23 Wedding Dresses for Older Brides, From Casual to Chic

Throw what you know about dressing older brides, and create your own fashion rules.
Three wedding dresses for older brides
Photos, left to right: Anthropologie, Olivia Bottega, Sachin & Babi
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by
Carli Brennan
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Carli Brennan
The Knot Fashion Contributor
  • Carli writes freelance fashion articles for The Knot.
  • Prior to The Knot, she was the style section editor at Her Campus Media and launched the Fashion Institute of Technology chapter of Her Campus.
  • Carli’s passion for the wedding industry stems from her time as a bridal consultant and her previous internship in a bridal showroom.
Updated Jul 12, 2024
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Although we firmly believe that there's no "right" age to say "I do," if you consider yourself to be an older bride, we're here to break down all of the best wedding dresses for you. Whether you are headed down the aisle for the first time, planning a vow renewal, or a second wedding, we're here to act as your personal stylist to guarantee you look and feel your best on your big day. No matter your age, every bride deserves to feel special as they head down the aisle.

While some older brides may feel restricted to more mature wedding dress styles, we believe that personal style trumps all and you should wear what makes you feel your best, regardless of age. Whether that's a more conservative gown or a sparkly mini dress, you get to make the rules for your wedding day. After all, confidence shines through no matter what you are wearing.

In this article:

Casual Wedding Dresses for Older Brides

If your wedding day plans lean more towards a simple beachside soiree or a casual backyard wedding, you'll want to select a more casual dress—but that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style. Softer, simpler styles will read as more casual, however they can still bring that wow factor you may be after for your nuptials. Think breezy, lightweight fabrics and understated glamour.

Jenny Yoo Briar Long-Sleeve Off-The-Shoulder Fit & Flare Crepe Wedding Gown

Off-the-shoulder long-sleeve wedding gown for older bride
Photo: Anthropologie

Off-the-shoulder long sleeves and gorgeous draped details add an elegant allure to this otherwise simple gown. Wildly versatile, you can keep the vibe simple and classic with a strand of pearls and pointed-toe pumps, or spice it up with statement earrings and an embellished heel.

Size range: 00 - 32

Price at time of publish: $3,200

Chosen by KYHA Maras Gown

Relaxed fit silk wedding gown for older bride
Photo: KYHA

A relaxed halter neckline and body-skimming silhouette are given a chic upgrade in creamy white satin. Plus, a plunging back adds a subtly sexy statement to this otherwise simple gown. It's the perfect choice for older brides looking for an elegant yet sexy wedding dress.

Size range: 0 - 11

Price at time of publish: $3,995

Sachin & Babi Petra Gown

Short-sleeve stretch crepe embellished wedding gown for older bride
Photo: Sachin & Babi

Cult-favorite retailer Sachin & Babi knows a thing or two about simple yet statement-making gowns. This one is crafted from stretch crepe and adorned with crystals, faux pearls and a deep V back with a bow, making it a unique and romantic option for older brides. It would be especially fitting at a chic city wedding.

Size range: 0 - 14

Price at time of publish: $1,195

Watters Mia Long-Sleeve Open-Back Sheath Gown

Long-sleeve sequin wedding gown for older bride
Photo: Anthropologie

Glamorous sequins, long sleeves and a sleek cut make this gown perfect for a glamorous older bride. Because there's no heavy beading, but rather allover shimmering flat sequins, the gown still feels simple enough for a more casual wedding.

Size range: 0 - 24W

Price at time of publish: $2,750

All Who Wander Archer Gown

Lace V-neck beach wedding guest gown for older bride
Photo: All Who Wander

This lacy gown is practically begging for a beachfront wedding. The flattering V-neckline and small sweeping train elevate this beach wedding dress. Shoes are optional.

Size range: 2-10

Price at time of publish: $1,000 - $1,499

Viktor & Rolf Mariage Royal Jewel Jumpsuit

High-neck bead detail bridal jumpsuit for older bride
Photo: Viktor&Rolf

Who says your wedding dress has to be a dress, per se? This chic crepe jumpsuit is a fresh take on wedding attire. A smattering of jewel inspired embellishments acts like built in jewelry. Pair it with just silver heels and you're ready to strut down the aisle.

Size range: 0 - 20

Price upon request

Moonlight Ruched Off The Shoulder Mikado Mermaid Wedding Dress

Ruched Off The Shoulder Mikado Mermaid Wedding Dress for older bride
Photo: Moonlight

You can't go wrong with a classic off the shoulder mermaid gown. This mikado style features figure flattering ruching throughout the bodice and covered buttons that run all the way down to the train.

Size range: 2 - 28W

Price at time of publish: $2,000 - $2,499

Short Wedding Dresses for Older Brides

Just as every bride has her own personal style, not every bride wants to wear a gown. Luckily there is an endless array of short, knee-length and tea-length wedding dresses on the market. These are an especially popular option for those planning a vow renewal.

Olivia Bottega Short Satin Wedding Dress Tofa with Huge Bow

Short satin wedding dress with huge bow for older brides
Photo: Olivia Bottega

We're swooning over the glamorous bow back on this satin mini dress. The classic shape of the dress paired with a fashion-forward bow-adorned back is truly the definition of "business in the front, party in the back."

Size range: 0 - 26 or custom

Price at time of publish: $690

Halfpenny London Strapless Pleated Mikado Midi Dress

Simple strapless midi wedding gown for older bride
Photo: Net-a-Porter

This dreamy tea-length wedding dress is perfect for brides who love a classic look. The timeless silhouette, circle skirt and strapless bustier top are timeless yet so striking.

Size range: 1 - 5

Price at time of publish: $2,313

HAH White Reversible Take A Bow Dress

High-neck elbow-sleeve midi wedding dress for older bride
Photo: Rent the Runway

This classic tea length dress is a modest, yet elegant choice. Its lace bodice and high neckline are reminiscent of a certain Duchess of Cambridge we know and love. You don't have to be throwing a royal wedding to channel royal style.

Size range: XS - L

Price at time of publish: Rent from $40

Olivia Bottega Satin Midi Wedding Dress Cameron

Satin midi off-the-shoulder wedding dress for older brides
Photo: Olivia Bottega

Channel your inner Marilyn Monroe in this dreamy satin midi dress that was practically made for twirling all night long. Finish the look with a retro cat eye and a swipe of red lipstick for an old Hollywood glam bridal look.

Size range: 0 - 30 or custom

Price at time of publish: $830

Viktor & Rolf Mariage Embroidered Shift Mini

White embroidered mini shift dress for older brides
Photo: Viktor&Rolf

For brides looking for something a bit untraditional, this embroidered mini is the perfect choice. Its shift shape gives it a '60's fair — perfect for anyone who names Twiggy as one of their style icons.

Price and Sizing Upon Request

Non-White Wedding Dresses for Older Brides

Older brides looking for a non-traditional wedding dress may love a non-white option for their vow exchange. From glamorous champagne shades to bright blue, there are no rules when it comes to wedding day style, so you can decide what color you want to rock as you walk down the aisle.

Reformation Winslow Dress

Blue and white floral relaxed fit gown with deep v neckline
Photo: Reformation

This relaxed floral wrap dress is a breezy choice for a summer wedding. It's special enough for your big day, but also comfortable enough that you can dance all night long without any wardrobe malfunctions. Plus, it comes in five colors.

Size range: XS - 3X

Price at time of publish: $348

Vera Wang Bride Diane Sleeveless Fit & Flare Gown

Simple black pocket wedding gown for older bride
Photo: Saks Fifth Avenue

Who says you can't wear black on your wedding day? When it comes to wedding dresses, there truly are no rules, so wear what makes you feel like the best version of yourself. This sleek black gown is the elevated version of your favorite LBD.

Size range: 2 - 18

Price at time of publish: $495

Teri Jon One-Shoulder Metallic Jacquard Trumpet Gown

Champagne one-shoulder wedding gown for older bride
Photo: Neiman Marcus

Metallic jacquard fabric breaks tradition while still feeling bridal. The stunning one shoulder neckline and floral detail are a sophisticated take on a classic style.

Size range: 2 - 18

Price at time of publish: $890

STAUD Calluna Dress

Light blue floral high-neck wedding gown for older bride
Photo: STAUD

This glamorous blue floral gown is perfect for a black-tie affair. With sheer cascading tulle, a high neckline and short sleeves, it's equal parts elegant and playful.

Size range: XS - XL

Price at time of publish: $495

Needle & Thread Posy Pirouette Off-Shoulder Ankle Gown

Off-the-shoulder long-sleeve floral-emrboidered wedding dress for older bride
Photo: Needle & Thread

For brides planning a garden wedding, you can't go wrong with head-to-toe florals. This ethereal gown is brought to life by artful floral embroidery and finished with soft tulle ruffles for a romantic touch.

Size range: 2 - 14

Price at time of publish: $969

Betsy & Adam Women's Asymmetric-Neck Feather-Trim Dress

Blue one-shoulder trapeze gown with feathers for older bride
Photo: Macy's

If you want something that feels a little fun, this Betsy & Adam dress is an apt choice. Complete with a one-shoulder neckline, a whimsical feather hem and elegant trapeze silhouette, it's perfect for the polished-but-playful bride.

Size range: 4 - 12

Price at time of publish: $350

Wedding Dresses for Older Brides Under $200

Brides on a budget can still look like a million bucks in these fabulous wedding dress picks under $200.

Lulus Forever Beloved White Lace Cap Sleeve Mermaid Maxi Dress

Short-sleeve white affordable wedding gown for older bride
Photo: Lulus

With lace peeking out at the neckline and cap sleeves, this mermaid gown is understated elegance at its best. Plus, at just over $100, it's hard to beat the price.

Size range: XS - XL

Price at time of publish: $118

Eliza J Ruffle Front Gown

Black ruffle front gown for older brides
Photo: Nordstrom

If you're planning on wearing a non-white dress, this one from Eliza J is an especially elegant pick. Cascading ruffles add volume and dimension to this sleek gown. Dress it up with your favorite jewelry for a sophisticated bridal style.

Size range: 0 - 18

Price at time of publish: $188

Line & Dot Glossy Halter Maxi Dress

Simple halter neck gown under $200 for older bride
Photo: REVOLVE

With its halter neckline and luxe silk, this simple wedding dress is perfect for the minimalist older bride. Pair it with a birdcage wedding veil to give it a vintage touch.

Size range: XS - XL

Price at time of publish: $138

Lulus Romance Dreamer White Lace Off-the-Shoulder Maxi Dress

White Lace Off-the-Shoulder Maxi Dress for older brides
Photo: Lulus

This off the shoulder gown is modest without feeling stuffy. Allover lace adds a feminine, bohemian feel.

Size range: XXS - 3X

Price at time of publish: $118

Paris Georgia Raina Dress

Off-the-shoulder simple white silk wedding gown for older brides
Photo: Rent the Runway

Size range: XS - XL

Price at time of publish: Rent from $85

Where to Buy Wedding Dresses for Older Brides

Shopping for a wedding dress looks pretty similar for brides of all ages. It can be helpful to research different bridal salons ahead of time to see what designers they carry so you can find one that matches your personal style. Similarly, it can be helpful to look into size ranges offered if you are in need of petite or plus-size wedding gowns. If you are planning on buying a dress off the rack, the same rules apply in researching ahead of time so you can go into your shopping trip prepared.

Bridal Shops Near You

The Knot's bridal salon directory is a great resource to narrow down your wedding dress search. You can search for bridal shops in your area, read about the shop, and read reviews from real brides who have shopped there in the past. Think of it as talking to your best friend.

Anthropologie

Anthropologie truly has it all when it comes to wedding attire. Older brides will love the wide selection of non-traditional wedding dresses in a range of colors and styles. They even carry bridal accessories and shoes, so it truly is a one stop shop.

Dresses starting at: $298 | Size range: 00 - 26W

Lulus

Online retailer Lulus is perfect for brides who want to order a few styles to try on in the comfort of their home and send back what they don't want. They have a wide range of styles and sizes all at an affordable price point.

Dresses starting at: $79 | Size range: XXS - 3X

Nordstrom

If you're looking for a colored or non-traditional wedding dress, Nordstrom has a great selection of both short dresses and gowns for older brides. You can venture to your local Nordstrom store to try on dresses in person, order them online, or can even schedule free curbside pickup.

Dresses starting at: $55 | Size range: 00 - 28W

How to Choose a Wedding Dress for an Older Bride

No matter your age, shopping for a wedding dress is all about making you feel like the best version of yourself. Older brides need not restrict themselves to more stereotypically "mature" styles and should opt for what makes them feel special and beautiful. There are a few important factors to consider when shopping for a wedding dress as an older bride and we are here to guide you through the process with ease.

Keep your personal style front and center.

Above all, your wedding dress should be a reflection of your personal style. After all, you'll want to feel like yourself on your wedding day, not like a cookie cutter version of every other bride. Really pay attention to how you feel when trying on dresses. It may sound like a cliche, but just like when you found your future spouse, you'll truly know when a dress is *the one*.

Consider the location.

Location and weather will play a big role in determining what kind of wedding dress you want. A summer beach wedding will call for lightweight breezy fabrics while a winter soiree lends itself best to riche, luxe fabrics and even long sleeves. Make sure the dress you select is a proper fit for your venue and time of year.

Comfort is key.

The last thing you want on your wedding day is to be awkwardly adjusting your dress all night long. Be sure to pick a dress that you can wear comfortably all night. This may mean taking a trip to your seamstress for any needed alterations that will ensure a snug fit. Or, you can even opt for a second reception dress if you want to ditch the gown and wear a more comfortable dress while you dance the night away.

Be budget conscious.

It can be easy to get carried away with wedding expenses, but a good way to ensure you stay on track is to set a budget and stick to it. Have an idea of how much you'd like to spend on a dress before going shopping so you know ahead of time what dresses fall within your price range. If you can, try to avoid trying on anything that is over budget so that you don't tempt yourself with an overly expensive dress.

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