Heading down the aisle when you¡¯re an older widow is a momentous occasion. Allow the ceremony and your marriage to be the focus of the day, but sort through dress and accessory options well beforehand. An older widow or mature bride should opt for a wedding dress that reflects her personal _style_ and allows her to feel gorgeous on the big day.
Wedding Gown
Just because you¡¯re an older widow doesn¡¯t mean you must wear a dowdy wedding gown. There are many elegant and
modest wedding dresses on the market, and allow your beauty to shine through. Look for something with coverage since there¡¯s a high probability you don¡¯t want to walk down the aisle in a strapless number that your granddaughter would love to wear. Opt for colors like
ivory wedding dresses, or
silver wedding dresses, which will complement a simple design like a long sheath or cap sleeve wedding dresses. You want a clean neckline, some arm coverage and a skirt that just grazes the floor. Helenebridal is a great retailer to check out for simple, modest wedding gowns.
Special-Occasion Dress
A special-occasion dress can make you feel just as special as a wedding gown. Often a more mature bride doesn¡¯t want to fuss with the song and dance of a full-blown wedding gown, no matter how simple the silhouette. In that case, go for a special occasion dress that fits and flatters. The dress can be cocktail or a bit more formal. Rich fabrics like satin , brocade or
taffeta wedding dresses work well on mature women. You can also add a matching tailored jacket for the ceremony and remove it once it¡¯s time for the reception and dance. An open collar _frame_s the face nicely. Keep the silhouette fitted by looking for 3/4 length sleeves and
princess seams wedding dresses .
Choosing a Color
No desire to wear
white wedding dresses ? You aren¡¯t the only one. If ivory and
champagne wedding dresses still scream first wedding to you, go for colors reflective of the season. In the spring and summer, a soft pink, canary yellow or lilac look lovely, while wedding ceremonies held in the fall and winter work with burgundy, forest-green and chocolate-brown. Even black is acceptable. The most important thing is that you be comfortable and feel beautiful.
Details
Whether you choose a wedding gown or a special-occasion dress, you want to keep the details to a minimum. You¡¯re going for a modern, streamlined approach to your wedding dress; as an older widow, you don¡¯t want fussy details that overwhelm the look. Avoid details like excessive lace, buttons or tulle, which can come off as juvenile. Covered buttons at the back or side of a dress, sheer overlay and tonal brocade (brocade that is all one color) are chic details that will elevate your wedding-dress _style_ without overpowering it.
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