Wedding dress ideas for an older bride

[SundayRains]

Can anyone suggest somewhere to look for a wedding dress for an older bride (60s), church wedding in London. Both the bride and groom are widow/widower.

I am 5’6”, size 10-12. Hourglass shape with short legs.

Im struggling to come up with something that is smart and special enough for a church wedding that doesn’t make me feel absolutely ridiculous/a million years old- definitely don’t want a classic wedding dress of the kind I wore in my 20s!

I really liked what Camilla wore when she married Charles but struggling to think how I can do something similar without just looking like I’m dressed as Camilla 😂

Thank you!

Congrats OP! What time of the year will you be getting married and will you have a reception after?

If you don’t want a traditional wedding dress then how about a skirt suit or knee length dress with a statement hat? Check out the pictures of Dua Lipa’s London wedding outfit for inspiration.

And what's your budget, broadly?

A couple of starters for ten - if you give initial reactions then we can narrow things down. At this stage I'd say don't worry about every detail and just say whether you broadly like the direction!:

Fairly traditional (but not full-length):

Coast midi two in one dress

Odd Muse midi dress

Whistles cream fringe dress (shown with jacket)

Wildcards:

Etsy long velvet dress coat

Shibumi shift dress and jacquard coat (duck egg)

I think this dress would look amazing with a hat or dramatic headpiece for a city wedding

https://www.karenmillen.com/product/karen-millen-compact-viscose-stretch-tailored-peplum-midi-dress_bkk29218?colour=ivory&size=12&utm_source=AWIN&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_term=176013&utm_campaign=unknown&sv1=affiliate&sv_campaign_id=176013&awc=123576_1781886279_8e6218b70df5b980724accbaa471e47a

https://fairygothmother.co.uk/products/eb-blair-v-neck-ruched-waist-jumpsuit-bridal-jumpsuit

Jumpsuit?

So many answers! Thanks everyone.

The wedding is next May. I have a good budget so could have something made or altered. Of the suggestions so far my favourites by far have been the velvet Etsy coat and Shibumi- am having a good look at that site! Would prefer not to have my legs out as they are not my best feature.

Congratulations!

I’m not seeing the problem. I’m also in my sixties and could probably pick out two dozen white / ivory / cream / gold / silver dresses I’d kill to wear - within about five minutes. (Though I definitely wouldn’t want anything Camilla adjacent as not my style.)

Net-a-Porter is a bit holiday at the moment but you might see a brand or two that has possibilities:

https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-gb/shop/clothing/dresses?facet=adsf11503ntkcs%253A%2522White%2522

Self Portrait has lots of lovely things if that’s your style:

https://www.self-portrait.com/collections/dresses?srsltid=AfmBOorRmf8lTxXpMmiY5r0vi8qSGJ2Or9z0rxP52syZo0deHhSmW

If it’s later in the year this to me looks rather grander than the royal outfit:

https://cawleystudio.com/collections/bridal/products/tie-skirt?variant=51049553953034

I’m 57 and this was my thread looking at ideas for my wedding dress, including the one I eventually bought. Might spark some thoughts?
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/style_and_beauty/5462436-favourite-glamorous-brands-for-occasion-dressing-in-50s

I wore an ivory silk dress and jacket. It was a shift dress and the jacket was short and fitted. It felt very appropriate for a second wedding at 42. You might look at the Shibumi website. Best wishes.

If you have a decent budget, I’d second the Self Portrait recommendation- the dress I have from there is stunning quality

I remember your thread, @PermanentTemporary - I posted loads on it!! I tried to open the link for the one you bought, as I couldn't quite remember. Was it this one?

I will be 47 when I get married next year. It's my second time and I am going round in circles with my thought processes. Getting married in a London chapel.

I can't decide if I want to look a bit bridal or just want a dress I think is fabulous that I can re-wear fairly regularly.

Have you considered just buying something you love in any colour?

I've ordered something mainly white, but with a splash of colour, via MyTheresa. It's arriving next week and while it would be a bit posh for regular rewearing in my day-to-day life, I think it could work for e.g. a nice anniversary or birthday meal out. I do really like the idea of knowing I'm out in my wedding dress at other times, rather just wearing it once.

I'm also considering Preloved Vivienne Westwood, or something bright red.... Just because, not wanting to be overly bridal, I think "why not?"

So, not helpful in terms of concrete suggestions, but is there a brand or designer you love and could just see what they have in a neutral palette?

I may be back here sooner or later with my own thread.

Rixo has some fun non-traditional options
https://rixolondon.com/products/adeline-ivory

https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-gb/shop/product/toteme/clothing/maxi-dresses/garderob-gathered-crepe-maxi-dress/46376663162936250?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=GOO%3ANAP%3AEU%3AGB%3AEX%3AENG%3ASEAU%3APMX%3AMAN%3AMXO%3ANEW%3AWN%3ASALE-PUSH%3ALV0%3ALV1%3ALV2%3AXXX%3A0%3ASALE-PUSH%3A&utm_id=23888246150&utm_term=3074457345630114391&vtp00=GOOGLE&vtp01=SEAU&vtp02=&vtp03=&vtp04=x&vtp05=m&vtp06=&vtp07=pla&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23883025908&gbraid=0AAAAADRhZnuuD4S4WkrKDwimEkVYZR734&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1o-IuYGUlQMVRZVQBh0W8QGcEAQYGSABEgI22_D_BwE

I also think if you like what Camilla wore then 100% go for it. People won’t be thinking you’ve dressed as her. Coat dresses v stylish and give a lovely structured look https://www.shibumistyle.com/collections/weddings?filter.p.m.filter.colour=Gold&filter.p.m.filter.colour=Pearl&filter.p.m.filter.colour=Silver&filter.p.m.filter.colour=Taupe

I love the Shibumi coats. I would totally wear something like that if I got married again.

https://clairemischevani.com/products/anais-coat-ivory?srsltid=AfmBOopp-m02AAFYk7VFyfQWiawSbBWKDPWIwDCA_N5DM9cg9avpIMgw&variant=40665302564900&_su_rec=V6K_hsWi1szVidkQFPbwJBBCHij32eyW--w9kGIdvYUoBlFGoKbAFhWEiTD0Hzx29nvUUv6j3yYeGbOGp0PZ9D9CDacY7gSZLXmeEQQFx2GdNdaWPkaSOjlsjVIVvNc9MBFVWEd2fU0GOwWueVUDguNPsjn2QprebH9hiXA5ChtZrAJP5tXvP_uQFArXCbBungBYh0E_WQySvw9gPdbNlsyHlXaBukbflGBXJWpi9b9eCe92io6zFevp89FPmw5QO7Dc7NWZnCqovciQ-1dhPnUtsgBRQhdqTjwdXSW37hliYFfyd18xWDK153iuV45kcXWHA7YzRAUsezfdSGSdey-Jmgx3ZYAArMg-4UwqlyqZ8pfzcSw3-30lxa3nmH61LIP5EA&_su_rec_id=a394e15e-87a9-4ee6-93bf-fab423286ab4-1781896849

A cape dress might be a more modern take
https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-gb/shop/product/emilia-wickstead/clothing/midi-dresses/switzy-cape-effect-cloque-midi-dress/1647597287389114?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=GOO%3ANAP%3AEU%3AGB%3AEX%3AENG%3ASEAU%3APMX%3AMAN%3AMXO%3ANEW%3AWN%3ASALE%3ALV0%3ALV1%3ALV2%3AXXX%3A0%3ASALE%3A&utm_id=22987605817&utm_term=3074457345624899743&vtp00=GOOGLE&vtp01=SEAU&vtp02=&vtp03=&vtp04=x&vtp05=m&vtp06=&vtp07=pla&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22987608190&gbraid=0AAAAADRhZnuDcUczxQo-wtnNiTO9RXr-P&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI38DC1YOUlQMVT6JQBh1iqhI0EAQYBSABEgIvcvD_BwE

would you think about a jumpsuit of top and trousers? I work a long sleeve jumpsuit for my wedding and felt fun and comfortable
https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-gb/shop/product/emilia-wickstead/clothing/full-length/vesper-off-the-shoulder-crepe-jumpsuit/1647597287389118

https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-gb/shop/product/emilia-wickstead/clothing/shirts/rye-crepe-top/1647597327922886

Self Portrait also have some interesting bridal looks and when they have a sale the discounts are huge sometimes

https://www.mytheresa.com/gb/en/women/self-portrait-bridal-peplum-satin-and-boucle-maxi-dress-white-p01039746?dplink=true&utm_source=sea_pla&utm_medium=google&utm_campaign=google_sea&chn=sea_shopping&src=google&cmp=22286789689&tarea=gb&tar=&ag=&ptyp=&feed_num=P01039746-2&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgdKp1YSUlQMV7I9QBh23Nw_8EAQYDCABEgJRF_D_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAAD3Pw-lDakrGGf-Lm20ab-iiSFM00&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22276402281&gbraid=0AAAAAD3Pw-lDakrGGf-Lm20ab-iiSFM00&slink_id=3910f673-2d6f-497f-9aed-854e45b69633&slink=1

https://www.self-portrait.com/products/rs26-cream-boucle-collared-maxi-dress

https://www.self-portrait.com/collections/wedding?srsltid=AfmBOoqHhv9bGsvXMbntE4KFoAp8rkQ12lmhx5x_8ibfn9ahOE1KuopE&block=26

Some gorgeous suggestions on here!

I ordered a lot to try on from the Outnet as the returns service was great and because I really didn’t enjoy trying dresses on in traditional bridal shops

would you consider a trouser suit? You might wear the pieces separately again
https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/badgley-mischka/pants/straight-leg-pants/tweed-straight-leg-pants/46376663163015948

this could be so glam! But still church appropriate
https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/simkhai/dresses/midi-dresses/odetta-crystal-embellished-crepe-midi-dress/46376663163034542

I love a cape. It’s so flattering on the arms

https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/16arlington/dresses/midi-dresses/rao-cape-effect-jersey-midi-dress/46376663162975680

You could have this altered to close up the slit https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/safiyaa/dresses/maxi-dresses/oro-wrap-effect-twill-maxi-dress/46376663162971774

https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/badgley-mischka/dresses/gowns/wrap-effect-embellished-lame-gown/1647597351793522

Maybe a more modern shirt rather than coat dress https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/valentino-garavani/dresses/gowns/appliqued-pleated-cotton-poplin-gown/46376663162964490

this is super fun and has a lot of structure
https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/rhea-costa/dresses/gowns/gianna-pleated-satin-crepe-gown/1647597345568448

Same age OP, but unlikely to do the deed so have my dream dress, with my love;

https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-gb/shop/product/dima-ayad/clothing/gowns/metallic-plisse-tulle-gown-and-cape-set/1647597326434884

Shibumi do some lovely dress coats and it comes in many colours.

https://www.shibumistyle.com/products/devi-coat-in-narnia

A simple chiffon dress under would work.

This was linked by @CopeNorth and would be high on my short list if I were to marry again at 62!

That’s stunning…

Katya Wildman ? https://katyawildman.com/collections/bridal

(You did @EleanorMc67! No, it’s this one)