In 1973, for instance, the median age for first-time brides and bridegrooms was 21.8 and 23.6, respectively.

She was far more likely to be legally emancipated than a first-time bride, and to have a say in the choice of husband.

Janet Carey was a first-time bride two weeks ago at the age of 50.

Ms. Leventhal, who runs a personal shopping service, has worked with many first-time brides in their 30's who are professionals.

However, I was a first-time bride.

For a married woman, no infidelity was acceptable, and first-time brides were expected to be virgins.

She found nothing for the first-time bride over 40.

Today's young first-time brides want "the whole thing again," said Christine Wachtel, director of bridal and gift services for Bloomingdale's.

But as the parade of summer weddings begins, a particularly graceless task still faces many first-time brides and grooms: writing a prenuptial agreement.

I wore a traditional ivory silk gown, which is something you get to do if you're a first-time bride.