Older brides

It's no secret that more of us are postponing our nuptials until our third or fourth decade meaning there are more older brides than ever before. The average age is now 30 for British brides, but many weddings will be celebrated by women in their late thirties and forties. Maybe your career got in the way, maybe you had the children first and then warmed to the idea of an official nuclear family, or maybe the idea of marriage just didn't appeal until you'd sown your wild oats. Whatever the reasons, the average modern wedding doesn't star a blushing teenage bride in a fairytale crinoline.

Being an older bride is a mixed blessing. The thirty or fortysomething woman is likely to be more clear-sighted, more realistic, less romantic, and more sure of what suits her. But, with more years behind her and maybe a couple of children, she may be less body-confident and less inclined to take centre stage.

The trick is to deflect attention from your areas of concern (thick waist? Less than perfect arms? Heavy hips?) and choose an outfit that accentuates the positive (magnificent bust, shapely legs, lovely shoulders, great hair). Go for a strapless dress, but wear it with a shrug or a bolero. Wear a knee-length dress with a matching jacket, to showcase your perfect pins.

Forget the wistful Cinderella satin swatches of youthul brides and wear a vivid colour, or a modern floral (this is the year of the interesting floral print!) Get your make-up done by a professional and have a terrific hair makeover - a short, sharp bob can take years off you. Splash out on amazing wedding shoes and discreet wedding jewellery (or dazzling bling if you prefer).  This time it's all up to you!  

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