A few guidelines for the ‘older’ bride
February 15, 2011 3:32PM
Updated: February 15, 2011 7:10PM
If you’re an “older” bride and aren’t sure what is OK and what would appear tacky, here are some guidelines from two Chicago wedding planners, Sarah Johnson of the Omni Chicago Hotel, and Ali Phillips, who owns Engaging Events by Ali:
Bachelorette party: Sure, but most brides who go this route opt for a small, nice dinner and drinks with girlfriends, or perhaps hitting a nice wine bar.
Registry: A lot of brides don’t really need to register at Crate & Barrel — they have plenty of dishes and linens and other necessities for the home.
But it’s OK to register if, say, you and your fiance do need some things for the home. Or you can have guests make charitable donations or even a honeymoon fund.
Ceremony: Churches, gardens, your backyard — whatever suits you and your fiance, and your family and friends.
Wedding dress: It’s OK to wear what you want, whether it’s a black pant suit or a full wedding gown.
Both Phillips and Johnson said for brides who opt for a gown, they tend to be less “poufy” and more on the elegant side with clean lines and simple adornments.
Bridesmaids: Older brides tend to skip things like matching fuchsia hoodies and opt for allowing the bridesmaids more freedom in choosing dress styles, jewelry, hairstyles and shoes.
No need to dye a pair of shoes purple that you’ll never wear again!
And skip the marching orders to your attendants to get matching mani/pedis or updos. They’re busy, and they’ll probably be annoyed by the request.
Reception: A traditional layered wedding cake is fine, but if you’d rather have red velvet cake, you can. It’s whatever you and your guests will enjoy most that is important.
Older brides tend to be focused more on fine linens and more subtle colors like champagnes, ivories and golds, rather than bright or bold colors (no electric blue or hot pink).
More older brides choose bands over DJs; it just seems classier. Food might be surf and turf, whereas a younger bride might pick chicken, Johnson said.
Tammy Chase
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