Whether you’re planning your first wedding or have been married before, getting married later in life still requires a party! Our golden years marriage and wedding ideas for older couples will help you plan the ideal event.
Weddings for Older Couples
Do you need wedding ideas for older couples?
Are you finding your special someone later in life? Maybe this isn’t your first marriage, but you still deserve a fabulous celebration. Even with later-in-life marriages, we guarantee that family and friends still want to wish you well and watch you say, “I do!”
A lot of planning goes into making a wedding special and memorable. If you’re older, you may be looking for something easy that is a little more straightforward this time. We have eight age-appropriate wedding ideas for older couples to help plan your special day. If you’re feeling the financial pressure of a wedding later in life, these tips can provide some relief.
Ok, now on to our advice for older couples getting married.
8 Wedding Ideas for Older Couples
1. Opt for a shorter wedding guest list.
Smaller guest lists and more intimate ceremonies are now more accepted than they were a few decades ago. Why not keep your marriage celebration to just immediate family and close friends?
Your marriage is about sharing your love with the world. So, ensure you’re surrounded by those nearest and dearest to you on your special day.
Having a second wedding? A remarriage or first wedding for older couples doesn’t have to be lavish.
2. Have a destination wedding.
Planning a wedding getaway is a great option to do something different and special for your nuptials. You can opt to combine wedding and honeymoon costs by having them both in the same place.
Destination weddings are an excellent option for couples looking to do something different than their previous weddings or try something new.
3. Curate your wedding registry and gifts.
For older couples in a later stage of life, you’ll likely find you have everything and then some. After all, you have things from two whole lives of collecting and decorating.
Instead, consider asking your guests for experiences or gift certificates to local restaurants. You could also consider registering for something like charitable wedding favors if you don’t want to ask for cash or more gifts.
4. Skip the traditional walk down the aisle.
If you’ve already done a few walks down the aisle, this may be the part you’re dreading about getting married. Why not try something different this time? Consider doing a receiving line instead.
Play a song of your choice and stand together as you welcome each guest as they take their seat. Then, make your way down the aisle.
Alternatively, you could do a circular ceremony where the couple stands in the middle of all your guests. Find a way to mix it up and include your wedding guests, rather than the traditional walk down the aisle.
Of course, you can have a traditional wedding, but couples of age can also feel free to banish typical wedding ideas.
5. Include your children and grandchildren.
If you have children of your own, bring them into your special day as you combine two families into one. You can have them sit where the “parents” usually sit or have them be a part of your bridal party.
If they are old enough, they could officiate your wedding or even give the toasts.
6. Have a private ceremony and larger reception.
If you’re looking for an alternative wedding option, consider having a smaller ceremony just for your immediate family and close friends, with a larger celebration or reception to follow.
Going this route on your big day can make sure that you have a party with everyone you want there. However, you can also savor the ceremony with just the important people. A dual event can be great for couples with larger families or a lot of friends who would like to attend.
7. Consider accessibility for you and your wedding guests.
Being older means that you may have parents, aunts and uncles, or even siblings who need easier access to a venue. Therefore, keep that in mind while you’re searching for a location to get married.
If you have an outdoor wedding, make sure there’s a pathway to avoid uneven ground. Also, consider the stairs and lengthy walkways. Golf carts are also an excellent idea for helping people move around more easily.
8. Prioritize what matters to you and your significant other.
Whether you’re 18 or 85, it’s your wedding day. So, don’t worry about having weddings in middle age time of life. Talk to your partner, and have an honest chat about your expectations for your special day. Do you want a private ceremony with an intimate backyard barbecue reception? Go for it! Do you want to go all out, get married in a chapel, and have a ballroom reception? That’s also ok.
What’s important is your relationship and being able to look back fondly on saying, “I do,” as you pledge your love. Of course, if you have kids, you may want them to weigh in, but ultimately, the decision is up to you and your future spouse.
Having fun together and making your big day uniquely yours should be a priority for older couples getting married.
FAQ About Wedding Ideas for Older Couples (& Second Weddings)
What are simple wedding vows for older couples?
When tying the knot later in life, many couples opt for simple and meaningful vows that reflect their unique journey. These can focus on the enduring love and companionship that has brought you together, emphasizing the depth of commitment. For example, a simple vow could be, “I promise to love and cherish you, to support and stand by you for all the days of our lives.” The key is to choose words that resonate with your personal experiences and the love you share.
Who gives the bride away at the second wedding?
Traditionally, the bride’s father fulfills this role, but in the case of a second marriage, the dynamics may be different. You can choose to have children, a close friend, or even both parents walk you down the aisle. It ultimately depends on your preferences and the relationships you hold dear.
How to celebrate a second marriage?
If one of you has already been married, opt for an intimate, personalized celebration. Consider a smaller guest list, allowing for a more relaxed atmosphere. The focus may shift towards celebrating love and commitment rather than adhering to traditional wedding customs. Another idea is to incorporate elements that reflect shared interests and experiences. Create a celebration that reflects your love story and the new chapter in your life.
Save our wedding ideas for older couples!
If you’re getting married later in life or you’ve found yourself falling in love and getting married again, hopefully, these ideas will inspire and help you plan the perfect wedding. Your big day should be memorable, no matter how old you are! An older couple’s wedding can be lovely and intimate, no matter your age.
Do you have questions that our tips for older couples getting married didn’t answer? Feel free to ask!
