Are You a Bride Over 40, 50, 60, 70 or Even 80? What to Wear as a Mature Bride
Are you a bride over 40, 50, 60, 70, or even 80? Congratulations! Whether it's your first wedding or your second, a big celebration or an intimate ceremony for two, you deserve a dress that makes you feel absolutely radiant. Here's my guide to finding it.
You're in good company
Getting married in later life
More and more women are marrying in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond, and some of the happiest brides I've ever dressed have been in their 70s. Later-life weddings are often more relaxed and more personal. You know exactly who you are and what you love, and that's the best starting point for choosing a dress.
I've dressed brides for registry offices, country house hotels, beach weddings, elopements and garden parties. The one thing they all have in common? They wanted to look like the best version of themselves, not like they were wearing a costume.
★★★★★
“I bought this dress for my wedding, which is in June. I think the dress is beautiful and I'm looking forward to wearing it. It's perfect for my day, as a 'mature bride' at a small, intimate ceremony.”
Sarah C.
Stevie in Pretty White
The big question
Can an older bride wear white?
Yes, of course you can. There are no rules about age and white. If you've always dreamed of a white wedding dress, wear one.
Many of my brides choose ivory, cream or soft white rather than bright white, because it's often kinder to the skin. A beautiful cut matters far more than the colour: a defined waist, a flattering neckline and a sleeve if you like your arms covered.
My Stevie in Pretty White is romantic and floaty, with a wrap bodice that flatters the bust. The Confident in Ivory is perfect for a registry office or a smaller ceremony.
★★★★★
“I struggle to find dresses to fit over my bust. The cut and flow of material was perfect. I felt so comfortable in this dress for my elopement wedding.”
Kristy D.
Stevie in Pretty White
Something different
What can a mature bride wear instead of a traditional wedding dress?
This is where the fun really begins. Some of my favourite brides have chosen:
- Gold, cream or champagne: brocade, satin and silk that feel special without being traditional.
- A bridal jumpsuit: modern, glamorous and wonderful for dancing.
- Colour: red, pink, blue or a favourite print that tells your story.
- A beautiful coat over a simpler dress for a winter wedding.
My Signature in Gold and Cream Brocade has been worn by brides and mothers of the bride alike, and the Grace in Mushroom Satin is a soft, elegant champagne alternative to white.
★★★★★
“Absolutely stunning gown which made me feel wonderful from the moment I tried it on. The fabric is so soft and it moves like a dream. It was perfect for my wedding in July. It didn't feel too hot to wear, and made me feel very bridal.”
Modern and glamorous
Can I wear a jumpsuit for my wedding?
Yes! A jumpsuit is elegant, comfortable and a little bit unexpected. The Dietrich Palazzo Jumpsuit in Light Ivory is a feminine take on a tuxedo, with wide legs that flow beautifully as you walk. If you love colour, the Dietrich in Brilliant Blue is joyful, striking and perfect for a registry office or a party afterwards.
★★★★★
“I found the whole experience of going to the studio and choosing an outfit for my wedding hugely enjoyable. I am not a body confident person, but I felt completely relaxed with Katya and (unusually for me) trying on clothes was a happy moment. The jumpsuit is super-comfortable and very well-made.”
Jane O.
A little sparkle
Can a mature bride wear sequins?
Yes, and they're wonderful for an evening wedding or a winter celebration. Sequins catch the candlelight and bring a beautiful glow to your face. Choose a soft, stretch sequin with a sleeve and a swing skirt, so you can move and dance comfortably all night. My Soft Silver Sequin Swing Gown is a gorgeous full-length alternative to a traditional wedding dress, and Coco in Gold is perfect for a party after a registry office ceremony.
Bold and beautiful
Can I wear a coloured wedding dress?
Please do! One of my favourite brides, Rebecca, knew she didn't want a white dress. She had her heart set on a bright red Grace dress for her wedding, and when she told me, I just said, "Let's do it!" She looked breathtaking, and she cried when she first tried it on. So did her mum.
Colour can be wonderfully flattering as we get older. My made-to-order Signature in Silk Dupion comes in over a hundred colours, so you can choose exactly the shade that makes you glow.
Decade by decade
What should I wear as a bride in my 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s or 80s?
Honestly, I don't believe in dressing for an age. I believe in dressing for your shape, your style and your day. But here are a few thoughts I share with brides in my showroom:
- In your 40s: anything goes. A fitted silhouette, a bold colour or a statement jumpsuit will all look fabulous.
- In your 50s: luxurious fabrics like silk dupion, brocade and velvet bring real presence. A defined waist and a beautiful neckline are your best friends.
- In your 60s: ballerina and maxi lengths are wonderfully elegant, and a pretty sleeve gives balance and confidence.
- In your 70s and 80s: comfort matters, so choose soft, fluid fabrics, a dress that's easy to sit in and shoes you can stand in for photographs. Add a gorgeous coat or wrap for church.
Whatever your age, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable, confident and completely yourself.
Planning ahead
How far in advance should I buy my wedding dress?
For a ready-to-wear dress, I'd start looking about three to four months before. For a made-to-order dress, allow 6 to 8 weeks from choosing your fabric to delivery, and for a fully bespoke dress, a minimum of 12 weeks, with a couple of fittings. You can read more about my Made for You service.
If your weight is changing, my guide on when to buy your dress if you are losing weight will help.
Finishing touches
What else should a mature bride think about?
- Underwear: get properly fitted for a great bra. It makes all the difference to how a dress sits.
- Shoes: a block heel or an elegant flat. You'll be standing for hours.
- A coat or wrap: essential for photographs outside and for church.
- Hair and headpieces: a flower, a comb or a small hat can be more flattering than a veil.
Let's find your wedding dress together
I'd love to welcome you to my London showroom to try on dresses, talk through your ideas and, if you'd like, create something just for you.
Book a visitMade for YouLove, Katya x
Katya Wildman is a London fashion designer and former costume designer and stylist for television and the red carpet. For more than 20 years she has designed flattering occasion dresses for real women, made in London, and she welcomes customers to her showroom in Tottenham Hale to try on dresses in person.
