Whether you're 35 or 75, every woman wants to look good on their wedding day - that one special day when you are the centre of everyone's attention.
And that's why we've put together a selection of wedding dresses for older brides, including lots of long sleeve wedding dresses, and wedding dresses with sleeves, for those who may be keen to cover up their arms on their big day.
The dress, as we all know, can make a huge difference - and although you are there to celebrate the love between you and your significant other, there's no harm in wanting to look like a total knock-out.
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If you're tying the knot a little later in life, you might think that there isn't that much choice out there when it comes to wedding dresses for mature brides. Wrong! Whether you go designer or buy off the high street, there are plenty of options for women of all ages, shapes, and taste.
After all, more women than ever before are getting married in later life nowadays. Data from the Office for National Statistics revealed in 2015 that only four in ten brides were over the age of 30 - with the average age for a bride reported as 35 these days.
Every bride's style is different, and like a fine wine, we feel that a woman's style gets better with age. And it's important not to limit yourself to certain fashion choices. Don't assume that frillier, short dresses, or those with a more exposed cleavage aren't for you - every woman is so unique, and so will her wedding dress be! There might be an expectation that you go for something more demure and simple, but we reckon there are absolutely no rules when it comes to choosing wedding dresses for mature brides!
So what should you be looking for when choosing mature bride dresses?
When looking through wedding dresses, start by considering the styles that suit you - for occasion wear, do you go for cinched in 1950s styles, flattering empire line, or even a short dress? What are the design touches that you love on yourself and in your home? Do you prefer opulent, luxurious fabrics or folksy designs and prints, vintage-inspired lace or glittering sparkle?
Whatever your personal style, the main thing is that you feel relaxed. The worst thing you can do on the wedding day is to buy a frock that doesn't fit perfectly; remember you are going to be wearing this all day so keep it on the comfy side.
And remember, there's a different kind of dress for every body type. If you don't feel too comfortable showing off your arms, there are plenty of long sleeve wedding dresses out there which are totally stunning - and oftentimes, even more elegant than shorter sleeved dresses. Take Meghan Markle and the Duchess of Cambridge for example - both of the royal ladies opted for long sleeve wedding dresses - so there's no doubt they'd be a brilliant choice for your big day!
And you can't forget the accessories!Stylish nude heels go brilliantly with wedding dresses, and you can't forget about the all important jewelleryto go with the perfect dress.
Although you can hunt down a designer wedding dress for a bargain, we've curated a selection of wedding dresses fit for all budgets - for those able to spend a bit more, and those who need to spend a little less.
So if you're looking for your perfect wedding dress, see below...
Click through our gallery for inspiration for the best wedding dresses for older brides:
Needle & Thread wedding dress
This stunning embellished gown will guarantee you look like a princess - or a queen - on your big day. With delicate sequin flowers and silver beads, the delicate dress is the definition of pretty. Buy HERE, £859
Self Portrait wedding dress
A simple but timelessly elegant gown, this dress from one of Meghan Markle's favourite labels is perfect for an older bride. With a flattering shape that doesn't reveal too much, you can feel totally comfortable on your big day. Buy HERE, £450
Rashida floral gown, John Lewis
With sheer delicate balloon sleeves this Rashida dress at John Lewis is a stunning choice. The elegant 3D floral pattern along the bust is giving us major 'Secret Garden' vibes, and makes the dress even more special than it already is. Plus, at just £399, it's quite the bargain, too. Buy HERE, £399
Elizabeth Monsoon wedding dress
If you're after an intricately embellished wedding dress, this number from Monsoon is perfect. With intricate jewels cascading down the length of the gown, you'll look utterly glamorous on your big day. This dresses elegant v-neck and long sleeves also create a sophisticated look that sums up wedding day chic. Monsoon even note that you can have the dress altered by one of their seamstresses if you wish. Buy HERE, £499
Adrianna Papell Beaded long dress, John Lewis
A simple cut, but a show-stopping design. This Adrianna Papell dress at John Lewis is beaded throughout, giving a luxe feeling to an uncomplicated design that will suit any bride. The dress comes with a thigh-high slit - but don't be afraid to show a little skin. A subtle flash every now and again on your big day ensures you look super-stylish, and a little daring - which is no bad thing! It also comes with a V-neck back, showing the perfect amount of skin. Buy HERE, £297.50
Ariana Lace co-ord, Whistles
Okay, so this isn't strictly a wedding dress - but hear us out. This is a two-piece from Whistles, with a separate lace top and skirt. But the two come together beautifully to form an understated lace that's perfect for a bride. While it's certainly a contemporary twist on a wedding dress, the modest long sleeves and round high neck make sure it's formal enough for your special day, whilst still being incredibly chic. Buy HERE, £599
Phase Eight louise beaded wedding dress
If your upper arms bother you, this ethereal, beaded gown could be the one. A 20s inspired dress, it comes with a stunning bejewelled cape design which sits above the sweetheart neckline dress. The cape allows for slightly more of a modest look, while still being eternally glamorous. Buy HERE, £599
H&M lace wedding dress
If you're looking for a wedding dress on a slightly more restrained budget, this H&M one is perfect. At just £149.99, it won't break the bank - but it certainly doesn't look budget either. With long, lace sleeves extending up into the bodice, the gown is eternally elegant. And the gently flared skirt would be flattering on almost anyone - couldn't you just imagine wafting into your wedding service while the skirt sashays beautifully around you? Buy HERE, £599
Stella McCartney open back gown
Channel the Duchess of Sussex in this eminently simple but totally elegant, Stella McCartney dress. With draping long sleeves and the entire body of the gown in a simple, stretch-crepe material, this is ideal for a bride looking for an unfussy, understated, but knockout wedding dress. Be aware that the gown has an open back - but we think it's the perfect addition to this chic designer dress. Buy HERE, £2,800
Joanna Hope beaded maxi dress, JD Williams
If you're after a non-white wedding dress, this affordable number from JD Williams is ideal. While it still looks perfectly bridal - with elegant lace detail, a boat neck, and a fishtail skirt, its bronzed, rose-gold colour offers something a little different - and is an outfit no wedding guest will ever forget. Best of all, it could be yours for just £87.50. Buy HERE, £87.50
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