My husband and I were completely taken aback when our daughter, Grace, told us she was getting married. After all, she was only eighteen. There was no persuading Grace to reconsider.
My mother-in-law questioned her thoroughly:
“Darling, are you expecting a baby?”
“No, Gran,” Grace replied.
Graces fiancé was only two years older than her. We sat down with his parents to discuss everything and agreed the reception would be held at our home. Grace was unimpressed.
Thats so old-fashioned! Cant we do something more modern?
We argued about it for ages. Eventually, we all decided on a restaurant reception. Of course, Grace picked the most expensive package. Neither we nor the grooms parents were pleased.
Grace started to cry. You only get married once.
We took out a loan, as did the grooms family. They bought the diamond ring Grace had asked for. With my daughter, I picked out a stunning wedding dress.
We planned to drive to the registry office in our old car, but Grace was not happy about that.
Hire a Range Rover!
Her father tried to explain it would be far too expensive.
But I really want it, she insisted.
So, we rented a Range Rover for Grace and her new husbands big day. When the wedding finally came around, we were exhaustedmentally, physically, and financially. The whole event had cost us a small fortune. Six months later, Grace and her husband had divorced.
Grace simply didnt like being married. She had endless grievances with her husband.
I remembered my own wedding day. I wore a lovely blouse and skirt. My fiancé waited for me at the registry office with a bouquet of flowers. We’ve now been married for twenty years and raised a child together. A lavish wedding never guaranteed a happy family life.
Im not against weddings, not at all. But everything should be done in moderation. I just hope that next time, our daughter will be a little wiser. Sometimes, happiness isnt about the grandeur of the occasion, but in the life you build together afterwards.
