A wedding is one of the most exciting times in a woman’s life; her time to shine as she marries her best friend in front of friends and family in an absolutely fantastic dress. The bridal gown industry is highly geared toward the 20-something woman planning her first wedding, yet many women are choosing to marry later in life or are planning a second marriage and there aren’t a tremendous amount of alternatives to current bridal trends. Here are a few thoughts and tips for the brides-to-be that don’t fall into the majority but are still eager to embrace the phenomenon of being a blushing bride. If she wants it, a bride at any age deserves the full bridal experience and step one is the dress.

The dress is of utmost importance in the process of becoming a bride. There are plenty of choices for brides of all shapes and sizes but you will notice the trends are marketed toward younger women. The first rule of thumb, though, for every bride to remember is – if you love it, if it feels good and you want to leave the store in it, then it’s probably YOUR wedding dress regardless of any suggestions you might hear.

With that said, most of the current options are strapless, many are highly bedazzled and the mermaid or fit-and-flare gowns are not necessarily what more mature brides are looking for. So, don’t limit yourself to a typical bridal gown. If your wedding is less formal, opt for a “little white dress” in a cut that is flattering to your body and is a dress that makes you feel absolutely fabulous. Trying different shades of white or even pale pinks are also great options that are more subtly bridal.

For more traditional brides who are searching in bridal salons, find a silhouette that is timeless. This will be a dress that enhances your curves, cinches your waist and flows away from the body. Clean lines and material that isn’t fussy or cumbersome will also help keep your look timeless. Don’t be afraid of embellishments but overdoing it will tend to push your look toward being too trendy.

Don’t forget that a seamstress can be your best friend. Many shops offer options to add straps, sleeves or even designing jackets to accompany your gown which offers a little more sophistication to a dress that may be lacking for your needs. Finding a gown that is not only beautiful but also comfortable is so important. Your wedding is the last day you want to be tugging on a dress or appearing noticeably uncomfortable in photos.

Last but not least, remember your accessories. Many women marrying for the second time are tossing out the traditional full length veil and are instead opting for a birdcage veil or hair comb. This is another area to add a bit of flare with color or sparkle without overdoing it on the dress itself.

For some women, the realization of being a bride doesn’t sink in until standing in front of the mirror in THE dress. Whether she’s 25 or 60, a bride at any age deserves that moment in the dress of her dreams; one that will undoubtedly make her groom melt and then hopefully want to get her out of it as soon as possible.