Tips for Brides Over 40: Wedding Ideas for the Sophisticated and Mature Bride
1. Pick The Right Venue - The place you choose to have your wedding will set the tone for the entire day. For example, you don't want to wear a formal gown if you're going to get married on the beach do you? So pick your place first and go from there. Many older brides opt not to have a church wedding. Consider non-traditional places like the beach, garden, a Victorian tea house, ranch, civic theater or bed and breakfast.
2. Consider a Destination and/or Theme Wedding - Destination weddings are fantastic, but consider more non-traditional destinations like - Mackinac Island in the UP/Michigan, New Orleans, Niagara Falls, or Alaska. If you and your fiance enjoy golfing, you might want to plan a wedding centered around golf. Or if you enjoy horses, plan a wedding at a ranch and have a western theme. If you do decide on a theme wedding, be very careful in your planning as theme weddings can become tacky/overdone if not planned correctly.
3. Timing Is Important - How about trying something unique? Opt for a sunset wedding on the beach, or an afternoon garden ceremony. What about a midnight wedding cruise, or an early morning ceremony with a brunch reception? The possibilities are endless.
4. Make "Fun" A Big Part of Your Plans - Don't be so stuffy/traditional. Weddings are a celebration. Also many older brides will have children and/or step-children involved in the festivities, so incorporate some family fun. Consider a family oriented reception at the zoo, or a beach/pool reception. If marrying in the fall/winter have a hay or sleigh ride followed by an informal reception with possibly cider and an assortment of desserts (and don't forget the candied apples).
5. Wedding Invitations - Make sure the invitations reflect you and your fiance's personality and style. Consider a photo invitation or an invitation on DVD. If you are computer savvy, consider making your own invitations. This could be fun for you as a couple, and save you lots of money.
6. Wedding Gown - Remember that most standard wedding gowns are designed with the younger bride in mind. A more mature bride should probably stay away from princess style/full skirt gowns and full veils. Instead opt for a more elegant look like a silhouette gown with more simple beading (remember less is more for an older bride) or even an elegant suit. Also, consider skipping a headpiece and go with simple hair jewelry or flowers in the hair instead. Think about wearing more stunning and vibrant colors like wine, champagne, silver, gold or soft pastels instead of the traditional white.
7. The Wedding Party - The fewer the better when it comes to wedding parties. Unlike twenty-something brides, you don't have to feel obligated to include your sister, cousin or the girl next door. Instead only include those closest to you and your fiance in the wedding party. If you have children, consider including them.
8. The Honeymoon - Some couples spend lots of money on the wedding and then stench on, or even cancel the honeymoon all together. Don't do this. You and your fiance need this time to be alone (even if you take the kids with you, be sure to plan for some time alone). The honeymoon is a great start to a fantastic marriage.
Published by Dee Dee Smith
In addition to writing for Associated Content, Dee Dee (Ford) Smith writes quality web content at Suite101, EHow and various business websites. She has also held contracts with golf, sports memorabilia, heal... View profile
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10 Comments
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i'm pleased to see the advice. I agree. I'm not 25 anymore. I accept that. I want my wedding to be fun as well as classy. Some tradition with some humor mixed in, because we've been around the block and we're not virginal, young, or naive anymore. I just wish i could find more pictures and blogs about a mature wedding.
Thank you Dee Dee for taking the time to offer some ideas to brides who are seeking just that - ideas. We all have ultimate control over our style of wedding, but I have found it useful reading about ideas to help me choose mine. After all, we clicked on the site because we were interested in the content. I am a 41 year old bride-to-be, with very young children, so my wedding will be heavily influenced by their presence. I hope to wear a flowing (but practical) and flattering dress and have lots of children's activities so that they can enjoy the day as much as the grown-ups!
I searched for this advice and am grateful to find it. I'm 40 damn it! And I will do what I like, but the advice is extremely useful, thanks!
thank you, dee dee for great tips! i am 40+ yrs and newly engaged. i will print your tips and use them as a reference guide :)
Wow!!! I'm amazed at how upset some of you are getting. You're right Rhonda and Debra. It is your day and you should have it your way. It is an awesome and special day no matter your age. As the title says, these are simply tips and suggestions. Never once did I say these were rules that all brides over 40 must follow. Lighten up ladies and enjoy planning for your wedding day. I know you'll all be beautiful brides.
I agree with Rhonda - what rubbish! It would be interesting to know how old the writer is, I'm assuming she's not an older bride!
It's because of stereotypical ideas like the article that makes older brides so insecure. Do whatever you want and don't listen to someone who doesn't know what the hell she's talking about
If it's your first wedding and you're a kid, certainly go full princess bride. But I agree with this woman. I don't think she's saying you should make the occassion less grand, but you should avoid the trappings of a young, young girl. However that's me. I hate the big poofy princess look anyway. I'm getting married in an ivory colored dress and wearing a cage veil for a more elegant, sophisticated look and getting married on a cruise (I'm 40). This is my first wedding, 2nd proposal.
What a crock! I would like to know who makes up these rules. Just because I'm 41 and not 21 I don't have to tone down the happiest day of my life because someone might not approve. Blah!
wow, the advice sounds very skimpy. The kids are grown and in my opinion the focus should be ON THE WEDDING! If there are younger children, leave them with their dads and have a fairy tale adult ceremony! My dream is a country club wedding in a smashing full gown of either Ivory or Pink with a beautiful veil. I'm finally "developed" at 43, not the skinny skrawny kid I used to be so I can flaunt my beautiful top!