I am a first-time bride at the ripe old age of 48. I am marrying a great guy who is the same age, who was previously married, but now divorced and his previous marriage has been annulled. We just got engaged and are now trying to plan a beautiful wedding. I have so many questions as to what is appropriate for a FIRST-TIME bride of my age? Should I wear a traditional wedding gown with a train and a veil? Should we have a formal wedding (traditional)complete with a medium sized wedding party (MOH, 3 bridesmaids/ushers and flower girl/ring bearer). We do plan to have a full mass ceremony in a Catholic church, but I have gotten SO many opinions about it being poor etiquette to wear a formal traditional white wedding gown and have a bridal party as well as have a formal wedding reception. My feelings are that this is my first wedding and I should, but I’m getting a lot of people say it is not appropriate. Please help me.
Jay Remer, The Etiquette Guy, International Protocol and Corporate & Social Etiquette
Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials. There is no age limit as to when you can and cannot have a full blown knockout wedding. Lots of people have opinions on how things should be done and in most cases they should keep their opinions to themselves. You are fully within your rights to have the wedding of your dreams. It is not poor etiquette. I hope this helps.
Rebecca Black, Etiquette By Rebecca
I completely agree! Go for it. There is nothing improper with this. Enjoy!
Donna, Wedding Queen, President; Top Wedding Sites, Inc
Three’s the charm!
Though, as a woman of your generation, I’d like to suggest possibly not using the traditional veil as that seems like an accessory more for the 20 somethings. But that’s just me. You should wear what makes you feel beautiful.
The rest of the wedding planning should be the same. Decide together with your groom what’s the best wedding for the two of YOU.
Jodi R R Smith, The Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! In life, happy occasions are so few and far between. You should have the wedding day you have always dreamed of having. Now is the time to really sit down and consider what sort of wedding you would like to have and what that translates into in terms of the details. You, of course, may wear a white gown. (White is a symbol of wealth in the wedding tradition.) Work with your dressmaker to find a gown with a cut that is appropriate for you as a 48 year old bride. I wish you all the best.
Donna, Wedding Queen, President; Top Wedding Sites, Inc
Yes, a white gown is now considered more of a symbol of joy rather than virginity, so wear white if you love it.