Wendy Wortham on Planning a Wedding For Seniors on a Budget
With careful planning, seniors can enjoy a Renewal of Vows or planning first time nuptials.
Older couples typically desire low profile marriage events, opting for quality over quantity, meaning a more intimate ceremony and reception rather than the over the top or excessively extravagant venue.
Today’s engaged seniors are mindful that it’s more about the religious significance of the moment and the joining of two lives and two families than the post ceremony party which often dominates the wedding plans of the younger set. These and other factors cause today’s older betrothed to select carefully when planning the wedding of their dreams.
Putting the right words on wedding invitations is key to announcing wedding plans in an elegant way. Invitations will usually include who will be hosting the affair and you will want to include a reasonable time and day for your guests to respond and finally, indicate the day, date and time as well as the location of the reception and include any notes regarding gifts or “no gifts please” on invitations when appropriate. Gifts are often more personal and practical for seniors as to younger couples marrying since most seniors have established homes containing a lifetime of personal belongings to merge with their fiancé.
Keeping your budget in check with regards to flowers, a few elegant arrangements can be just as beautiful as a room full of them. I often suggest an outdoor venue to take advantage of landscape that needs very little additional elements added and use floral arrangements at the reception instead. Brides and Grooms often choose a friends home, or I also host smaller bridal parties of up to 10 guests in my home located in West Fort Worth where we offer a package that includes the wedding cake, champagne, utensils, the ceremony, my partner and twin sister, Cindy Daniel is available by the hour should you wish to have a memento or even video of your event. Should you wish I will design a bouquet and boutonnière for a reasonable fee too. Reserving a private room at an upscale restaurant is pricey but another alternative as in all cases, this is a very special moment for the new Bride and Groom among honored guests included to share their moment.
Most senior couples have travelled quite a bit previously that keeps them from being pressured to honeymoon in Acapulco or follow the standard Hawaii, Jamaica or Caribbean vacation destinations. Older couples often choose a cruise package or sign up for a safari, wine tasting tour, perhaps even an RV adventure.
When choosing flowers, I suggest opting for Lily of the valley (happiness), Roses (romantic love), or Honeysuckle (sweetness) as all are relatively inexpensive and beautiful.
Remember, the most important thing for senior Brides and Grooms is to relax and enjoy! Keeping your event stress free whether it’s traditional or not, brings perfection to the couples wishes.
