Standing at the altar to exchange vows is a holy act. It’s when “I” becomes “we”, and the future begins with a yes. Therefore, it should be no surprise that brides often get the blues or jitters.
Perhaps the seriousness of the covenant is stopping Canadians from saying, “I do” as soon as they turn 18. It’s been found that more couples across the country are marrying later in life.
In some cases, nuptials involve a bride who has just entered her 40s or is midway through that decade. Are you on the same bandwagon? Whether you’re a first-time bride in her 40s, a second-time bride, or simply renewing your vows, the big day nerves will hit you sooner or later.
That is precisely what this article will address. Keep reading to find four practical tips that brides in their 40s can use to navigate unique wedding day challenges.
Prioritize Comfort While Choosing a Dress
As women age, numerous changes occur within their bodies, most of which happen at the molecular level. A recent study found that the mid-40s and the mid-60s are the two periods when the most notable changes occur.
Over time, the internal changes will appear on the outside. In other words, you will notice differences in your body’s shape, weight, and more. This can make it pretty challenging to find the right wedding dress.
While this tip matters at any age, it’s more important than ever to prioritize comfort over trends as a bride in her 40s. You can still opt for a luxurious or extravagant gown that highlights your best features. Just make sure it is comfortable and facilitates easy movement.
A dress that is too tight, heavy, or restrictive will not only be uncomfortable, but it will also look unflattering on you. So, what are some ways to emphasize comfort while choosing a dress for your special day? Consider the following –
- Look for a slightly stretchy fabric that allows you to move freely.
- An A-line silhouette is also designed with comfort in mind, especially for extended periods.
- Select dresses with built-in support features like inner lining, soft cups, and boning to avoid wearing uncomfortable shapewear.
- Keep the season in mind. In the case of summer, avoid tight sleeves and heavy layers. Similarly, higher necklines and long sleeves are ideal for the cooler days.
- If you need extra support for your back or joints, opt for custom tailoring.
Finally, always schedule a couple of try-ons before your wedding day. These sessions will ensure the perfect fit and offer you priceless peace of mind.
Keep Your Health at the Forefront
They say a healthy bride is a happy bride. Your health and well-being will directly influence how you feel and experience the celebration, so keep them in mind.
Nourish your body with healthy foods, exercise regularly, and sleep adequately to look and feel your best. Also, take stock of any chronic conditions, in particular to prevent them from disrupting your big day.
The 40s are a decade when health issues like cardiovascular disease and chronic pain kick in. Such brides need to be extra careful with the venue, dress, and ceremony. For instance, they may have to shorten the ceremony, choose to sit while giving their speeches, or avoid certain dance moves.
Another issue that’s a growing problem among women in their 40s is that of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Also known as urine leakage, this condition presents specific challenges. These include anxiousness regarding urine leakage, fears of visible wetness or odor, and disrupted schedules due to frequent bathroom breaks.
Effective long-term solutions like the vaginal mesh have been sanctioned by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) but they’re highly risky. TruLaw shares that the most commonly reported injuries are chronic pain, infections, vaginal scarring, and organ perforation.
The vaginal mesh lawsuit was a pivotal action in contributing to several changes, including voluntary device recalls, stricter FDA regulations, and public awareness. As of now, bladder training through Kegel exercises and lifestyle changes seems to be the safest method of management.
Additionally, such brides can keep their health at the forefront through timed bathroom breaks, absorbent products, and dress modifications for easy bathroom access. No matter the health concerns, it’s possible to enjoy the celebration thoroughly, provided you plan your day around your body’s needs.
Focus on Skincare and Makeup That Works for You
Aging seems to appear a lot more dramatically on the skin after the 40s due to the onset of hormonal changes. The New York Magazine shares that years of sun damage, oxidative stress, and a busy lifestyle seem to catch up. Moreover, Canada’s dry air, extreme cold, and seasonal fluctuations only threaten to aggravate the problem.
Some of the common skin concerns women over 40 face include reduced elasticity, increased pigmentation, dryness, and slower regeneration. So, your mature skin requires a different skincare and makeup approach for that wedding day glow-up.
Let’s directly jump into the things you need to prioritize as far as your skin is concerned –
- Invest in a good moisturizer and hydrating serum because dry skin is a common issue after the 40s.
- Use a gentle exfoliator a few days before your wedding to remove any dull surface cells.
- Look for skincare products with peptides and Vitamin C to firm and even out the skin.
- Make a nourishing eye cream a part of your skincare routine to reduce the appearance of fine lines and puffiness.
- Skip the use of powder, as too much of it can make the skin drier.
- Choose creamy formulas for blushes, bronzers, and highlighters for a more natural look.
- Avoid heavy eyeliner or bold contouring as both can ruin your skin’s texture.
- Apply creamy or satin-finish lipsticks as they are much more forgiving and comfortable than matte formulas.
Again, it is important to schedule a professional trial with your makeup artist to ensure the final look is up to your liking. In case of any specific aging-related concerns, consider scheduling an appointment with a dermatologist for personalized guidance.
Plan for a Calm Morning
We want you to remember how the wedding morning will set the emotional tone for the rest of the day. A calm morning can offer some respite from the chaos. It will make it easier to handle any unexpected hiccups with clarity and grace.
Do you wish to be your radiant self who is truly ready to enjoy one of the most memorable days of her life? Then, here’s a gentle, grounding wedding morning routine to follow –
- Wake up early by setting your alarm at least an hour earlier than you think you’ll need.
- Spend 10 to 15 minutes on meditation or light exercise to stretch your limbs.
- Nourish your body with a light and protein-rich breakfast. A green smoothie is a great option.
- Take the next couple of minutes to reflect on your day ahead. Pray, read something meaningful, or journal your thoughts.
- Now, start with your full skincare routine slowly and mindfully. You can run calming music from a pre-designed morning playlist.
- Have a few supportive and peaceful people around to add to your comfort.
Wedding jitters or pre-wedding anxiety are real, and there’s no age bar for it. Extend yourself grace throughout the process as you prepare to commit yourself to the love of your life.
To end on a high note, brides over 40 often bring life experience, a clear vision, and self-awareness to the table. However, the emotional weight and magnitude of the event can easily become too overwhelming to handle.
The key is to have a solid support system in place and delegate certain tasks. Choose your inner circle wisely and assign specific responsibilities. Communicate your expectations and practice the art of letting go.
A wedding is never a one-man show. It best honors two people when it involves the efforts of many. Apply our tips as you display the quiet power of a woman who knows exactly who she is and what she wants (especially on her big day!).
