Walking Down the Aisle Later in Life:

How To Look and Feel Your Best

There’s no age limit on love. People are tying the knot later in life nowadays, but that might not always be obvious when you look at wedding magazines and Pinterest boards. Most stereotypical or advertised weddings show young couples looking picture perfect in every photo.

While you should absolutely look and feel your best on your wedding day, you might be struggling to get there if you’re getting married later in life. Whether this is your first wedding or you’re getting remarried, you don’t have to “give in” to modern bridal marketing.

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There are plenty of things you can do to be more comfortable on your big day, and you don’t have to stay in a state of constant stress for months to get there. Let’s take a look at some tips you can use to look and feel your best on your big day, no matter your age.

Take Care of Yourself

You’ve likely heard the phrase “shedding for the wedding” when it comes to losing weight prior to your special day. If you want to tone up and lose a bit of weight, that’s absolutely your prerogative. However, you don’t need to torture yourself with gruelling workout routines and restrictive diets just to fit into a particular dress.

You’re going to have enough things to stress over when it comes to wedding planning. Losing an excessive amount of weight shouldn’t be one of them. Instead of focusing on losing weight or gaining muscle, switch your perspective to taking care of your well-being as a whole. Your mind and body will thank you for it.

Self-care isn’t selfish, and it’s a necessity when it comes to keeping yourself healthy through the wedding planning process. Not only will it improve your mental health, but it can help to boost your physical appearance, as well. For example, things like changing your diet, exercising more frequently, and wearing loose-fitting clothing can help to reduce the appearance of varicose veins.

Dietary changes can also improve the look of your skin, giving you a healthier glow on your big day. You can also consider using natural treatments reduce the appearance of ageing.

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Self-care is something you can do forever, unlike a fad diet or extreme exercise routine. Make it a part of your life now, and you’ll feel healthy and confident on your wedding day.

Say “Yes” to the Right Dress

When you’re older, you might not want some of the elaborate wedding dress designs advertised in magazines and bridal stores. However, choosing the right dress is just as important as ever.

Image: www.fabulousafter40.com/

Get realistic about your preferences for a wedding dress, keeping some of the following ideas in mind as you hunt for your perfect gown:

  • The location of your ceremony and reception
  • Your wedding theme and colour palette
  • The season
  • What makes you most comfortable
  • Your budget

 

Remember, even a simple dress can be made spectacular by adding the right bridal accessories with your own special touches. You don’t have to give into marketing techniques or trends to feel beautiful and confident. Rather, focus on what makes you feel good when you try it on and how a particular dress will look in the setting of your wedding.

Image: greenweddingshoes.com/

Age With Grace

Getting married in your 40s or 50s is different from marrying someone in your early 20s. You’re more mature. You’ve probably taken the time to learn more about your partner. You have a better idea of what you want and don’t want in a relationship.

Despite the fact that the wedding industry is marketed toward younger people, there are a lot of benefits to getting married later. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you have to look younger or be someone you’re not on your wedding day.

Treat yourself with the respect and dignity you deserve — from taking care of your mind and body leading up to the big day to selecting natural-looking makeup that accentuates your beauty rather than trying to cover up any signs of years well-lived.

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Finally, you can choose a theme or venue that is more relaxed and laid-back. Even if this is your first wedding, you don’t have to put so much pressure on yourself by hosting a big, expensive, elaborate event. Something like a backyard wedding or intimate ceremony can help you feel more comfortable in your own skin rather than worrying over every little detail — from posing right in wedding photos to dishing out enough desserts.

At the end of the day, your partner loves you for exactly who you are. Whether you want a big wedding or a small, intimate ceremony, it’s important to remember that they think you look perfect. You can carry that confidence with you as you walk down the aisle. It’s normal to want to look and feel your best on such a special occasion, but that’s a personal ideal and it shouldn’t be determined by trends.