10 (Fabulous) Non-Traditional Wedding Looks for the Mature (Read: Sophisticated) Bride

This blog post was inspired by two things: First, there is a friend of mine who is going to be a bride (for the first time) at age 40 years. She is a God-fearing, confident, successful, financially-independent woman. She will make one gorgeous bride and an amazing wife. In conversation with my friend about wedding planning and dress shopping, she has seemed so deflated and sort of “ho-hum” about what her bridal style would be. I gathered that she sees herself as a “geriatric bride” of sorts just because she was not able to get married in her 20s or 30s (Whattttt!?!?)

Second, this month (August 2019) happens to be my 10 year wedding anniversary. While my wedding day was truly one of the most magical days of my life, I (honestly) regret my wedding dress choice. Don’t get me wrong, it was a stunning gown but retrospectively an utter waste of money as I could have achieved a similar look or better with much (MUCH) less money. What can I say? At the time I was 29 years young, had attained certain financial milestones and had no real responsibilities, so I splurged. The wedding itself was also quite the extravaganza with >2000 guests. It was such a wonderful time and I remain grateful for all the love and support we were showered. That being said, I always imagine what it would have been like to have a smaller, more intimate gathering–like a destination wedding or elegant backyard reception or something.

So, bearing all this (and the financial wisdom of cost-per-wear analysis) in mind, I have created 10 non-traditional bridal looks that I believe make the case(s) that fabulous has no age limit and that the mature bride wisely upgrades pomp and circumstance to sophistication and savvy elegance.  I have made it my mission to illustrate just how stunning a bride in her 40s can look–how the wisdom and seasoning that comes with being an older bride is such a priceless asset.**Disclaimer: Maturity is not always directly proportional to age.  Also, this post is more about style ideas and fashion inspiration as 80% of the pieces I have owned for a very long time and are not currently available; there are some shopping links highlighted for the items that are still available for purchase.

Look #1: The Blushing Bride

I paired a beige chiffon BCBG Max Azria top with a pale pink tiered midi skirt from ASOS; the crystal embellished belt, also by BCBG ties the two pieces together so well that the outfit almost looks like a dress. I further accessorized with a Dior studded Lady Dior wallet-on-chain and a pair of crystal-embellished J Renee pumps. This color scheme is youthful and the style is chic. It would work for a civil ceremony or a small church service with intimate reception. Fun fact: The hair combs I am wearing in this look were the ones I wore on my wedding day 10 years ago.

Look #2: The Two-Tone

This bardot style high-low midi dress by ASOS Edition cost <$120 (sold out). I styled it with a pair of crystal-embellished J Renee pumps and a pearl studded gold tone headband that looks so stunning you won’t believe that it cost $19 (By ASOS Design: Shop here). I added the Brooch from my collection (P.S. I am a Brooch fanatic) to bring the two-tone theme from the bottom part of the dress to the top part–it is an old one from Banana Republic many moons ago but it looks like it was made for this dress. The bag is a mini Lady Dior in opal grey (Shop here).

Look #3: Boho Chic 

This floral print maxi dress by Diane von Furstenberg is such a showstopper (in my humble opinion). I added the belt (created from two velvet ribbons that I tied together to create a two tone waist-cinching sensation that perfectly matched the two blue hues in the dress’ print).  The multi-colored crystal headband is from Zara (bought 2 years ago) and the shoes are Manolo Blahnik inspired blue satin crystal embellished pumps. With hair styled up or down, this look epitomizes bridal chic. The bag is Chanel Coco Handle, size medium, color green.

Look #4: Fine Wine

This dress was custom-made by one of my favorite Nigerian designers, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi (LDA). The seemingly clashing floral prints are harmonized by the burgundy hues they share. I styled this beauty with accessories in different shades of burgundy: a teardrop fascinator with mini bird-cage veil (shop HERE), a pair of Malone Souliers Maureen 100 MM Mules (Shop similar one HERE), and a Chanel Classic Flap bag.  This look says classic but not basic.

Look #5:  Forever Valentine

This red broderie maxi dress with buckle belt by ASOS Design $78 (Shop HERE) is trendy and classic all at once with its down-home-on-the-prairie vibe that is so youthful. The neck line is versatile–it can be sweetheart or off-shoulder, you pick. I styled it with the pearl studded gold-tone headband $19 (Shop HERE), pearl studded red suede block-heeled sandals by Stuart Weitzman (shop HERE), and a Chanel Boy bag in red lambskin, size old medium.  This look is unforgettable.

Look #6: Jewel of the Nile

This dress was also custom-made by one of my favorite Nigerian designers, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi (LDA). It is reminiscent of the color blocked jewel tones of Gucci ready to wear. The bride who goes for this look is more afraid of fitting in than standing out. I styled my hair in a simple chignon.  The shoes are Manolo Blahnik inspired blue satin crystal embellished pumps and the bag is a Chanel Boy bag in red lambskin, size old medium. I think SATC’s Carrie would have definitely loved this look.

Look #7: The Triple B

This dress is black, bold and beautiful. The sheer top and the black and white floral embroidery exude modern bridal too. I styled it with white crystal embellished pumps by J Renee and a Swarovski crystal embellished clutch (purchased on Etsy, shop HERE).

Look #8: Pleated Whites

This 3 piece look consists of a white cardigan with black buttons by ASOS $24.50 (Shop HERE), a pleated halter neck-collar top by BCBG Max Azria and an asymmetric pleated white skirt, also by ASOS (Shop similar HERE and HERE). I added a black and white pearl brooch in the belt buckle position to the skirt and I styled this look with a white crystal embellished pumps by J Renee and a Swarovski crystal embellished clutch (purchased on Etsy, Shop HERE). This monochromatic look is laced with memorable doses of edgy chic.

Look #9: Maxi Floral

This is another maxi floral print dress by Diane von Furstenberg. Why? Because I am addicted. This look is effortless sophistication that demonstrates how chic simplicity can be. This look is for the no fuss-no muss bride who is sure of herself and the space she owns in her life’s journey. I added the Dior leather belt in navy to break up the print and cinch the waist. The beaded clutch $70 (purchased on Etsy, Shop HERE) looks like it was made specifically for this dress even though it was not. The Malone Souliers Maureen 70 MM Mules (Shop HERE) are the icing on the bottom.

Look #10: Pretty in Pink

This is a couture dress by A’Shabi Tailoring (Lagos, Nigeria). This bespoke masterpiece cost <$250 for the cost of the fabric and the design and construction of the dress (say what!?!) This is why, for me, my body type, my style and my bank account, Lagos, Nigeria is the undisputed fashion headquarters. This dress is sophisticated yet playful, romantic yet modern. If ever a dress could speak for a bride, this is the message she would want delivered.

Have you been inspired? I sure hope so.  Would you consider any of these looks for your wedding or did you wear a non-traditional dress for your wedding? Also, I would love for you to share with me which is your favorite look of the ten. I would really love to hear from you, so please leave your comments in the section below.

Love,

Chichi