Older brides can look as beautiful as their younger counterparts whether it is their second wedding or have waited a while to find the man of their dreams.

If you’re a bride above 40 years, you can dazzle in a wedding dress that flatters your figure, looks effortlessly elegant and perfectly suits your individual style. You will find a range of gorgeous designs from wedding dress designers.

For brides looking for fashion advice, here’s everything you need to know about wedding dresses for older brides.

As a rule, ball gowns and princess dresses are what younger brides prefer, the show-stopping silhouette can help younger women feel confident when they walk down the aisle but, as an older bride, you have the life experience and fashion savvy to cut a dash without the extra volume.

Look for clean, soft lines that flatter your figure, such as column and fit & flare gowns: avoid overly-structured designs that can look too severe. Shorter lengths ooze confidence and an empire waist is more elegant and “grown-up” than an A-line silhouette. Slip dresses can work well for body-confident brides in their 40s and two piece designs are beautiful on brides over 50.

When you’re choosing a neckline, look for bateaus, high scoops, V-necks that don’t cut too deep into the cleavage, halter styles and illusion necklines, all will flatter, add elegance and hint at your sexiness without going over the top.

Vintage Looks

Vintage style wedding dresses can work wonderfully for more mature brides, but choose your era carefully.

If you are above 40 years, 1950s and 60s style dresses work brilliantly, giving a fresh vibe to your styling as well as a cheeky nod to the past. If you’re in your 50s, 1970s and 1920s inspired dresses can work really well, giving a relaxed boho feel to your look and making the most of your bust and waistline, and those above 60 should consider ultra-elegant dresses from the 30s and 40s. These styles tend to be sophisticated, elegant, modest, and perfect for a stunning, mature bride.

The details of a wedding gown are crucial for older brides: whatever the style of dress you’ve always dreamed of, choosing clever details will help you pull it off, whatever your age.

Sleeves are often preferred by older brides but if you’re particularly self-conscious about your arms, you don’t have to cover up. Cap or flutter-style sleeves are a great way to keep your shoulders and upper arms under wraps and still show off some skin. Or consider lace or illusion sleeves: three quarter lengths work well as they flatter your hands and wrists. A backless wedding dress could cause a stir, but if you’d rather not show too much flesh, a lace or illusion plunge to the rear of your dress looks beautiful.

Color is another detail that can enhance your bridal styling: if you're not sure about white, try on dresses in nude, blush, grey, ivory, silver and gold tones. And details that add interest to your dress, such as buttons, embellishments, lace layers, pleats and appliqués can help you to make a statement, even if you choose a dress with the most conservative silhouette.

For more information please visit www.karenwillisholmes.com