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Original poster

Wedding dress for 50 year old, second marriage, not keen on fussiness

160 replies

Scrabblingabout · 03/09/2025 16:17

Not even sure about white/ivory versus a bolder colour.

I know people will say wear whatever you want but I don't know what I want!!!

I don't want to look like mother of the bride but equally don't want to be all trussed up.

In normal life I like tailoring, dark rich colours or pale blue, and nothing fussy or frilly/girly.

Wedding would be very small, during winter and either in a nice small hotel or registry office tbc.

Thoughts and ideas please! Especially about white vs not!

OP posts:
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Sidebeforeself · 04/09/2025 13:50

None of my business whatsoever but I do prefer it when the bride stands out if you know what I mean. Don’t just look like one of the guests .. it’s your special day! Whether it’s your dress or having a statement headpiece etc. something that has a bit of wow factor!

Original poster
Scrabblingabout · 04/09/2025 14:48

Sidebeforeself · 04/09/2025 13:50

None of my business whatsoever but I do prefer it when the bride stands out if you know what I mean. Don’t just look like one of the guests .. it’s your special day! Whether it’s your dress or having a statement headpiece etc. something that has a bit of wow factor!

I do hear you. Camilla did this really well with the headpiece.

OP posts:
Original poster
Scrabblingabout · 04/09/2025 14:50

minipie · 04/09/2025 13:10

You might like this OP - several colours, liberty has the forest green

There seem to be a few similar styles and it's bang on for price...promising!

OP posts:
Crikeyalmighty · 04/09/2025 15:06

@DrUptonsGardenGnome oh that’s nice ( well to me) -

Crikeyalmighty · 04/09/2025 15:07

Love that Alyssa dress!!!

Arlanymor · 04/09/2025 17:11

Starlight1984 · 04/09/2025 15:37

I LOVE this!

minipie · 04/09/2025 18:15

another draped satin columny effort over budget a bit sorry. Also comes in pale pink and sage green

Lanu · 05/09/2025 00:46

jonthebatiste · 03/09/2025 16:28

How about a trouser suit? In whatever colour you usually look good in?

If it’s to be a dress, I think Camilla Parker Bowles looked spot on for her second marriage - not white or ivory, beautiful neckline and silhouette flowing from it, tailored but shapely, comfortable, gorgeous fabric, not at all matronly. I think it was the perfect second-marriage/middle aged woman wedding outfit. Maybe a dress in that sort of style?

Camilla did look absolutely stunning - her outfit was so beautiful.

I quite like this from Tallulah and Hope. A colleague got married in this Liberty dress a couple of years ago - she looked gorgeous, and the dress look better one imo.

Glorious dress Ocean embroidered

Our best selling Gloria dress is back for AW with a new improved fit and long sleeve.  Available in a stunning green Ocean colour and crafted in bemberg, a luxe sustainable fabric with a unique lustre and drape. The dress features a striking unique lin...

https://tallulahandhope.com/products/glorious-long-dress-ocean-embroidered

Original poster
Scrabblingabout · 05/09/2025 11:51

So many wonderful options.

Current thinking is I need to stick with petite ranges as even with alterations, others will probably drown me. Normal clothes usually do.

I'm edging towards navy as I'm not a huge fan of pale tights or shoes, although I'd consider gorgeous brown leather knee boots under a pale dress! Possibly a bit casual??

OP posts:
minipie · 05/09/2025 13:22

I feel like this one ticks all your boxes… and it’s a bargain

Karen Millen petite navy draped neck satin

I also like this KM petite white, beaded

and this burgundy velvet especially for winter

if you fancy a cape

Original poster
Scrabblingabout · 05/09/2025 16:10

minipie · 05/09/2025 13:22

I feel like this one ticks all your boxes… and it’s a bargain

Karen Millen petite navy draped neck satin

I also like this KM petite white, beaded

and this burgundy velvet especially for winter

if you fancy a cape

It IS perfect but I'd have to get rid of the train bit as it'd drive me mad. Easily chopped off I guess?

OP posts:
Useyourfork · 05/09/2025 17:16

www.reiss.com/style/su708066/w29733#w29733

minipie · 05/09/2025 17:17

Scrabblingabout · 05/09/2025 16:10

It IS perfect but I'd have to get rid of the train bit as it'd drive me mad. Easily chopped off I guess?

Show quote history

Funny I thought exactly that!!

Lanu · 05/09/2025 18:06

FIFIBEBE · 05/09/2025 17:16

https://www.libertylondon.com/uk/peacock-manor-silk-satin-gala-maxi-dress-000798996.html?_gl=11vt7zhe_upMQ.._gs*MQ..&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8_utyoHCjwMV6o9QBh3Ejj3fEAAYASABEgL04_D_BwE

This dress comes in a variety of silk prints, it doesn’t have the interesting neckline you want. I might wear it for my son’s wedding but I’m a different size to you. The Cefinn suggestion is beautiful.

Great minds...Grin It is a gorgeous dress. I'd wear it in a heartbeat, but I have a long body/big boobs combo that it doesn't flatter!

NotMeNoNo · 05/09/2025 18:24

Self Portrait seem to specialise in pale blue, they have lots of options.

ChiliFiend · 05/09/2025 20:15

Secondtimebride · 04/09/2025 03:42

Hi @Scrabblingabout i’m 53 and also just got married for the second time recently.. I didn’t want a ‘bridal’ dress but wanted something glamorous. We got married in a registry office in London in the evening then had a dinner for close friends afterwards. It was a relaxed affair but everyone got dressed up so that was lovely. I chose a long ivory sequinned dress from Nadine Merabi. They don’t do it in that colour at the moment but you might find it on vinted. They do however do a gold version which is lovely. I’m 5’5” and still needed to get it taken up. I’m a size 8-10 with big boobs and wore a s/m. The dress does create the illusion of height regardless of how tall you actually are. Have a look at their website for other ideas - some lovely jumpsuits and velvet blazer/trousers on their website. Beautifully made and efficient delivery. You can get an added discount buying via their app. They have a pop up in south molton street atm if you fancy trying anything on.

https://www.nadinemerabi.com/products/jennifer-gold-dress?variant=41415239073888&currency=GBP&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21692584762&gbraid=0AAAAACdagiOODwZHqb3lGP8UGPI_ZimBw&gclid=Cj0KCQjwzt_FBhCEARIsAJGFWVlAk4zZDKYkNRJ_p0Fn3hnpU5WNn5E1TxUj06V0YEgZtwyz-WesRPIaAoTtEALw_wcB

I’d also second self portrait. I’m looking for a reason to buy this dress…

https://www.self-portrait.com/products/aw25-green-metallic-tie-neck-maxi-dress?currency=GBP&srsltid=AfmBOopZiUBA3vWpXu4uUREf-6aFQNPlM4yoRMf4870_wPoJtRy6lIWfeoo

I rented a Sophia Webster ‘wifey for lifey’ clutch from by rotation rather than having a bouquet which was also quite fun.

Have a fab time! So much more fun second time around, no pressure and we invited only the closest friends and spent money only on things we actually wanted..good food and good wine. Was a fab day.

Wow, that gold dress is absolutely stunning. What a find for your wedding!!

sofaRunner · 05/09/2025 21:33

jonthebatiste · 03/09/2025 16:28

How about a trouser suit? In whatever colour you usually look good in?

If it’s to be a dress, I think Camilla Parker Bowles looked spot on for her second marriage - not white or ivory, beautiful neckline and silhouette flowing from it, tailored but shapely, comfortable, gorgeous fabric, not at all matronly. I think it was the perfect second-marriage/middle aged woman wedding outfit. Maybe a dress in that sort of style?

completely agree about Camilla - she looked fabulous