As with any bridal fashion choice, the decision whether or not to wear a veil is entirely up to the bride. If a bride doesn't want to wear a veil, they can wear a fascinator, headband, or another accessory down the aisle—or nothing at all!
Many brides over 50 choose to wear a veil as a way to add a touch of elegance and tradition to their bridal look.
Whether it is incorporating a bit of color so that you don't look so traditionally bridal, choosing a short veil or headpiece that makes you feel beautifully feminine and chic, or going with a nontraditional cape for a bit of shoulder and arm coverage, the options are endless for older brides.
Sleeveless and cami-style dresses can look very elegant. Cap or flutter-style sleeves will cover your shoulders and upper arms while looking stylish. Or consider lace or illusion sleeves: three-quarter lengths work well as they flatter your hands and wrists.
Hair pins or hair combs can be an option, embellishing a sleek up do. Side tiaras can work well, particularly in short hair. Birdcage veils definitely work well but steer clear of cutesy bows. Either a beaded or embellished centre of elegant sculpted feathers work well.
There are brides may be on a second marriage and think that wearing ivory or white is just not going to work for them, so why not switch it up and have a wedding dress with some color. Wedding dresses that are champagne or light gold in color seem to be the favorites that older brides are attracted too.
"If you are wearing a strapless dress, either hair down or half up, half down will look pretty and feminine while still showing off the neckline," advises Mar. Loose waves and a soft, flowing style is key. If your dress has a higher neckline, our pro says to consider an updo.
Look for dresses with long sleeves or puffed sleeves, but avoid flutter sleeves or sleeveless numbers unless the wedding is held indoors. Many of the trending dresses have a single dramatic feature, an open back, one shoulder, or a deep v-neck.
Keep your skirt and dress lengths to the knee or slightly above. Flowy dresses look best if they are mid-calf length. Steer clear of cropped pants — they were an unflattering fashion fad for way too long. Don't show too much skin: too-short skirts and tops that are too low don't flatter anyone.
"Historically, veils were used to represent modesty and purity in religious ceremonies, however, the meaning has since evolved. Now, veils are seen as a modern accessory to help capture the true essence and personal style of each and every bride."
As with any bridal fashion choice, the decision whether or not to wear a veil is entirely up to the bride. If a bride doesn't want to wear a veil, they can wear a fascinator, headband, or another accessory down the aisle—or nothing at all!
While some brides still wear veils for religious or cultural reasons, many others wear them because they like the look. "Modern veil traditions purely reflect personal style," says Stark. "The wedding veil is all about making a statement.
Many brides choose to wear a wedding veil for at least some portion of the day-whether that's during your pre-nuptial portrait session, throughout the ceremony, or even until the end of the reception is entirely up to you. After all, if you love your veil, you should wear it for as long as you want.
You just need to know where to look. Remember, there are no set rules about what you can and can't wear as an older bride either. If you want to wear a slinky, sequin-covered gown or a white tuxedo suit then go for it.
Traditionally, married women would wear black or darker colors and unmarried women, white or lighter colors.
As you're trying on wedding outfits, your stylist or fashion consultant will likely ask if you want to wear a veil. Here's the good news: the decision is completely up to you. "There is certainly no rule when it comes to wearing a veil on your special day," says Megan Ziems, founder of Grace Loves Lace.
What is considered a big wedding? Generally, a small wedding is under 50 guests. According to our data, 14% of couple invited between 1-50 guests, 35% of couples had 51-100 people in attendance and 52% of marriers invited 101+ guests to the big day.
Your perfect clothing colors are therefore light and cool tones. Choose blue, matte pastels, pink, yellow, mauve or gray. Golden skin tones should also be favored in warm tones to look their best after 50.
Gold is traditionally the color associated with 50th birthdays because 50 is considered the “golden age”. Use gold as the dominant color in your palette for a glamorous and glitzy 50th!
Should You Do Your Makeup First or Hair on Your Wedding Day? Although there is no “right” answer to this common question, many artists would agree that makeup before hair is the best approach. “It has been my experience with clients that getting your makeup done before doing your hair is best,” says Voight.
A top concern for a lot of brides looking to achieve the perfect 'down do' with a veil is securing it, as there isn't as much opportunity to nestle the comb when your hair isn't tied up. But it is achievable, and to stunning effect, too!
Getting-Ready Timeline Tips
Makeup should be done first on the bride, then on the bridesmaids. To ensure that you get the best shots possible, have the photographer arrive at the venue at least one hour before the bride plans to leave.