Wedding Dresses for Older Brides

First, second, third or more?

First-time brides are getting older: the average age is now is 33 instead of 25 a decade ago. The proportion of second- and third-time around weddings is 45% of all weddings; or in other words, only half the people getting married are doing it for the first time.

Here at Ribbons and Pearls we want to  make sure that you will look the best you possibly can on your special day. We stock dresses with you in mind, ranging from slinky bare all to supportive and modestly covered.  So whatever your age and whatever your shape, we will ensure that you look fabulous.

Flattering colours and styles

We have found that soft colours such as ivory, champagne and pale gold are the most flattering. As regards fabrics, go for non-reflective ones like taffeta, chiffon, or lace. We like fitted but not hard edged and soft pleating or ruched detail on simple fabrics, and smoother fitting on a lace dress.  We can often add detail to draw the eye or remove it if it looks too busy.

Whether you want a full ball gown dress or a slinky sheath, we will give you an honest assessment with an expert eye to tweak styles here and there and ensure that you wear the dress and not the other way around.

On strapless dresses, necklines are best in either a straight and cut-down underarm or a high underarm with a central dip. Not too low and revealing or too covered up. We can always add a little draping if the cut is too low.

If you are choosing straps then wider ones look better than spaghetti straps. Beading or lace detail draws the eye to the shoulders and adds height. We can always add straps where there are none.

Follow the rules - there are no rules

There are no rules about what to wear at any age; it is all about how it makes you feel inside, and about the confidence you project.  Remember your groom: he loves you and loves the look of you so be true to yourself and he will be happy.

If you feel great then you will look great. If you are hassled and forever worried about breathing out, dress digging in, dress sliding down, boobs climbing out, your side profile (whoever looks at that anyway!), tripping over the train...all these worries will make you look stressed and spoil your day.

Have fun finding The Dress

We keep all the above in mind while you are trying dresses on so that you don’t have to, and you can be sure that together we will find your perfect dress. We want you to be serene on the day and confident that you look as good it gets.

We have dresses available in soft subtle colours and fluid fabrics that will very much claim you as the bride (and not the mother!). Karine and I are over fifty so we know what we are talking about, and our seamstress Ella loves to be creative. Our other staff member Rosie is under twenty and therefore in tune with the wants and needs of our younger brides.

We are all here for you; the changing room is your bedroom and the rail is your wardrobe so come and see and play! We have plenty of gorgeous dresses to show you, and all the veils and accoutrements to go with them.