What to wear to my own wedding (older bride)

[Ringonrighthand]

So I’m getting married next year (date not set but likely June or September), it’s my first time after a near miss 5 years ago. Im 46 and a size 16, I don’t want to wear a proper wedding dress, I did all the wedding dress trying on etc last time and I have no interest now. I don’t want to spend £500+ on a dress for one day but I would like to wear something special obvs. We are looking to have a registry office and then meal in a lovely restaurant which we will have exclusive use of and a party at the same venue later in the evening. My friends and I are still very sociable and go out quite a bit, weekends away etc so we aren’t frumpy or past it just yet! My husband is 50 but Also a young 50 and he will wear a nice suit etc. I want a relaxed informal day where I feel comfortable but special, I don’t like my legs so maxi/midi is best really. Happy with colour if quite subtle. I have fair skin which tans ok and blonde-ish hair. Help please!

Hi @Ringonrighthand.. Firstly, Congratulations!!! I should start by saying that I wasn’t a bride-mode kinda girl when I was married at 30, and still regret that I allowed myself to be talked out of wearing a green satin dress (a-la Keira Knightly) and bought it in white instead. Would have suited me and and the venue perfectly.
Now… Have you considered a jumpsuit? There are some stunning ones that are super-flattering, can be dressed up or down with accessories, and fit your casual-ish vibe.

I'm getting married in 2 weeks, second time round for me. Didn't want a big fuss so just a small wedding, 12 guests. Have a look at Ever Pretty on amazon. I got my dress from there for £35

Hi OP
Congratulations!!
If I was getting married again I’d wear this
www.coastfashion.com/cold-shoulder-scattered-embellished-maxi-dress/ACC98991-6.html?color=209
I’ve been looking at it because I think it’s so beautiful!! It comes in lots of colours too, my fave is the green.

I had a full lockdown wedding and worm a nice pair of trousers and a top from phase eight with a beautiful coat. Every time I wear the coat it reminds me of the day and I am so looking forward to it getting colder and being able to wear it again .

Oh congratulations!

What about something un-meringuey? Along the lines of Camilla’s coat dress?

I did wear a wedding dress in similar circumstances, but it was very like the coast one linked above in Ivory. I quite liked being obviously a Bride but not meringuey.

Thank you for all congrats! And lots of ideas already!

@Justilou1 a jumpsuit could be a good shoot but as I’m not a fan of my legs I’m thinking a dress will hide them!

@Kittyswhiskers

@always2ndbest wow amazing! I’ve seen that site advertised but it’s good to know of someone who has bought from there. Did you have to order many to try?

@kittyswhiskers I do like that Coast dress I think I need to go to their shop. My friend got all excited the other day and convinced me to order a dress from there but it was tiny (even a size up wasn’t getting near me!) so I need to go in store I think.

Coats are a no no for me, I’m very hot blooded and get sweaty (peri meno doesn’t help) and I’m hoping for nice weather so it needs to be cool or I’ll melt my make up off and my hair into a Monica from friends vibe, defo not the look I’m going for 😂

@Justcannotbearsed where did you buy it?

What about having something made. I came across Donald Stanley on Instagram the other day. They'd posted photos of brides they'd dressed (non traditional). Unsure of prices but I reckon it would be well under £500

If I was getting married again, I think I would go for a Bombshell dress. Sorry can’t manage clicky link but hopefully you can find it via google.

Yup coast sizing can be waaaay off but I would definitely go in store and try a few on!! I think they do the most special ocassion-y dresses and if I ever renew my vows I’m wearing one!

I always say the same to these kind of threads, head to a sari shop, they don't just sell saris but anarkali - that's with tighter trousers and a long jacket

www.lashkaraa.com/products/grey-embroidered-pant-style-anarkali?variant=32851697991762
www.lashkaraa.com/products/light-blue-floral-georgette-suit?variant=39624097333330

Salwar kameez has looser trousers

www.sareesbazaar.co.uk/Buy/Salwar-Kameez/Lavender-Color-Function-Wear-Thread-Embroidered-Net-Fabric-Designer-Salwar-Suit-128023-16

And gowns
www.sareeka.com/gown/off-white-foil-print-designer-gown-195575.html

OK the last one looks a bit weddingy but you can buy unstitched or stiched so you could ask them to shorten it and £35.50 is a bit of a bargain

www.theprettydresscompany.com/shop-c1/dresses-c2/the-pretty-dress-company-hepburn-high-lo-gown-p493#attribute%5B1%5D=36

This is bridey but could be altered afterwards for party wear .

I had the whole white wedding palava at 24 for my first wedding. For my second wedding I was 41 and I wore a pastel striped dress with a matching jacket that I bought in Harvey Nichols. It was years ago and I can't remember the make but it was very pretty.

I wore a dress from Hobbs. I suppose they are more often wedding guest attire but I figured it was smart enough that I could wear it again for a formal occasion (not someone else's wedding though). I haven't linked any because you know what you like, but I do recommend having a look.

@Tomthumbsbigbum thank you I have followed

@Els1e ooohh I’ve never seen these before, they look fab I will take a look

@SpeckledyHen

thank you I will take a look

@sashh I went to a Hindu wedding in the summer gosh the level of detail is incredible isn’t it, definitely something to consider!

I too would go for Bombshell HQ. They often have sales too so keep an eye out for the dresses you like.

Thanks ladies for all the ideas this is fab!

Just to add I don’t mind being bridey, wearing cream etc I just don’t want to spend £500+ to get there (my parents bought my last one but I didn’t even get to wear it and they lost money selling it). I just don’t want to do the whole wedding dress shopping thing, I’m over that part of it. But not adverse to a wedding type dress at all.

Also to add I will likely need sleeveless and v neck due to the afore mentioned hot bloody flushes, anything high neck I feel I need to escape from and sleeves are just not me (unless kind of floaty but still short)

What about a second hand dress from eBay/ Facebook if you go a size up( or 2 if bridal) you would have the space for any adjustment / fitting.

I can recommend ever pretty, my DD's sing semi pro from young do it's my go to for evening wear and my own evening gowns are from there in size 16 (did go up a size) and I have done minor alterations for length. Amazon used to stock them, that's how I discovered them. I've bought in 2-3 designs and returned some in the past

I love this one. Bridal, but very chic and grown up. would probably look better on a woman with a bit more shape than the model...
www.monsoon.co.uk/deja-square-neck-bridal-dress-ivory-14867446.html

Ghost dresses are absolutely beautiful and come in all sorts of colours. John Lewis have lots, and you can filter by length, sleeve type, occasion etc.

If I was to have a second wedding, I'd wear one of them.

@Els1e

If I was getting married again, I think I would go for a Bombshell dress. Sorry can’t manage clicky link but hopefully you can find it via google.

That’s what I was going to say. If I was getting married again, I don’t think I’d want to be at all demure.

What about a pretty skirt like like these by Needle and Thread?

Pricey, but you could wear one with a silk v neck sleeveless cami?

My friend recently got married in an ASOS dress. She looked beautiful.

www.asos.com/search/?page=1&q=wedding%20dress&scrollTo=product-23499895