The Midlife Bride: 5 Grown-Up Wedding Dresses

Over-40 brides have an advantage: We don’t let ourselves get bullied into frothy white or frumpy mother-of dresses. Reem Acra’s gold silk Empire dress ($2,390) has serious style and a touch of irreverence too. Isaac Mizrahi shoes ($285). Gerard Yosca necklace ($195).

Badgley Mischka’s crisply tailored cocktail dress in rich golden brocade ($695) has body-enhancing details like a camouflaging inverted pleat front and flattering deep V neckline. Lauren Merkin bag ($220).

A cropped jacket and dress in a rich fabric updates the dressy suit. Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon blends new styling details like bracelet sleeves and an Empire waist with the retro grandeur of silver brocade in this A-line dress ($450) and matching bolero ($430). Nine West shoes ($89).

If a quickie in Vegas is your idea of nuptial bliss, pick up this Isaac Mizrahi for Target taffeta dress ($50) on the way to the airport. It has the look and fit of couture, and we love the spacious inseam pockets for hiding your shaking hands. Jimmy Choo shoes ($455).

This lacy silk dove-color dress by Luisa Beccaria ($2,000) glides over your curves. Perfect for demure garden affairs and impressing the stepchildren. Carolee earrings ($45).

Originally published in MORE magazine, June 2007.