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Womanly Wedding Gowns For Mature Brides-to-be

Recently, 55-year old Shannon Tweed finally wed her long-time love, Gene Simmons (of the rock band, Kiss). The wedding, which was televised on Shannon and Gene’s popular reality TV show, Family Jewels, featured a lavish night-time ceremony, which was attended by a host of glittering celebs.

 At her wedding, Shannon (shown above) chose to highlight her more mature beauty with a feminine, off-the-shoulder wedding dress – one that still showed plenty of discreet cleavage!

Brides-to-be come in all shapes and sizes, and they also come in all ages.

If you’re a little older than the typical blushing bride, you may want a more womanly wedding gown that shows off your curves – without letting it all hang out. Finding an appropriate bridal dress that still makes you feel romantic and special will be easier once you know what to look for.

In general, white wedding dresses for more mature brides-to-be will feature lots of supportive design elements, and they may offer a little more coverage than wedding gowns designed mostly for younger women.

However, as Shannon Tweed proved, you need not sacrifice glamor or the “wow factor” to get the grown-up look you really want!

The idea that older women can’t be sexy and stylish is an outdated concept – after all, beauties in their forties, fifties and sixties (Helen Mirren being a shining example) are in better shape than ever before, and they deserve wedding dresses that do justice to their confidence, wisdom, and regal bearing…

Here are some ideal choices for more mature brides-to-be:

An Elegant Neckline and Tons of Drama…

wedding gown

The pretty and elegant neckline on this show-stopping gown is quite similar to Shannon Tweed’s own wedding design. The womanly draped bodice of this spectacular frock is the perfect complement to a mature figure. Below the waist, at mid-thigh level, a profusion of airy ruffles offer all of the fairytale magic you secretly crave.

As you can see, this white wedding dress offers the best of both worlds to more mature brides-to-be. For an appealing silhouette, wear supportive undergarments, such as a long-line shaper that adds sleekness to the waist, hips and thighs – this piece will hold you in place and streamline your figure.

Spanx make lots of great body-wear for special occasions. Of course, you can always choose a few spicier articles of lingerie to change into on your wedding night.

For this look, hair should be whatever you’re comfortable with – Shannon Tweed wore her blond tresses in loose, romantic curls, and she opted for a long veil. Anything goes on your wedding day – just choose a look that makes you feel most comfortable with yourself.

Makeup should be understated and feminine – rosy mauve or soft berry lips will always flatter mature women.  Dark lipstick makes the lips look thinner – however, for some women, this look still works best.

In general, look at your everyday makeup and stay pretty close to what you normally wear. By now, you’ve learned what is right for your features and coloring. However, you should always avoid glittery or shiny makeup that is filled with shimmer – this type of makeup settles in fine lines and exaggerates their appearance.

Pure Old Hollywood Glamour…

bridal dress

Lush, satiny softness and a deep-V neckline will offer more mature brides-to-be a little taste of classic Old Hollywood glamour. The screen sirens of yesteryear knew how to work it, whether they were young or old. These screen sirens, such as Joan Crawford and Lauren Bacall, balanced dramatic penciled brows, strong lips, and elegantly powdered faces with luxurious full-length evening dresses that hugged their curves without being too tight.

The lovely bridal dress shown above is a traditional choice for any mature bride-to-be – it’s beautiful, sweeping hemline will make all your movements into pure poetry…

A professional blowout, followed by a few large hot rollers , can give you soft, groomed waves that recall Hollywood’s Golden Age – this look is probably better without a veil. Be sure to wear a classic lip color, such as plum-brown, reddish-brown, or dark pinkish-brown. A little brown in a lip color adds elegance – it tones things down for a refined look.

Best For Bride is Here to Help

Whether you’re looking for cheap wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses in Barrie, or Bridal shops in Mississauga, Best for Bride is here to help. Our team of caring wedding specialists know how to help you make your wedding dreams come true.

Our expertise is at your fingertips when you need to find fashionable wedding dresses, bridal jewelry, and more. We have everything you need…from exquisite bridal gowns and veils to wedding invitations. We even offer a convenient online bridal store that makes it so easy to find your dream dress – right from the comfort of your own home!

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Mermaid-Inspired Beauty For Your Wedding Day

A mermaid-style, or fishtail wedding gown fits closely all along the torso and legs (to the knee or just above), and then erupts into a frothy profusion of lace, tulle, or taffeta that brings to mind a mermaid’s shimmering tail.

These sorts of gowns are carefully designed to highlight the lovely curves of a woman’s body, and they are often the perfect complement to an hourglass silhouette.

Dramatic and romantic, mermaid-inspired wedding looks are a perfect choice for women who enjoy a touch of fantasy and magic…the best mermaid-style gowns will tend to feature embellishments and appliqués that show off the lines of these perfect wedding dresses.

Hair and Makeup Tips

wedding dress

Certain makeup and hairstyles will naturally suit a fishtail wedding dress…which direction to go in should depend on how simple or ornate your fishtail gown is. For example, if the dress is sparkly or embroidered (as the gown shown above is), a more formal up-do or half-up/half-down style will work well. Makeup should be dramatic, with strong eyes and lips, or a softer palette that still has lots of shimmer and shine.

For simpler mermaid-inspired evening dresses and wedding gowns, long-rippling waves or loose, unstructured braids will look lovely. Simple bridal dresses will benefit from simple makeup with a delicate rosy or berry hue.

Consider the painting at the top of this blog post as the ideal template for a simple mermaid gown’s hair and makeup…you may want to add a laurel of flowers or a beautiful sheer veil to your natural-looking tresses…keep the look delicate and feminine for the best effect…

Here are some exciting mermaid-style wedding dresses you’ll love!

More Gorgeous Fishtail Designs…

bridal dress

Sweeping and glamorous, fishtail wedding dresses in Toronto guarantee that you will make a splash as you walk down the aisle. This gown looks lovely in motion, lending grace and delicacy to your movements…

These sorts of gowns are very fitted, and they require a certain confidence level; however, you’ll be pleased to know that this style looks fabulous on curvier bodies, as well as traditional and balanced hourglass figures.

Lush feminine curves will shine when they are encased in silk, satin or lace that shows them off to perfection. Only the leanest builds will probably not be flattered by this style, unless there is significant bustier fitting in the bodice to create the right proportions.

Lean Canadian brides will be perfect candidates for traditional strapless princess-style wedding dresses Mississauga that flatter their small waistlines and pretty arms…

Magical Beauty…

wedding dress

Beautiful embellishments add tons of visual impact to the gorgeous mermaid-style gown shown above. This stunning design really captures the magical appeal of this type of fairy-tale wedding dress look.

Accessories can be minimal, as the lines of the dress really require little adornment. However, some metallic, strappy sandals or delicate satin pumps are a must. Drop earrings, beautiful gemstone necklaces and Feri jewellry will all add more ethereal beauty to the look – consider pearls, emeralds or aquamarines for a truly ocean-inspired effect!

Dreams Come True at Best For Bride

At Best For Bride, our wedding store is filled with everything you need to realize your wedding dreams…from custom wedding invitations to cheap bridesmaid dresses, to the stunning white wedding dress you’ve always wanted. We offer stores in Barrie, Mississauga, and Toronto, as well as our convenient online bridal boutique, which allows women to make their fantasies a reality…right from the comfort of their own homes!

Dreams come true at Best For Bride…our team of caring wedding specialists are there to give you the guidance, expertise and support that you deserve before your special day…

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Mother Of The Bride Gowns Don’t Have To Be Matronly

mother of the bride dress

Today, women look younger and fitter than ever before, and modern mother of the bride dresses reflect this new sensibility. In fact, many women are looking for chic mother of the bride dresses that don’t feel remotely matronly or dated. Luckily, fashion designers are listening – they’ve created a host of gorgeous styles that highlight the confident, mature beauty of women in their 40’s, 50’s and 60’s.

From dramatic, formal full-length dresses to fitted suits, mother of the bride dresses don’t have to be staid or boring. We’ve put together some exciting choices for every type of wedding…from intimate to large-scale and formal…and we’ve found some stunning suits and evening dresses in a rainbow-riot of elegant, flattering hues, shapes, and fabrics:

Feminine & Ladylike…This Pretty Suit Is Perfect For A Small To Medium-Sized Wedding

mother of the bride dress

A ladylike suit is really a classic choice for any small or medium-sized wedding, and it’s so versatile, too…after all, the two-piece style shown above can be worn with the jacket, or as a sleek chemise dress (as shown below).

Choosing a dress and jacket combination from the Best For Bride wedding store also gives you more options for an outdoor wedding, when Mother Nature may bring hot sunshine one moment, and grey, dreary skies the next…being able to add or remove a layer can also be a great way to have fun during wedding photos – you can experiment with a sleeveless look, and then cover up for the next round of photos.

Lastly, a two-piece suit is probably the mother of the bride outfit that is most likely to be worn again, after the wedding…simply because it is so traditional and classic. Unlike the bride’s lovely white wedding dress, your suit can be worn again and again…

mother of the bride gown

A Shot Of Color Looks Amazing… For A More Casual Wedding, Accessorize With A Fitted Cardigan

mother of the bride dresses

Rich ruby red flatters every skin tone…for porcelain-pale mothers of the bride, it adds a little fire and color to the complexion…for darker-skinned women, it brings out a warm, vibrant glow.

If you’re mulling over which color to choose for your son or daughter’s wedding, think about the rest of your wardrobe…what’s the color you always get compliments on? If it’s red, you should consider a chic sheath dress, such as the shimmery ruby design shown above. This dress can be made more casual when you add a pretty, fitted knit cardigan with three-quarter sleeves; if you want to dress up the look, add a lacy shawl, drop earrings, and delicate sandals…

Picking out a ruby gown for your son or daughter’s wedding can be excellent way to find a piece that does double duty at festive holiday parties…to accessorize, all you need is a reddish lip stain (if you’re not into red lipstick, choose pinkish-brown, or nude-toned lip color) and high heels – if you need more style ideas, visit our online bridal store…you can order any dress you like, and have it sent right from our bridal boutique, right to your front door.

Feel Regal In Royal Purple…This Gown Is Perfect For A Formal Wedding Celebration

mother of the bride gowns

In medieval times, only high-born members of the nobility were permitted to wear purple – it was truly the color of royalty; today, every woman can feel like a queen by choosing this rich, majestic shade. Drape yourself in dramatic purple to feel beautiful on your son or daughter’s wedding day – the simple lines of the gown shown above are the perfect complement for this striking and fashionable hue.

Ladylike cap sleeves and glamorous embellishments add high-fashion details that are still subtle and elegant. To accessorize, wear your hair up, and choose a strong lipcolor to balance the saturated tones of your royal purple dress…