What To Wear as a Casual Bride?

I’ve got dressing my age (52) down.  I’m a pretty good dresser, not frumpy, thanks to my teenage daughter.  And, no, I don’t dress like I’m 16!

My problem is that I am getting married this summer in a 10 acre backyard in a rural setting in Texas.  Most guests will be wearing blue jeans.  It’s going to be simple and fun.  What do I wear?  I don’t want to look like Ellie Mae Clampett wearing a dress made by Cousin Pearl, nor do I want to look like the girls from Hootersville (what a funny name looking back on it now).  I am 5’10″, wear between a 6 and an 8, small chested, Norweigian heritage, pale skin and blonde and silvery hair.  It’s not bleached! What can I wear just to look memorably pretty?

L

Hi, L!  My, my – you sure are a tall drink of water, and slim too!  Lucky you – you can probably pull off a sleeveless style, which you will be thankful for outside during a hot Texan summer! Shopping for styles might be difficult, since you’ll see a lot of fussy, frilly junior dresses out there with big bows and high hems! Stick to simple lines, lighter, flowier fabrics (nothing too heavy or satin-y), and V-necks to bring the attention up to your face.   Stay away from anything too heavily beaded or embellished, or anything too short!  To the knee should be the highest your skirt should go.

As far as color, you still do want to designate yourself as “The Bride” in pictures and to your guests.  After all, you’re still a bride – you can allow yourself to go a little glam an stand out in the crowd!  Therefore, we do recommend a lighter color.  We understand that once you get to a certain age, wearing white to your own wedding is considered passé (sometimes even taboo!).   But it you’re a traditionalist at heart, why not go for an ivory or white?

The empire waist and V-neck is very flattering

If you don’t dare do white, then choose a light blue or green.  (With your skin, stay away from pale pinks and beiges — they could wash you out!)  Soft pattern would also be nice, as it has a more casual feel.

Lace insets give this a demure wedding feel, but the silky fabric keeps it casual.

Solids colors are pretty too, as long as you spice it up by putting some flowers or an embellished comb in your hair.

Chiffon will keep you cool.

We found all these dresses on Nordstrom’s website.  Good luck, and best wishes!