Are young lovebirds in their 20s and 30s the first thing you think of when someone utters the words ‘wedding’, ‘bride’, or ‘groom’? What about the middle aged couples who get hitched? Are the rules any different if you’re a little older by the time you get married?
The short answer is no. Even if this is your second or third wedding, or you have just taken your time to find the love of your life, your age really is just a number at the end of the day and shouldn’t have any bearing over what your wedding day should look like.
If you love large gatherings that are truly opulent and OTT, or if intimacy and elopement are more your thing, don’t feel like your wedding has to be any different simply because of your age.
Real wedding inspiration:
“Love is beautiful at every age.”
Alan and Cathy, 54 and 51 respectively, wanted to keep their classic elegant wedding low-key. “We had both been married before so wanted a less formal affair,” says Alan. See their Real Wedding here.
Dress
Styling experts worldwide unanimously agree that a mature bride can look age-appropriate without having to sacrifice her sense of style. If you love mermaid-style gowns or prefer a more demure high-neck or sleeved dress, you can rock any look you choose.
If you fall in love with a strapless gown, but prefer a little more coverage, you can engage the services of a seamstress who can create a gorgeous bolero or long-sleeved jacket that will complement and even enhance your dress. You can definitely opt for white or ivory if you like, as the rules for who can and cannot wear white were ditched long ago.
However, at the end of the day, it’s all about being comfortable and feeling beautiful in your own skin.
Bridal party
With more years behind you and potentially a lot more genuine friendships than a 20-something might have, it may be harder to choose your bridal party (if you decide to have one).
Traditionally, the bridal party is made up of friends or siblings, but you might also like to include you or your partner’s children to make it more of a family affair.
On the other hand, you could choose not to have one at all, and instead place the focus firmly on you and your partner.
Gift registry
You might already feel like you and your fiancé have everything you need in life and if that’s the case, you might choose to do away with gifts altogether. (If you do, make sure you indicate this on your wedding invitation or incorporate a cute poem with words to that effect on a separate card that you send out with the invitation!)
Another alternative is to opt for a wishing well if you are saving up for something big like a house deposit, a home renovation, or just a nice holiday together. This will allow guests to give what they can to make your dream a reality.
Vows
You will have a lot more life experience behind you now and will really know what you value about your soon-to-be spouse. How about giving writing your own vows a try to make them truly special?
If one or both of you already have children, you can include special vows for them to make them feel more accepted into this new family unit.
Size doesn’t matter
While first weddings are often extravagant, you can tone it down for your second wedding. Or, if you are a more mature couple and the idea of partying all night long doesn’t sit well with you, then don’t! It’s as simple as that — none of the significance of your day will be lost if you decide on a smaller wedding. It is your day, after all.
In fact, intimate weddings can have a more genuine atmosphere as you are celebrating with only your nearest and dearest. Click here to find out how to make the most of your intimate wedding.
At the end of the day, this is the moment where you will share the love you have for your partner with the people you care about the most, so you should do what makes you and your partner happy.
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