White House Wedding - Will Chelsea Be Next?

Jenna Bush is engaged to her long time boyfriend. Although it is doubtful that she will marry from the White House, such an event would be nice. Americans haven't seen a White House wedding since Tricia Nixon married Edward Cox in the Rose Garden in June, 1971.

A White House wedding used to hold a fascination for most Americans. After Tricia Nixon, it was hoped that Gerald Ford's daughter, Susan, would also be married in the White House. But in 1974, large, white weddings were not in vogue. As a matter of fact, it shocked half the nation when Betty Ford was asked how she would feel if her daughter had "an affair." This was a delicate way of asking the First Lady how she would feel if her daughter had sex outside of marriage. Mrs. Ford said she wouldn't mind - her daughter was an adult. Even Susan Ford was shocked at this and exclaimed that she didn't know her mother was so "liberal."

In 1976, when Jimmy Carter became president, his young daughter was way too young for anyone to think about her having a White House wedding. Even if Carter had lasted another four years, it is doubtful that Amy would be old enough to wed.

When Ronald Reagan was elected in 1980, he had two children of marrying age, Ron, Jr. and Patty. Ron, Jr. did end up getting married, but not in the White House. And Patty? She spent most of her time arguing with her family and doing everything she could to humiliate them. Patty Reagan was not going to be a White House bride. The Reagan's made up for their children's errant ways in hosting celebrities parties in the White House that will probably never again be repeated in our lifetime.

George Bush, also called "Bush 41" didn't have young children that would marry in the White House; all of his children were already married and busy running for office themselves.

Bill and Hillary Clinton brought an awkward Chelsea to the White House who grew into a lovely young woman. But this was the 1990s and young women were expected to attend college prior to settling down. Perhaps if Hillary is elected in 2008, there might be another White House wedding.