Getting Married for the Second Time
Getting married for the second time around can be a lot easier than the first time. You’ll have a firm handle on how the day should run, and probably some opinions on what you want, and don’t want, at the wedding.
Traditional etiquette dictates a second wedding should be simple and casual, however modern etiquette (and common sense) tells us you can do whatever you want!
Here we are going to cover off some advice for those of you having an encore wedding.
Announcing your Engagement
A second marriage can be announced just as you would your first, by advertising it in the newspaper, posting it on Facebook, and phone calls.
It might be obvious, but just in case – engagement rings from the past should not be worn anymore, even on a different finger. All signs of previous relationships should be taken away once planning for the wedding and announcements are made. This is a fresh start with your new partner.
Second Wedding Planning with Kids
When planning a second wedding, your first thought needs to go to your children, if you have any. The children should always be the first to be notified of your decision to remarry, as this will combine two already-established families. Don’t expect incredible displays of joy: kids may be hoping “Mum and Dad will get back together” and they will need a certain amount of time to accept the situation. It’s not that they are unhappy by your decision but rather unsettled by change.
The bride and groom’s parents and close family members like siblings should be the next to be informed and then the respective exes (if appropriate). The ex-wife or ex-husband should make an effort to appease the children and reassure them about their roles in the new family.
What To Wear at Second Wedding
You can wear whatever you like to your wedding. If you’d like to wear an elaborate white wedding dress, go for it. At the same time if you’re after a more casual and relaxed look you can choose a more demure cream dress instead of a white dress, or different colors entirely.
The important thing is that you feel comfortable and happy with what you’re wearing.
Who To Invite to Second Wedding
Just about anybody can attend your second wedding. Close friends, family, your whole social circle if you like.
However, ex-spouses and former in-laws should not be invited even if you are on speaking terms to avoid awkwardness among the other guests. Plus you don’t want to put your new husband in the hot seat by asking if it’s okay to have your ex and any emotional baggage still there. You may also invite unfair comparisons by having the ex there.
Your Children at your Second Wedding
If you have children, assign them an important part of the ceremony in order to foster unity. They can escort you while walking the aisle, do a reading, or serve as attendants in the event.
Second Wedding Bridal Shower
It’s perfectly acceptable for a bride to have a bridal shower for her second wedding. If you are concerned at all about offending someone with having a shower, just ensure you follow some traditional etiquette: only guests to the wedding should be invited unless it is a shower run by the bride’s workplace and her work colleagues are hosting.
Traditional etiquette dictates anyone who attended the first wedding should not participate; I would leave that decision to your own judgment/particular circumstances.
Wedding gifts and registry
It’s completely fine to have a registry or wishing well for a second marriage. This advice on asking for particular gifts may help, as generally, you’ll be coming into a second marriage with two sets of household items rather than nothing.
Wedding gift ideas for second marriages
- Gift certificates—restaurants, spas, stores
- Charity Donations
- Coffee maker, pasta maker, cookbooks
- New bed linen
Additional Considerations
You want to make sure you’re getting married for the right reasons and do things differently than in your previous relationship.
Divorce rates are a bit higher for second marriages and it only goes up for third marriages. It’s important you get married with no heavy baggage from the past weighing on your mind.
Obviously, ex-partners and old relationships do play a role but don’t get married again if you still harbor feelings towards your former spouse.
Avoid
- Getting married in the same place as your first wedding. Choose a spot that’s new to you and your future spouse.
- Wearing a similar wedding dress as what you wore in your first wedding.
- Doing similar readings to your first wedding
- Reusing old rings from a past marriage
- Criticizing former spouses. Keep any negative past experiences in the past.
Final Thoughts
A second wedding is a beautiful opportunity to start a new chapter in life, surrounded by the love and support of friends and family.
By focusing on the joy and excitement of this momentous occasion, and remaining mindful of the feelings of everyone involved, you can create a truly memorable and special event that honors your unique love story.
For more wedding planning information check out some of these other posts:
