My Day: wedding memories
In this, the first edition of My Day, I asked my own Mother-in-Law, the lovely Barbara about her memories of her wedding day. Here she shares some highlights and some words of wisdom for those newly engaged.
How did you and your husband meet? Tell us his name and a little about your story.
I am now a widow in my mid eighties but I vividly remember my wedding day.
I met Michael in the orthopaedic ward of a London hospital in January 1962. He was visiting his mother. She was a patient having a hip operation and I was the Staff Nurse. In those days the “hip” patient stayed in hospital for six weeks. I got to know her son well and we started going out together. In July 1964 we married. It was a very happy day.
In the nineteen sixties the brides’ parents were involved. Usually they organised and paid for the reception (wedding breakfast), The bridegroom paid for the church expenses, cars, flowers and bridesmaid gifts. The bride bought her dress. Hen parties didn’t exist and the bridegroom went with his friends, the night before the wedding, to the local pub for drinks (probably too many!). This was his Stag Night.
We had made a list of presents we would like and this was passed around a couple of months before the wedding. I enjoyed planning the church music and looking for a wedding dress. I remember after the photographs were taken outside the church walking down to the waiting car on the arm of my new husband with our family and friends walking behind us.
The new Mrs Barbara Murray on her wedding day in the sixties. She wore ivory brocade, a high neck and long sleeves.
What advice would you give on wedding planning?
Do as much planning for your wedding as possible. When you know you have completed this you are more likely to relax and enjoy the day. The day goes very quickly.
Tell us about finding your dress and accessories.
In the nineteen sixties getting married was a more simple affair. Three of my friends had made their wedding dresses. My one bridesmaid, a close cousin, made her dress. I hired my dress. It was beautiful, ivory brocade, high neck and long sleeves. I wore my hair up, a tiara with a short veil.
What was your wedding day like?
Looking back I was grateful that the weather was good, hot and sunny. We and our guests were happy and smiling. A wonderful day. I was lucky. I was married for almost sixty years. The happy wedding day was a great way to start.
Having seen many weddings, what would you say to a bride-to-be?
As the bride you will be beautiful in your chosen dress. Good Luck.
A huge thank you to Barbara for sharing these wonderful memories and beautiful photographs. What a stunning and stylish bride you were and dashing groom Mike was.