1.Newly engaged couples in their 20s usually tell their parents first. At 50 or over, your children should probably be the first to know. Be sure to work out between the two of you any issues that will affect your children's lives, particularly if they still live at home. Some experts recommend telling the kids without your fiancé(e) present, so that you can help them process any emotions they may have about the situation.
2.At this age, one or both of you may have assets that need to be protected for children's inheritances, or to care for an aging parent. Prenuptial agreements aren't just for the super-rich - they can also help address your family's concerns about the marriage and what it means for them.
3.You're forming a new future together, but you may find it valuable to plan a ceremony that reflects your different backgrounds - combining elements of wedding customs in your separate ethnicities, for example, or having two officiants present if you follow different religious traditions.
4.There's no etiquette rule that says the over-50 bride can't wear white, or can't wear a big ruffled dress if that's what she wants. However, many brides in this age group prefer a lower-key dress or suit in a pastel shade. Try shopping mother-of-the-bride dresses - they've changed a lot and many are really lovely.
5.Since you're not in your 20s, you as a couple can make your own decisions about which "traditions" you want to include in the wedding. Some prefer to do away with the veil, for example, or with throwing the bouquet.
6.If you decide on a ceremony which includes "giving the bride away," and the bride's father is no longer available, consider having one of her children welcome the groom into their family instead.
7.Set reasonable limits on how much you want to do to prepare for the wedding. You don't have to meet some imaginary standard of perfection - instead, try to entertain on the scale that will be comfortable for both of you and your guests.
8.If the two of you have everything you need (and then some!), consider asking guests to contribute to a favorite charity instead of registering for gifts.
9.If either of you has been married before, stay away from using the same church, the same sorts of flowers or the same caterer. You don't want to remind guests too forcefully of the first occasion, or force comparisons between the new spouse and the old one. This wedding is about the very special person you're marrying now.
10.Your wedding is important, but it needn't be a solemn occasion. Make time to enjoy the process and enjoy your new spouse.
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