Finding the best bridesmaid dresses for mature women may not be at the top of your wedding 'to-do' list. Let's face it, planning a wedding can come with a lot of pressure. Whether it's finding the perfect, flattering dress or picking a venue, it definitely can be stressful. As exciting as it can be in the run-up to the big day - there's a lot of work that goes into making sure everything is perfect.
It consists of figuring out your guest list without offending anyone, trying on thousands of pairs of wedding shoes and hundreds of wedding dresses, as well as selecting the best bridesmaid dresses that everyone will love. Chances are, if you're a mature bride, some members of your bridal party may very well be around the same age. And, if you're shopping for a mature bridesmaid, it's likely they'll have their own preferences when it comes to dresses.
For the best bridesmaid dresses for mature women and advice on choosing the right dress, look no further. Here at Yours, we've included some of the most flattering bridesmaid dresses for older ladies to wear on the special day.
10 of the best bridesmaid dresses for mature women
Here are some of the most flattering bridesmaid dresses for mature women so that they feel comfortable and confident on the day.
www.infinitydress.com
A dress that can be worn in an infinite amount of ways, the Infinity Dress is both a versatile and affordable option. Made from expensive-looking knit polyester, the stretch material makes it a flattering fit for all. With a variety of different colour choices, this dress is a guaranteed success for any bridesmaid.
www.ever-pretty.co.uk
From Ever-Pretty, this flattering long-sleeved gown with floral lace detail is another amazing affordable option. With a satin belt to cinch the waist and a gradual flared A-Line skirt, this dress will be sure to compliment all different body shapes. Not to mention, it's also available in a range of colours.
www.tfnclondon.com
If you're looking for a dress that's affordable with a minimal amount of fuss, this simple yet elegant maxi dress is the way to go. With a lace overlay bodice, flattering cap sleeves and a classy cut-out back detail, its muted colour is ideal for a mature bridesmaid. It also features an elasticated waist to ensure your bridesmaids are comfortable, as well as a slight split hem for an added feminine flair.
www.coastfashion.com
Featuring ruffles on the sleeves and on the hem, this stunning maxi dress comes in a number of shades to choose from. This ultra-flattering dress is designed to pull you in at the smallest part of the waist and flatter the bust with the wrap-style neckline. We particularly love this dress in forest green and navy.
www.coastfashion.com
If you're looking for a shorter dress for your bridesmaids, this classy high low jacquard dress from Coast may serve as some inspiration. Classic and timeless, the fit and flare style will be flattering on all of your bridesmaids. It is sleeveless, so if you have a bridesmaid not keen on showing her arms, there's also a matching jacket to complete the outfit.
www.coastfashion.com
This elegant dress from Coast is made from satin feel fabric and is available in beautiful colour choices of navy or sage. With a cowl back, cap sleeves and subtle ruffle detail on the front, this sophisticated dress is intended to skim the ankle, finishing just above the ground. It's a dress that's sure to go down well with your bridesmaids and guests alike.
www.johnlewis.com
If your bridesmaids are more comfortable with a sleeve but you're still looking for some added interest to an outfit, a cold shoulder detail dress is ideal. Perfect for warmer months, this romantic dress with straps and flowing Bardot sleeves comes in a variety of colours to choose from.
www.monsoon.co.uk
Another vintage-inspired dress, this showstopper from Monsoon is reminiscent of the 1920s and 1930s but with an updated, modern and relaxed feel. Embellished with art deco style sequins that decorate the body of the dress, its angelic flutter sleeves seamlessly slip into a slimline skirt that's designed to skim the ankles.
www.ghost.co.uk
A vintage silhouette with button details and a short flutter sleeve is perfect for a mature bridesmaid. The Delphine dress from Ghost is slimline, elegant and timeless. Made from sophisticated satin fabric, it comes in an array of colours, such as rose, sage and more.
www.phase-eight.com
If you have a bigger budget, the Shirin Embellished Dress by Phase Eight features beautiful floral embroidery on a delicate lilac backdrop. With fluted sleeves, a keyhole back opening, and light sheer fabric on the bodice - it's a dress with just the right amount of detail, and its muted colours will look amazing on all skin tones.
Styles of dresses that work on all body shapes
When considering bridesmaid dresses for mature women, essentially, it's your decision. However, confidence comes from within, and if your bridesmaids aren't comfortable on the day - it's bound to show. If you're choosing matching dresses, selecting a dress with a universal appeal is best when it comes to pleasing all of your bridesmaids.
Despite the fact that all body shapes can wear whatever they want and still look fabulous! - there are some styles of dresses that will tend to work universally across all shapes and sizes. Below are some styles of bridesmaid dresses for mature women you may want to consider.
A-Line: These dresses are one of the most popular dress styles because they are flattering on almost any body type. Fitted at the hips and gradually widening towards the hem, it gives the impression of the shape of a capital letter A.
Wrap: A wrap-style dress can look good universally, providing the material is secure around the bust. These dresses are flattering because they accentuate the smallest part of the waist and add interest to the top of a dress.
Fit and flare: A fit and flare dress is fitted at the waist and flares out at the hem. These dresses come in many forms, and the flared skirt can be dramatic or gradual. These dresses often come in the form of mini to midi dresses.
Alternatively, you can mix and match your bridesmaid dresses to complement their unique sense of style. This gives your bridesmaids some individuality and ensures that they're comfortable from the go. You might want to choose different style dresses within the same colour palette for cohesion. Or, you might want your bridesmaids to wear something different from each other entirely.
Things to consider when choosing dresses for a mature bridesmaid
Of course, not everyone is the same, and not all mature women will have the same preferences when it comes to fashion. But taking into account the preferences of most mature brides, a mature bridesmaid may have certain requirements to feel comfortable:
The option to add sleeves: If the dress you're looking at is sleeveless, a seamstress could add sleeves, or you could suggest a wrap, shawl or bolero for your bridesmaids if the idea of sleeveless isn't for them.
Nothing too restrictive: Remember, your bridesmaids may have to eat and dance in the dress so be sure to pick a dress that allows for this. Material that's too tight or clingy is not going to be comfortable.
The correct support: Make sure that your bridesmaids have enough support across the bust in their dresses, particularly ladies with a larger bust.
The length of the dress: Think maxi to midi dresses when shopping for mature bridesmaids. If you're looking for a shorter dress as opposed to a floor-length gown, we definitely recommend a dress that sits below the knee.
Is it a dress at all? You may find it more appropriate that your mature bridesmaids wear an alternative to a dress, such as a pantsuit or two-piece set, for example.