Older couple wedding ceremony ideas

We had family friends (2nd marriage) rent a few beach houses for a long extended weekend in the outer banks. They had the wedding on the beach and had bonfires and a caterer come in. We unfortunately couldn’t make it, but heard it was awesome!

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Thanks Jessica. That's a lovely suggestion. Maybe I can take that same concept and apply that since we will be having it around the Chicago area. Wishing you the best for your wedding day!

Sorry I can’t help! Older couple 2nd marriage here but our wedding is the regular traditional route. Ceremony, reception etc...same as I would have done if I were 30!😊

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Thanks Jessica. That's a lovely suggestion. Maybe I can take that same concept and apply that since we will be having it around the Chicago area. Wishing you the best for your wedding day!

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Appreciate your thoughts Liz. I am just in a quandary about what to do but glad to know that a regular traditional route is not out line since his parents are rather traditional. Lots to ponder here. Thanks again!

View Quoted Comment Same here! This is a second marriage for both of us. But we planned a wedding based on our styles, personalities and what we liked.... but not based on our ages (40s).


What ideas have you seen that you feel don’t fit for 55+ year olds?

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Thanks for your thoughts Sexypoodle and congrats! I'm glad to see older couples doing whatever they wish. Makes me feel more comfortable in planning.

I haven't seen anything inappropriate but I have been reading about a few no-nos (which wasn't anything I wanted anyway) like no veil and you shouldn't have someone walk down the aisle with you. Basically they were saying that you should not be given away since you were already giving away during the first wedding ceremony. Other than that, I have not seen anything else.

View Quoted Comment Thanks and congrats to you too!


Oh wow! No veil? Walk alone? I hadn’t heard of those “rules” for second time brides and, quite honestly, they make no sense. Lol! I hate that someone would list any “can’ts” for second time couples. The only thing we can’t do is be each others first wife/husband 😂 . Outside of that, the rest is fine and can all be done. Im wearing a birdcage veil because of the vintage style of our wedding. Otherwise, I’d wear a traditional style veil. But wearing a veil is not reserved for 1st time brides. Also, I’m walking alone by CHOICE. I want each set of our parents to walk down together. But you can most certainly be “given away” (if your officiant is going to say that line) because this is a different/new husband. And in response to that question from the officiant, your dad (or both parents) can reply “I/we do”. There’s no harm in it.
In reality, the original reasons from many years ago for wearing the veil, “giving away”, and most everything associated with weddings don’t even apply in today’s society (just Google it). But couples still do them for their weddings as baseless traditions that couples/brides incorporate “just because”. But the original reasons are no longer valid (yet most couples don’t know the real reason why these things were originally done anyway). For example, the original reason for hav ing bridesmaids/groomsmen is no longer necessary. But couples get engaged and automatically select a wedding party (and in recent times have simply changed the reason why they have women and men standing next to them). Some are even shocked if a wedding party isn’t selected, which is exactly what we’re choosing to skip. That’s because we want ALL of our family/friends to be special guests.
So, as you can see, people make up unnecessary “rules” for weddings all of the time (and especially for 2nd time brides) with no valid basis for it. It makes me laugh at the true ignorance of it. I truly believe such “rules” are simply to make a second time bride feel “less than” or shamed. So PLEASE don’t listen to any of those made up “no no’s” and happily plan your wedding without restrictions.
Congrats, best wishes and happy planning!!!

I’m 27 but this is my second marriage, first for him. We’ll be having a “traditional” wedding, just like normal. I don’t think anything has to change for your second wedding unless you want it to! You’re still a bride and deserve to feel like one no matter if it’s your first or second wedding. Do what makes you feel comfortable and happy. And remember at the end of the day, you get to start over with the love of your life.

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Thanks Catherine! I think it's more our age that was making me wonder about what is acceptable and then being a 2nd marriage for both of us. But love your take about starting over and your outlook. Appreciate your opinions and sharing them!

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all this info Sexypoodle. I can now plan with less stress. And I love not having to select a wedding party as I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. Thanks so much again!

View Quoted Comment Whoops. I’m wearing a veil and my sons walking me down the aisle. I guess I’m breaking all the rules! 😜

View Quoted Comment Nothing is “unacceptable” based on your age! Do what feels right. If you want to wear a veil and have someone walk you down the aisle, do it! That’s perfectly fine. Those experiences aren’t reserved for first time brides. I walked down the aisle by myself the first time, so I’m so excited to ask my mom to “give me away” this time. And I’ll be wearing a veil. All this wedding is, is a celebration of your love to someone else. Celebrate as you see fit!

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Thanks Catherine! Love your opinion. I will try not to feel uncomfortable planning out our wedding and remember that it is for us.

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Love it Liz! Guess I'm being overly cautious.