Getting married and over 40? Fantastic. It doesn’t matter how or why you’ve reached this point in your life. Being a fabulous over forty bride is wonderful, exciting and you can plan the most magical day.
This blog is about just that – top tips to make your day exactly what you dream of.
First of all.
I like lists! Once you and your fiance have decided what sort of wedding you want (classic/boho; for a select few or everyone!), make your list of priorities: venue, style, time of year, religious or civil ceremony to start with.
List #1 The bridal party.
Will you have bridesmaids or flower girls? Will the groom have several groomsmen or just his best man? There are no rights or wrongs – all that matters is what works for you both.
List #2 – The Guests.
I devised a sort of formula that my hubby and I used that kinda worked for us:
Maximum number of guests → priority invites + family friends + couple’s friends
Anyone who can’t be at your side, cheering you on with joy and enthusiasm can stay at home with their cocoa and toast.
And will you be welcoming children?
TOP TIP: If you are happy for children to be brought along, it is a good idea to provide goody bags to keep little ones occupied. Pew bags in the church with, for example, little colouring books and crayons, are a great idea. Goody bags for puzzles, little books and so on for the reception can also help keep kids occupied.
The Dress
What is your style? Elegant and tailored? Boho? Flouncy with lots of frills? Here you need to be brutally honest with yourself. Let’s face it, most models are size 6 or 8 (or less) and most of us are not! TOP TIP : Don’t look at the size label! Bridal dresses tend to be cut smaller than you would expect. You may find you are trying on dresses that, according to the label, are a couple of sizes bigger than your usual dress size. All that matters is whether you like it, it suits you and the price is right.
If you are at all anxious about it, it might be worth doing some research on the internet to see if there are any bride shops that cater specially for the over 40 bride – or, if you are more curvy than you used to be – for the curvy bride. Curvebridal.co.uk are specialists and well worth having a look see. No matter what dress or outfit you choose, the most important thing is that you feel amazing wearing it. (Remember that moment in Pretty Woman when Julia Roberts goes back to that snooty shop Big mistake! Big! Huge! – Priceless. Click this link to enjoy it again)
Those traditions…. keep or dump?
Forget about other people’s expectations! What do you want to do? Or not do? You are intelligent, discerning and you know your own mind. Would you relish an outrageously silly hen night? Is a pampering weekend more your thing? A drink at the local pub with your friends? Your choice!
And the ceremony? – whatever works for you and your fiancé, that you both feel will be meaningful and unique to you, is perfect. It’s YOUR day, and is the start of a new chapter in your life. It should be a reflection of your personality and your deepest feelings for each other. Nothing else matters.
Reception – fish and chips? Gourmet sit down dinner? Your reception is the time for you and your new hubby to celebrate with your friends and family. Of course, you will wish to make sure that everyone has a great time and that may mean some compromises. BUT – this is also YOUR party, and will have your stamp on it.
I found a brilliant blog written by a prospective bride who was rising 40 when she married in May 2019 – well worth reading! https://offbeatbride.com/older-bride/
Do browse through my blogs for top tips on all aspects of your planning. I confess to aiming them at 20-somethings but the expert advice I have found and share holds true for anyone getting married. If there is anything I can do to help you, get in touch!
Finally, however you and your fiancé plan your day, be happy!
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