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Devoted April 2022

Any Over 40 Brides Going for a Ball Gown?

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Christy, on March 30, 2021 at 12:48 PM

I am getting married April 9, 2022. This is my 2nd marriage (but feels like the 1st honestly) & I will be 42. A Google search for what to wear when you’re over 40 yields recommendations for nothing more than “toned down,” “modest,” and “conservative” dresses (none of which I specifically take issue with). Most of what I’ve come across suggests leaving the “princess dress to the 20 somethings” (which I do take issue with)! I went in for a slinky, subtle, fit and flare & came out with a sparkly, stunning ball gown and I am super excited to wear it! But now I am mildly concerned that it’s not age appropriate.

Now, I know it’s my wedding and I will absolutely wear whatever I want, but I’m curious if there are any other over 40 brides out there that are rocking a ball gown for their weddings.

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63 Comments

Dedicated June 2021
Reasie · on March 30, 2021 at 8:54 PM
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BEAUTIFUL!
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Dedicated June 2021
Reasie · on March 30, 2021 at 8:56 PM
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BEAUTIFUL!
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Legend March 2017
Pirate & 60s Bride · on March 31, 2021 at 12:02 AM
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Your dress is gorgeous and so are you!!!

I thought for a hot moment maybe I was too old (mid 40’s) for a ballgown... then I kicked that thought to the curb! Mine:
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Devoted April 2022
Christy · on March 31, 2021 at 8:11 AM
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This is a beautiful dress! I found that I was drawn to this style of ball gown (with the tiers) but since I was never intending to wear a ball gown I never tried one on!
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Legend March 2017
Pirate & 60s Bride · on March 31, 2021 at 10:27 AM
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Thank you! It’s actually a bodysuit and skirt (found at two separate bridal shops). You found the PERFECT dress for you. It’s so gorgeous.
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Legend March 2017
Pirate & 60s Bride · on March 31, 2021 at 10:31 AM
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PS A bonus for getting married after 40 is you can totally create YOUR vision.

Had I got married in my 20’s, I would have been very pressured/controlled by my family and my then-boyfriend’s family.
Our wedding was my husband’s 2nd and we’re both somewhat untraditional so we had a blast letting our creative vision fly! Enjoy wedding planning. 🤗
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Savvy August 2021
Lynette · on March 31, 2021 at 12:42 PM
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Yes, my dress is ivory. I think the conservative train left for me early in the planning when colleagues encouraged me to do what makes me happy.
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Expert May 2021
Jaime · on March 31, 2021 at 1:04 PM
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Definitely wear what you love and feel great in! I'm 41 and went for an A-line that has a bit of a fluffy skirt - probably not ballroom size but not toned down either.
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Expert March 2019
Danielle · on April 1, 2021 at 9:30 AM
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I was 44 when we got married, and I had a ball gown because I wanted it to twirl!
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Beginner October 2021
Valerie · on April 1, 2021 at 12:39 PM
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Oh god, those searches for “brides over 40” just bring up matronly conservative outfits that I don’t think I’d wear even if I were 80. Or mother of the bride dresses. I’m not the mother of the bride. I’m the damn bride!
I’ll be 44 on my wedding day and I won’t be in a ballgown because I’m short and that is not my style anyway, but I certainly think brides of every age should wear whatever the heck they want. My cousin got married recently at 42 in a strapless princessy ballgown which she absolutely rocked. Wear your ballgown and have an amazing day!
Here’s my dress, just for fun. Justin Alexander 88218.
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Devoted April 2022
Christy · on April 1, 2021 at 1:06 PM
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This is the exact kind of dress I THOUGHT that I would walk out with! Certainly, my dress now is more conservative than what I thought I wanted (subtle fit and flare with plunging neckline AND buttons down the back!). Unfortunately, when I tried them on I didn’t have my “Wow!” moment (probably because I kept thinking about what kind of undergarments I’d have to wear). But I actually had already decided on a Jenny Yoo that fit my original vision before trying on the “Finale dress.”
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Beginner October 2021
Valerie · on April 1, 2021 at 2:00 PM
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Oh conservative is definitely ok! I guess what I meant about the “dresses for older brides” thing is that the suggestions can be on the frumpy side. You will look amazing in your Finale Dress!
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Master 0000
Judith · on April 1, 2021 at 6:57 PM
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I absolutely agree that by40 you should not be dressing like a princess. You should be dressed like the queen of the ball!
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Just Said Yes October 2021
Aly · on April 3, 2021 at 5:54 PM
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I am over 40 and getting married in a ballgown as well. We are getting married on Halloween and mine is black. I love it and i'm so pale, white was just not my color!
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Expert March 2023
Catherine · on April 9, 2021 at 12:08 PM
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You look gorgeous! Honestly, you’re glowing! Age is just a number. When we get married, I’ll be 29 and FH will be 21 and we’re a perfect fit for each other! You look great and those wedding experts don’t know what they’re talking about
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Just Said Yes May 2021
Montricessy · on April 10, 2021 at 5:49 PM
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I am and i love my ball room dress
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Dedicated August 2021
Jennifer · on April 11, 2021 at 5:04 AM
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I’ll be a 40 yr old bride when I get married in August, and I’ll be wearing a ball gown dress! And I agree with all these comments - I definitely don’t feel or act my age, so I’m going to wear whatever dress I want!
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Dedicated May 2021
QuixoticWifeSerendipitousLife215 · on April 19, 2021 at 10:07 AM
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So I LOVE ALL THESE COMMENTS. I was nervous too about being an "older" bride (36) walking down the aisle in a very feminine, somewhat poufy, even "princess-y" gown. But the more and more I look at myself in my dress, the more I love it and I know it is the right decision! My point is, YOU DO YOU. I bet you will look all the more amazing because you are wearing what makes you the most happy. And that's exactly what the "glow" should be about.
You rock that look! I'm sure your groom will love it.
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Expert April 2022
Fred · on May 1, 2021 at 11:42 AM
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Hi Christy!
My aunt got married in 2017, she was ... 49 and wore a pretty traditional ballgown. As far as I remember, it was very similar to this (but with a straight neckline)

I don't recall exactly what the details of the dress looked like( material, lace, etc ...) but the silhouette was the same as this.In fact you shouldn't worry about that: aAs long as you're comfortable and confident in it, you'll look great . Trust me: the dress is the last thing your man will care about . He will only care about his bride!
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Beginner September 2021
Gabrielle · on July 3, 2021 at 10:04 AM
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Wear what makes you feel beautiful. I am over 40 and didn’t worry about what I am supposed to wear. My dress has a deep v and I love it. Congratulations 🎉
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