When we think of people getting married, we think of young people, with their whole lives ahead of them. We think of them having children and settling down together as a family. But there are many different kinds of brides.
As life happens, senior citizens sometimes find themselves alone. Maybe their spouse passed away, perhaps they were divorced and parted ways long ago, or maybe they just never married. But this doesn’t have to mean being alone for the rest of their lives. Life is not over just because you’re over fifty!
Often senior citizens will meet and fall in love in their twilight years. Obviously, an older couple usually doesn’t need traditional wedding gifts. In fact, they probably have already disposed of many items that they had accumulated over the years in order to move into one household. This is the perfect scenario for registries (like our friends, Honeyfund) that facilitate alternative gifts.
Buying wedding gifts for mature couples: think retirement, not honeymoon
Of course, the couple is getting married and they are going on a honeymoon. However, guests sometimes get mentally stuck on the wedding gifts so a change of thinking can help. You may find it easier if you think of your gift as a gift for someone celebrating their retirement. This creates a more appropriate line of thought for the couple who do not need traditional gifts. Here are a few ideas:
- Season passes to the museums in their city
- Travel tickets to see the country of their ancestors
- Golf club or health club memberships
- Gift cards to use on a cruise
- Season passes to museums
- Gift cards to a world famous restaurant
- Weekend stays at a bed and breakfast
- Tickets to the World Series or another sport
- Train tickets for a trip
This couple is retired and their days and nights belong to them. Receiving gifts that support their lifestyle is a wonderful way to show you care.
Bucket list
If you are close friends with the couple, you may know about their “Bucket list”. These are things they are determined to experience at least once in their life. This can give you some great ideas for a gift. Here are some ideas:
- Skydiving
- Riding in a hot air balloon
- Sailing
- Searching for diamonds in a diamond mine
- Meeting a favorite celebrity or being part of a studio audience
- Dancing in New York City
- Seeing a Broadway show
- Visiting Niagara Falls
- Riding in a race car
- Going on a safari
- Swimming with the dolphins in Florida
- Visiting Disneyland
There are many dreams that may seem like a reach, but with a little creativity, you can help make them come true. Our golden years are the best time to explore and enjoy our freedom.
Beginning a life together in your retirement years means all restrictions are lifted. Make your wedding gift count. Make it something that will enhance their life, and create magical memories.