It is with pride and great pleasure that we have permission to share this heartfelt journal from FDB Real Bride Nicky. Nicky wears custom Jesus Peiro ‘2507’ in Lucca Satin styled with detachable ‘2446’ Organza Sleeves and an Ivory Lucca Satin Neckscarf. We hope you enjoy reading this as much as we did - Julia x

Diary of a Mature Bride - Finding “The One” at Frances Day Bridal

When I was whisked away to Vienna for a surprise winter holiday, the last thing on my mind was a romantic proposal - and yet, that’s exactly what happened!

It was magical: a rooftop bar glowing with Christmas lights, St. Stephen’s Cathedral glittering in the distance, and the most wonderful man - someone I never thought I’d meet at my age - asking me to marry him.

We were over the moon, caught up in our little bubble of love. Back in the UK, my fiancé bought me a stack of bridal magazines to start the dress search. Such a thoughtful gesture - but as I flicked through the glossy pages filled with twenty-something models in body-hugging gowns, my excitement turned to dread.

That was the moment imposter syndrome crept in.
Could I really be a bride at my age?

The Not-So-Dreamy Dress Hunt

When we eventually set our July 2025 date, the panic returned: What on earth was I going to wear?

I scrolled endlessly through websites, followed countless bridal shops on Instagram, even considered evening gowns - surely something more “forgiving” for a mature bride. I decided to skip the big entourage experience and instead plan a quiet day in London with my daughter - my stylish, straight-talking rock.

Two high-end boutiques later, I was crushed.
I left wanting to cry - convinced maybe this dream just wasn’t for me.

A Fresh Start – and a Friendly Voice

Months later, while scrolling Instagram, I spotted a friend’s wedding photos - she looked incredible. Her dress was from Frances Day Bridal.

I hesitated, nervous from past experiences, but I picked up the phone.
The warm, friendly voice that answered was Julia. Within moments, I found myself blurting out all my insecurities. She listened patiently, then said something that instantly put me at ease:

“You’re not alone. What you’re feeling is completely normal - and we deal with it all the time.”

There was no sales pitch, just empathy and reassurance. Julia invited me to visit, simply to look - no pressure, no expectations.

The Frances Day Experience

When I arrived at Frances Day Bridal in the beautiful market town of Southwell, I was greeted by Julia and Emma. Their warmth and authenticity instantly calmed my nerves.

The boutique itself is serene and elegant - a private, welcoming space that feels more like visiting friends than a traditional shop. We chatted about life, weddings, and everything in between before we even looked at a dress.

Julia carefully selected a few gowns for me to try, encouraging me to keep an open mind and reassuring me at every step. Her expertise was clear - she knew exactly when to nudge me out of my comfort zone, but always in a way that felt safe.

By the fourth dress, she saw me smile - really smile - and we both knew we’d found something special.

There was no hard sell, just kindness. She told me to go home, think about it, and come back when I was ready.

“The” Dress – and a Whole New Confidence

A few weeks later, I returned with my daughter. We revisited the dress, and I explained that I wanted to transition from day to evening without changing entirely. Instantly, Julia worked her magic - detachable sleeves for the day, and a chic neck scarf for the evening.

It was perfect. Elegant, timeless, and me.

When I paid the deposit, all the tension left my shoulders. For the first time, I felt truly excited - not anxious - about being a bride.

A Wobble (and the Kindest Response)

At my first fitting, Julia reminded me not to overanalyse photos - wise advice I didn’t follow! On a bad day, I looked at them and had a full-blown wobble. Cue an emotional email to Julia, two hours before my next fitting.

She was away, but Emma responded instantly with warmth:

“Don’t worry - come in, and we’ll talk.”

That appointment was a turning point. Emma and Jenny (the seamstress) listened, reassured, and made small adjustments that changed everything - even helping me rethink my underwear choice!

By the time I left, the imposter syndrome had vanished once again.

The Final Fitting – and The Perfect Day

As the big day approached, Julia and Jenny made a few final tweaks to ensure my dress was perfectly me. I completely trusted them.

On our wedding day, I walked down the aisle feeling confident, elegant, and full of joy. My husband’s words still make me smile:

“That dress is so you - elegant and stylish.”

And when I transformed my look for the evening? The look on his face said it all.

For the Mature Bride

If you’re a mature bride - perhaps marrying for the first or second time - and feeling that pang of doubt, please know this: you are not alone. Buying a wedding dress is a journey - one that can be daunting, especially when you don’t fit the glossy-magazine mould.

The team at Frances Day Bridal truly understand. They celebrate every kind of love story and every kind of woman. Their kindness, expertise, and empathy make the experience not just about finding a dress, but about rediscovering confidence and joy.

I never thought I’d say it, but as a mature bride, I felt amazing.
And that’s all thanks to Julia, Emma, Hannah and Jenny - the wonderful Frances Day team.

With all my heart - thank you.

You made me feel not like an imposter, but like a bride.