It is a tremendous step for a man or woman who was happily married for many years to think of marrying again after the death of a spouse. Yet, with better healthcare and longer life expectation there are more and more ‘senior weddings’.
So if you are thinking of remarrying after a divorce or bereavement you may be at sea about the ‘right’ way to go about it. Although there is plenty of advice for first-time young brides, if you are in an older age bracket you will have already discovered that there is not all that much help, leaving you uncertain about the way to proceed. You may be anxious about ‘looking silly at our age’, about the difficulty of ‘telling our children’ and you may even be concerned about ‘what people will think about us?’ ‘Will my late husband's family be upset?’ and ‘Can I have a wedding list a second time?'
Why should anyone be in fear of ‘looking silly?’ Love can come at any age, and who said it is only the very young who can fall in love? Most likely a couple will be the envy of their friends; those who are intimate with them will be delighted that they have found happiness again with each other.
Be aware that children can be distressed by their parents’ remarriage. This can happen at any age but hopefully more mature children will be able to cope with the situation. It is a charming idea to include loved children and grandchildren in the wedding celebration.
Brides - of all ages - worry about their clothes. In the eyes of her future husband, she will be a bride on their wedding day. Brides would look equally beautiful in a smart suit or other ‘dressy’ outfit. And flowers in the hair worn by women of any age are always lovely.
© Jill Curtis 2003
Vocabulary Check:
bereavement - a state of sufferring the death of a loved one
intimate - marked by very close association, contact, or familiarity
mature - having completed natural growth and development
at sea - confused
Comprehension Questions:
1. What are the common concerns of people who are going to marry again at an old age?
2. How does the author view "senior weddings"?
Talking Points:
1. Do you see yourself in the position of marrying even at an old age?
2. What is your opinion on "senior weddings"?
3. Do you know anybody who got married late?
4. Is there any advantage of "senior wedding"?
5. Aside from the concerns mentioned in the text, what are the possible drawbacks of "senior wedding"?
6. If one of your parents decided on marrying again, how would you feel?
7. Agree or disagree: Second-time husband or wife makes a better partner.
8. True or false: There is a growing number of "senior weddings" in Japan.
9. How should a "senior wedding" be done? (type of wedding, guests, customs)
Teacher Yanda