The 17 Best Wedding Dresses of 2023 for Older Brides

Our favorite picks from Anthropologie, Nordstrom, and more

By
Nicole Kliest
Nicole Kliest
Nicole Kliest

Nicole Kliest is a freelance fashion and travel writer based in New York City. Her work has appeared on sites including Who What Wear, The Zoe Report, Popsugar, Harper's Bazaar, and Elle.

Brides's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on 06/16/23 02:03PM
Best Wedding Dresses for Older Brides

Ulla Johnson

Spoiler alert: There is no perfect age to get married. Whether you found your soulmate early on or later in life, all that matters is you get to say "I do!" But, if you do consider yourself an older bride, you may be wondering what you should (or shouldn't!) wear down the aisle.

Yet, the wedding dress options for older brides are endless! Regardless of age, style is personal and unique to everyone, and therefore what might be a perfect match for some, feels off for others. In other words, just because you're not in your twenties anymore doesn't mean a stiff, ultra-conservative gown is in order. Au contraire! Feel free to incorporate design elements into your bridal look that you've always gravitated toward.

Be bold with a unique neckline and opt for the Taller Marmo Ubud One-Shoulder Ruffled Crepe Gown or go classic with a simple silhouette like the Halston Cape-Effect Crepe de Chine Gown, or have some fun with shorter hemlines courtesy of the Amsale Crepe V-Neck Shift Dress or the Galvan Majorelle Plissé-Satin Midi Dress—because age means nothing when it comes to bridal fashion. It is your big day, after all!

Read on for the best wedding dresses for older brides that prove age is just a number.

01 of 17

Best Short Dress: Amsale Crepe V-Neck Shift Dress

Amsale-crepe-v-neck-shift-dress

amsale

Size Range: 00-28| Color: | Material(s): Ivory or Silk White | Length: Mini-length

Eschew a long hemline altogether and try this long-sleeve number from Amsale. It’s effortlessly cool in every sense of the term and provides chic coverage for your chest and arms. Plus, a short hemline offers the opportunity to showcase a fun pair of bridal shoes.

Price at time of publish: $407

02 of 17

For the Vintage-Inspired Bride: Galvan Majorelle Plissé-Satin Midi Dress

Galvan Majorelle Plissé-Satin Midi Dress

Net-A-Porter

Size Range: FR34-44 | Color: White | Material(s): Polyester | Length: Midi-length

If you live for a nostalgic fashion moment, Galvan's 'Majorelle' dress should definitely be on your radar. Its elegant silhouette is crafted from lightweight plissé-satin and is detailed with vintage-style beaded buttons at the back. We love this look for courthouse nuptials.

Price at time of publish: $1,495

03 of 17

Best Tea-Length: Sachin & Babi Cecelia Lace Long-Sleeve Midi-Dress

Sachin & Babi Cecelia Lace Long-Sleeve Midi-Dress

Saks Fifth Avenue

Size Range: 0-14 | Color: Ivory/white | Material(s): Polyester | Length: Tea-length

If your style is decidedly retro, this tea-length pick from Sachin & Babi might just be up your alley. Rich with details like a high-neck bodice with an intricate floral lace overlay, and an illusion back finished with pearl closures–it doesn't get more romantic than this.

Price at time of publish: $965

04 of 17

Best Lightweight Fabric: Halston Cape-Effect Crepe de Chine Gown

Halston Cape-Effect Crepe de Chine Gown

Net-A-Porter

Size Range: 0-16 | Color: Off-white | Material(s): Polyester | Length: Floor-length

This maxi dress is taken up a notch (or ten) with cape-effect detail. It’s subtly sexy and oh-so-stylish. Since the gown is crafted from airy crepe de chin, it's a fitting choice for spring or summer weddings. Team yours with white strappy sandals and teardrop earrings for a timeless look.

Price at time of publish: $545.82

05 of 17

Best One-Shoulder: Taller Marmo Ubud One-Shoulder Ruffled Crepe Gown

Taller Marmo Ubud One-Shoulder Ruffled Crepe Gown

Net-A-Porter

Size Range: IT 36-48| Color: Ivory | Material(s): Acetate, viscose | Length: Floor-length

Inspired by glamorous silhouettes of the '60s and '70s this sophisticated gown offers fluidity and ease. It's made from soft ivory crepe and features a scarf that drapes elegantly around the neck. Style yours with white kitten heels and gold jewelry for an effortlessly put-together and polished look.

Price at time of publish: $1,000

06 of 17

Best All Over Lace: Willowby by Watters Orianna High-Neck Open-Back Lace Wedding Gown

Willowby by Watters Orianna High-Neck Open-Back Lace Wedding Gown

Anthropologie

Size Range: 01-5 | Color: Ivory | Material(s): Polyester | Length: Floor-length

You can never wear too much lace on your wedding day, as proven by this head-to-toe lacy gown that’s ideal for the bride with romantic tastes. The slightly puffed sleeves and high, scalloped neck are so elegant while the alluring open back creates a show-stopping moment.

Price at time of publish: $1,795

07 of 17

Most Unique: Taller Marmo Ubud One-Shoulder Feather-Trimmed Crepe Maxi Dress

Taller Marmo Ubud One-Shoulder Feather-Trimmed Crepe Maxi Dress

My Theresa

Size Range: 0-14 | Color(s): Ivory, red, green, black | Material(s): Acetate, viscose; trim: Ostrich feathers | Length: Ankle-length

If you’re never one to shy away from a statement-making moment, don’t let a walk down the aisle change that! This feather-trim dress is fun and eccentric, in the best way possible. Go bold with shoulder-grazing earrings or keep accessories minimal for a pared-back look.

Price at time of publish: From $ 1,900

08 of 17

For the Sophisticated Bride: Lela Rose The Stratford

The Stratford

Lela Rose 

Size Range: Custom-made | Color: White | Material(s): Crepe | Length: Floor-length

This asymmetric gown offers a fresh approach to showing off a little shoulder while still feeling pared-back and classic. We love 'The Stratford' gown for the bride-to-be who appreciates clean lines, minimalist silhouettes, and understated elegance.

Price at time of publish: Price upon request

09 of 17

Best Feminine Silhouette: Rebecca Vallance Monique Gown

Rebecca Vallance Monique Gown

Anthropologie

Size Range: 0-14 | Color: Ivory | Material(s): Olyester, elastane; polyester, elastane lining | Length: Floor-length

From the puff sleeves to the square neckline and oversized bow, this long-sleeve frock embodies Old Hollywood glamour. Boasting eye-catching details at the front and back, you'll be sure to stun from all angles.

Price at time of publish: $1,695

10 of 17

Best Wrap Dress: Temperley London Garance Dress

Garance Dress

Temperley London 

Size Range: Made-to-order | Color: White | Material(s): Italian viscose acetate | Length: Floor-length

Another unexpected choice, opt for this wrap number by Temperley London. We can see Diane Keaton in this structured white dress—can you? Its wrap silhouette is beyond flattering while the shoulder pads and silk satin shawl collar give it a decidedly 1940s feel.

Price at time of publish: Price upon request

11 of 17

Best Beaded: BHLDN Clemence Beaded Overlay Mesh Wedding Gown

BHLDN Clemence Beaded Overlay Mesh Wedding Gown

Anthropologie

Size Range: 0-16 | Color: Ivory | Material(s): Nylon knit dress with woven polyester underlayer | Length: Floor-length

If you’re drawn to Art-Deco-inspired designs that would make even Daisy Buchanan jealous, your search for the perfect wedding dress stops here. The Clemence gown features a geometric beaded overlay embellished with pearls and a thin beaded belt. The real pièce de résistance, however, is the exquisite chapel train.

Price at time of publish: $1,650

12 of 17

Best Flutter Sleeves: Erdem Celestina Belted Ruffled Embroidered Silk-Organza and Grosgrain Maxi Dress

Erdem Celestina Belted Ruffled Embroidered Silk-Organza and Grosgrain Maxi Dress

Net-A-Porter

Size Range: UK 6-22 | Color: Ivory | Material(s): Silk; lining: acetate, viscose | Length: Ankle-length

A delicate lace dress is lovely for a quiet garden wedding. This pretty number by Erdem features romantic flutter sleeves, a gathered neckline, and a grosgrain waist tie that forms a bow at the back. Wear grass-friendly block heels or espadrilles.

Price at time of publish: $5,995

13 of 17

Best Old World Glamour: Willowby by Watters Sorvette Long-Sleeve Satin Wedding Gown

Willowby by Watters Sorvette Long-Sleeve Satin Wedding Gown

Anthropologie

Size Range: Standard: 00-15, Plus: 16W-26W | Color: Ivory | Material(s): Polyester charmeuse | Length: Floor-length

Striking the perfect balance between Old World glamour and modern-day trends, this silky gown is undeniably sophisticated and timeless. The blouson sleeves are draped to perfection while the plunging neckline and side slit are flattering and alluring. Wear yours with vintage-inspired jewelry, classic pumps, and a simple bouquet.

Price at time of publish: $1,237

14 of 17

Best Illusion Neckline: Jenny Packham Amaryllis Embellished Tulle-Paneled Chiffon Bridal Gown

Jenny Packham Amaryllis Embellished Tulle-Paneled Chiffon Bridal Gown

The Outnet

Size Range: UK 4-14 | Color: Ivory | Material(s): Polyester | Length: Floor-length

Sweet, romantic, feminine—we’re all in for this exquisite wedding dress. It's packed with dazzling details like a diaphanous layered skirt, delicate short sleeves, and a shimmery beaded neckline. It's the perfect option for the bride who wants coverage without feeling too covered up.

Price at time of publish: $3,775

15 of 17

Best Pantsuit: Reiss Tatum Crepe Double Breasted Blazer, Waistcoat, and Pants

Tatum Crepe Double Breasted Blazer, Waistcoat, and Pants

Reiss 

Size Range: 0-12 | Color: White | Material(s): Triacetate, polyester| Length: Floor-length

Not a dress person? Make it a pantsuit, then! We love this one from Reiss, particularly for its chic aesthetic and fresh yet timeless silhouette. Each piece is sold separately making it easy to mix and match and the blazer is versatile enough to be worn with everything from the matching waistcoat to a lace camisole or silk blouse.

Price at time of publish: $1,140

16 of 17

Best Slip Dress: BHLDN Cali Satin Cowl-Neck Midi Slip Dress

BHLDN Cali Satin Cowl-Neck Midi Slip Dress

Anthropologie

Size Range: Standard: 0-16, Plus: 16W-26W | Color: Ivory | Material(s): Polyester | Length: Midi-length

A slip dress is always a chic and classic choice for your wedding day. What's more, this versatile silhouette can easily be dressed up or down depending on your style or the occasion. You can also pair it with bridal and wedding shapewear underneath for extra smoothing. Timeless and alluring, this slip dress from BHLDN is perfect for casual courthouse nuptials or a cool city ceremony.

Price at time of publish: $168

17 of 17

Best Colorful: Marchesa Off-The-Shoulder Embroidered Tulle Gown

Marchesa Off-The-Shoulder Embroidered Tulle Gown

Size Range: 2-8 | Material(s): Polyester | Color(s): Light pink | Length: Floor-length | 

There are no rules that say you have to wear white on your wedding day! If you're a non-traditional bride or bridal white just isn't your thing, direct your attention to this show-stopping gown by Marchesa. It oozes extravagance and elegance and features cascading floral appliqués for a supremely romantic look. The off-the-shoulder neckline and fishtail design create a balanced and flattering silhouette.

Price at time of publish: $5,995

What to Look For in a Older Bride’s Wedding Dress

No matter your age, there are no rules that say you have to dress a certain way on your wedding day. After all, it’s your day and you get to decide what outfit makes you look and feel your best. What’s more, there are so many wedding dress options to choose from! Holding an intimate ceremony in your backyard or at the courthouse? 

Personal Style

There are scores of fitting outfits on the market, from tea-length frocks to tailored pant suits like the Reiss Tatum Crepe Double Breasted Blazer, Waistcoat, and Pants. If you’re more of a classic bride, opt for a simple Amsale Crepe V-Neck Shift Dress or go big and bold with a traditional ball gown complete with lace detailing and a dramatic train. For those seeking out modest attire, look for floor-length dresses with long sleeves, high necklines, and covered backs. Still not sure where to start? Take some of the guesswork out and start with universally flattering silhouettes, like A-line, fit and flare, and wrap dresses.


Fabric


Fabrics that drape beautifully and flatter the figure are ideal for mature brides who want to feel comfortable and confident on their wedding day without experiencing any itching. Fabrics like satin, lace, chiffon, and tulle can make a wearer appear more delicate and graceful. We’re fans of the Galvan Majorelle Plissé-Satin Midi Dress because of its ultra-soft satin texture. For those who’ve dreamed of an airy and soft wedding dress, you’ll want to go for a tulle fabric like the Marchesa Off-the-Shoulder Embroidered Tulle Gown. 


Length


Longer dresses, such as tea-length or full-length gowns, may be more appealing to older brides, depending on the wedding's formality and the bride's own preferences. Dresses with shorter hemlines may also be considered if they are tasteful and appropriate for the wearer's age.

FAQ
  • What are some of the most universally flattering wedding dress silhouettes?

    Some of the most universally flattering wedding dress silhouettes are A-line, trumpet, and mermaid. An A-line silhouette has a nipped-in waist design for shape and a flared skirt for ease, while trumpet and mermaid silhouettes are more body-skimming and perfect for showing off curves.

  • Do I have to wear a veil with my wedding dress?

    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!

  • Can I wear a wedding dress to a vow renewal?

    Yes, brides can wear wedding dresses to renew their vows. Before choosing a wedding dress to renew your vows, consider the style, venue and dress code for the event.

Why Trust Brides

Nicole Kliest is a fashion, travel, and food & wine writer based in New York City. With over nine years of experience in the digital publishing industry, her work has appeared on sites including Who What Wear, The Zoe Report, Cools, Popsugar, Harper's Bazaar, Elle.

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