My husband and I were utterly stunned when our daughter, Emily, told us she was getting married. She was only eighteen! Not for lack of trying, but there was simply no persuading Emily to reconsider her decision.
My mother-in-law, ever the inquisitive type, grilled Emily with a stern look:
Emily dear, are you expecting a baby?
No, Grandma, she replied.
Emilys fiancé was only two years older than she was. We discussed everything with his parents and finally agreed that the wedding reception would take place at our home. Emily was quite displeased with the plan.
Oh, Mum, thats so old-fashioned! Cant we do something a bit more modern?
We argued for ages about it. Eventually, we settled on having the reception at a restaurant. Of course, Emily picked the most expensive package. Both we and the grooms parents were far from happy about it.
Emily burst into tears and said, You only get married once in your life.
We ended up taking out a loan, and so did the grooms parents. The diamond ring Emily wanted was bought, and I went with her to choose a breathtaking dress.
We thought wed just drive our old Ford down to the registry office, but Emily gave us another disapproving look.
At the very least, hire a Range Rover!
Her father tried to reason with her, explaining how pricey that would be.
But I really want it, she insisted.
So, we hired a Range Rover for the wedding. By the time the day came round, both our nerves and our wallets were stretched to breaking point. The whole affair cost us a small fortune. Six months after the wedding, Emily and her husband divorced.
The reality was, Emily simply didnt like being married. She had more complaints about her husband than I could count.
It made me think back to my own wedding day. I wore a lovely blouse and skirt, and my fiancé stood waiting for me at the registry, clutching a bunch of flowers. Weve been together twenty years now, had a child, and never once wished for a grand affair. No lavish party determines your familys happiness.
I certainly dont object to weddings, but everything should have its limits. I can only hope next time, our daughter will be more sensible in her choices.
