Weddings in Old Age

It's inevitable that more weddings are happening between partners no longer in their first flush of youth - and we're not talking 30s and 40s here. People are living longer - the new life expectancy for both men and women is 79 - and an active existence in the seventh and eighth decade is becoming increasingly viable due to medical advances and better living conditions.

Add to that changing social patterns. The divorce rate for first marriages is now 45%, so almost half of all unions will end in the courts. That means there's a large pool of potential second (and third) weddings out there! Contributed to, of course, by those who are happily married but lose their partner to death.

Imagine that your elderly mother, divorced or widowed for years, suddenly announces she's getting married again. Would you go into shock, or be delighted for her and help her to plan the party?

Clearly, the fluffy white dress and veil she wore the first time around won't do. But equally, the elderly bride doesn't want to look like the bride's mother. Simplicity is the key, and a marvellous haircut, whether she's a dyed blonde or silver-topped, with a fetching hat or stunning hair fascinator, is essential. Hiring a pro make-up artist for the big day will help boost her confidence.

For the outfit, a sharp skirt suit or elegant trouser suit paired with a gorgeous pair of heeled wedding shoes will look stylish without being frumpy - or help her choose a fantastically simple but sumptuous dress and jacket. Time for a browse round your nearest good department store. If neither of you are fashionistas, ask the store fashion advisor to help you choose a wedding look. As for accessories, check out Henry Kaye's fantastic range of elegant, affordable items, from wedding handbags to bridal gloves to wedding lingerie  that enhances and perfects a figure which has seen a few years go by!

As for the reception, that's up to the bride. She might want a rerun of her first wedding, whether it was a formal set-menu soiree in a posh hotel or a knees-up at the local pub. Or she may wish to strike a totally different note, in which case it's time for a surf on the web! There are hundreds of informative websites packed with ideas for wedding venues - try hitched.co.uk for starters. Whatever she chooses, she won't be the only elderly bride to sign up again this year...

To view Henry Kaye's full collection of simply stylish wedding shoes, beautiful bridesmaid dresses and stunning wedding accessories, click here.

And for more useful hints and advice to help make her day that little bit more extra special, click here.