Widowed three years ago, I am over 50 and engaged to be married for the second time. In doing research on “mature” weddings, I discovered that women like me are often referred to as “encore brides.”I was surprised to find a whole industry out there that caters to encore brides. There are dozens of websites, as well as a magazine with information on everything from dresses and appropriate invitation wording, to etiquette concerning the size of the ceremony and wedding party.
Some of the “tips” I uncovered for older second-time-around brides were really amusing. For example a segment on The Today Show featured shorter, fuller dresses for older women “who still usually have nice looking legs and should show them off.” I guess the announcer was trying not to say that many of us are not quite as shapely as we were years ago, and need to avoid the strapless, skin tight gowns that are popular among today’s younger first-time brides.
My etiquette education also included the fact that it is acceptable to wear white again, but choosing color is advised as we mature brides are apparently not blushing--and need to brighten up our sagging faces. How about the idea that most of us just feel bolder and more confident over 50, and want to wear something that reflects that?
While surfing the net, I came across a not-so-short, bright red dress that caught my “starting to develop a cataract” eye. I thought, “How cool would that be? A bold red dress for a new beginning!” I printed the picture and showed it to a friend who is my age.
“You can’t wear red when you get married!” she shrieked. “You need a nice ivory or tan suit that comes to just above your ankles.” A dull colored, long suit??? I don’t want to wear something from the Hannah Montana collection, but I don’t want to look dead either.
One of the best things about being over 50 is that you are no longer afraid to do what you really want to do. So who says this encore bride can’t wear a bright red wedding dress? Just watch me! How about some sparkling red stilettos to match? And I might even finish off the ensemble with a big bangle bracelet, dangling earrings, and ruby lipstick.
Melinda Richarz Bailey
(Mad Dog)
WOOFers Club Blog
You go, gurl! Now you all see why we call this one "Mad Dog!"
ReplyDeleteThanks again, Stiletto Gang, for your hospitality.
Now, maybe you can help Melinda find some stilettos with puppy paws on them.
-- Diana "d.d.dawg"
Congratulations! Wear what you want, in any color you want, with any accessories you want!
ReplyDeleteWOOF!!
Marian, the Northern half of Evelyn David
I think red for your wedding would be just the thing, unless of course, red isn't your color. On second thought, your color or not, wear it.
ReplyDeleteGive the guests something to chit chat about.
Marilyn
Thanks, Stiletto Gang, for hosting WOOF this weekend! It's been fun, and we hope y'all will come over and visit us on occasion!
ReplyDeleteI don't wear red often since it makes me look yellow!
ReplyDeleteIf you can carry it off and look good, I'd say the people at your wedding know you and you don't need to worry about explaining anything to them. They'll accept that it is your decision and your wedding. (But I would like it if you came back and posted a photo from the wedding!)
Morgan Mandel
http://morganmandel.blogspot.com
http://www.morganmandel.com
MOrgan, maybe you just haven't found the right red. There are yellow-base reds and blue-based reds (maybe others, I don't know). Try a blue-based red and I bet ya it looks great.
ReplyDeleteThe older I get the "redder" I get. And I know, Melinda, you are going to be stunning regardless of the color of your dress.
You are inspiration to us all, dear friend.
WOOF!
d.d.dawg
Thanks, Rhonda!
ReplyDeleteWhat magazing were you talking about for "second time" brides?
ReplyDeleteIt is actually called "Encore Bride" and I found it online.
ReplyDeleteMelinda