumpsuits and pantsuits shine on curvier frames by cinching the waist and elongating the legs.
Showcase feminine shoulders and neckline with off-the-shoulder or portrait neck bodices.
Add a wide statement belt to accentuate your waist.
The modern simplicity of a bridal jumpsuit or pantsuit works well for casual or formal weddings.
Elevate the look with luxurious fabrics like silk, sequins, satin, or velvet.
Accessorize with statement earrings and an optional veil or sparkly hair clip.
Stiletto heels and a bold red lip tie the whole refined look together.
Cape Wedding Dress
Make a dramatic style statement by incorporating a cape into your wedding day ensemble.
Capes create striking silhouettes that work well with both traditional ballgowns and more minimalist styles.
Pair a billowing cape over a fitted sheath dress for contrasting volume and an unforgettable catwalk look.
Try a delicate lace capelet with ribbon ties over a flowy chiffon dress for ethereal charm.
A satin cape makes a glamorous top layer for ball gowns and imparts regal elegance.
Capes conveniently cover shoulders and arms while adding eye-catching fluidity as you walk down the aisle.
Brides with insecurities about their upper arms will appreciate the stylish coverage.
The cape also lends itself to customization.
Have it made from a meaningful family heirloom lace or embroidered fabric for a unique touch.
When styling your cape, pull hair up to prevent it from getting lost underneath.
Statement earrings and a stunning pair of shoes maintain the focal point on your face, shoulders, and leg line.
Capes allow you to make a dramatic entrance while keeping the look flattering.
Illusion Neckline Wedding Dress
Illusion necklines epitomize class and sophistication for the mature bride seeking high-end style.
Delicate nude or beige mesh inset panels trim the neckline and shoulders to impart a subtly alluring effect.
By framing the neck and décolletage in sheer fabric, the illusion neckline creates shapely contours without displaying too much skin.
This technique also enables wearing a strapless or off-the-shoulder dress in a more modest way for brides preferring minimal exposure.
The translucent overlay provides just enough refined sex appeal.
Illusion necklines beautifully complement A-line and sheath dresses.
The mesh accents work well on fuller figured brides by drawing the eye upwards and highlighting the collar bones.
Avoid heavy embellishments and let the illusion fabric make a clean, polished statement.
When worn under an off-the-shoulder or portrait neckline, the illusion fabric imparts a softening effect that downplays wrinkles or age spots on the shoulders and decolletage.
Complete the timelessly tasteful look with understated jewelry and swept-up hair to showcase the neckline detail.
Keyhole Back Wedding Dress
An open back wedding dress makes a striking style choice while exuding sophisticated sensuality.
Back cutouts frame the shoulder blades in an eye-catching way and showcase elegant arms.
Keyhole backs involve a rounded or teardrop shaped cutout placed between the shoulder blades.
The opening exposes an alluring glimpse of skin while maintaining support and coverage from the rest of the dress.
Try a keyhole back on an A-line or sheath dress.
The sleek lines complement the dramatic back detail.
To highlight the keyhole shape, pull hair up in a chic up-do.
Minimal drop earrings will prevent competing embellishments.
You may choose to wear a veil that ends just below the start of the cutout to direct attention to the alluring detail.
Statement shoes complete this contemporary look.
If exposing less skin feels more comfortable, opt for an illusion keyhole back instead.
Lace overlays or mesh lining fill in the cutout for a more modest version of this striking style statement.
A backless wedding dress boldly celebrates sensual femininity in a tasteful way.
Off-the-Shoulder Wedding Dress
The off-the-shoulder neckline has re-emerged as a gorgeous retro-inspired option for modern brides.
This look delicately frames your neck and shoulders in a flirty, feminine way.
Also called the Bardot or portrait collar neckline, the fabric follows the curve of the shoulders before dipping into the arms.
This frames your collar bones, neck, and chest in an alluring way.
The off-the-shoulder look beautifully highlights elegant shoulders and slim arms, making it ideal for brides over 50.
When selecting this neckline, consider your arm comfort.
Straps that feel too snug can restrict movement.
Look for sizing with enough ease to raise arms freely.
Some dresses incorporate sheer mesh on the shoulders for flexible support.
Pair your off-the-shoulder dress with side-swept curled hair to prevent necklaces from getting lost beneath your locks.
Strappy heels and sparkling drop earrings will perfectly finish the romantic look.
Opt for luxe fabrics like satin or silk that will gently cling to curves rather than heavier materials that may droop.
Trumpet Wedding Dress
The trumpet wedding dress offers a brilliant balance between the sleek sheath and fuller mermaid or ball gown silhouettes.
Featuring a nipped waistline and subtly flared hem, this shape gently hugs curves while adding movement as you walk.
Also called the mermaid trumpet, this style typically features a fitted strapless or v-neckline bodice that showcases the bust.
From the hips down, the trumpet flare creates an elongated legs.
The hem widens from knee to floor for the perfect touch of volume and bounce.
This sculpted silhouette works well on athletic and curvy frames alike.
Brides over 50 choosing a trumpet dress should consider how low they want the neckline.
Some versions feature a plunging shape while others offer more modest coverage.
Look for delicate embellishments like beading or floral appliques that enhance without overdoing it.
Complete your look with statement earrings, a simple bracelet, and classic pumps.
Whimsical up-dos, vintage curls, and side-swept and ponytails all beautifully showcase this midway silhouette.
The trumpet style marries timeless elegance with contemporary shaping.
High Low Wedding Dress
The high low wedding dress offers a modern take on traditional silhouettes.
Featuring an asymmetrical hem that dips lower in back, the high low creates gorgeous movement and shape.
Also called the mullet dress, this hemline falls around the knee in front and extends to the floor in back.
This provides ease of movement for the ceremony and reception while maintaining back-of-the-room drama as you walk.
The longer train gives volume to slimmer figures.
Shorter women find the high low balances proportions.
When choosing your high low dress, consider the skirt shape.
A fuller A-line or layered style makes the most impact.
An airy chiffon dress provides beautiful fluidity.
Look for ruching at the waist to accentuate your frame.
An embellished belt also helps define the high low transition.
Showcase the mullet shape by wearing your hair up with statement earrings.
Avoid busy patterns or heavy fabric embellishments.
Let the hemline drama make its own statement.
The high low dress lets you dance and mingle with ease while channeling your inner runway model.
Two Piece Wedding Dress
If you want to break with tradition, get creative with a two piece bridal set.
Combining a crop top with a high waisted skirt makes a stylishly modern fashion statement.
Look for a coordinating crop top and full tulle skirt for contrasting volumes.
Try a sleek silk crepe sheath skirt with an off-the-shoulder lace top for figure-flaunting elegance.
Or find a matching top and skirt with unexpected details like sheer illusion panels, fringe trim, or sequins.
Two piece dresses keep the look contemporary and fun without going overly revealing.
Show just a sliver of midriff between top and bottom to maintain sophistication.
Pair the set with strappy heels and delicate jewelry.
Swept up hair lets the two piece set stand out.
This look suits casual outdoor or beach weddings best.
The coordinating separates emit youthful vitality while the bridal fabric palette nods to tradition.
For brides who want the wedding look done differently, a bridal crop top set nails the brief.
Bohemian Wedding Dress
Let your free spirit shine in a bohemian wedding dress.
Billowy off-the-shoulder silhouettes, whimsical sleeves, and gauzy goddess gowns channel flower child vibes with a sophisticated twist.
Intricate lace overlays in ivory or blush pink make a boho statement.
Pair with statement earrings and flowers in your hair for dreamy polish.
Look for dresses with flouncy ruffled hems or tiers of breezy chiffon.
Strategic cutouts, crochet trim, or macramé belts add artisanal flair.
The bohemian bride may also opt for a striking pantsuit combo.
Wide leg linen or silk pants paired with a peasant style blouse keeps the vibe relaxed.
Strappy wedges and layers of bracelets complete the global traveler look.
Let your hair go natural with soft curls or an undone braid.
Minimal makeup allows your natural radiance to shine through.
The bohemian bride makes her own rules with a style that celebrates her uniqueness.
As we’ve seen, mature brides have an array of shapes, silhouettes, lengths, fabrics, and styles to explore.
Keep your venue, comfort level, and body shape in mind to select an option both fashionable and flattering.
Elegance comes from self-assurance – so tune out opinions from others and choose the dress that makes your spirit soar.
On your wedding day, radiate joy and grace in a look created just for you.
