Tips for Getting Married the Second Time

Many questions have been asked on the proper etiquette for couples who are getting married for the second or the third time.  It’s no secret that women and men are getting married multiple times, so we thought that we would explore the questions many brides have!

The trend that we have seen for second and third weddings is that the bride and groom are in the primes of their life.  These couples have commitments in their lives like work, children and fitting a wedding into their schedule can be tricky!

Couples who are getting married again usually reflect more on the actual ceremony, while at the same time trying to juggle everything in between.  Because of the many activities involved, it is often a good choice to hire a wedding consultant.  Many wedding consultants specialize in planning signature weddings for second time brides and keep the bride and groom on schedule.

What if there are children involved?

Wedding consultants are good for helping to coordinate extended families including the  bride or groom’s children.  Many couples nowadays are choosing to have their children be part of the ceremony. Sons might play the part of an usher, a  ring bearer or a groomsman.  The daughter can also take part in the ceremony as a flower girl or even a bride’s maid.  The bride’s son or daughter might stand next to the bride in a show that the groom is not only marrying the mother, but also acknowledging he is taking the child as his own.  This can be done visa versa as well and it is not uncommon to have a son or daughter walk down the aisle with their mother.  Since children will often have some issues with their parent getting remarried, it is a good idea to let them have a big part in the wedding so they can feel a sense of importance.  Singing during the ceremony, lighting a unity candle or just incorporating a reading will also tie the family and the ceremony together in a special way.

What to wear for you and your wedding party!

Nowadays, anything seams to go for weddings.  Most rules have been thrown out the window because your wedding day belongs to you!

However, for the more traditional bride, here are some suggestions.

Blusher’s are not a good choice for brides walking down the aisle a second time since this reflects the innocence of a first time bride.  Additionally, most brides the second time around do not choose the princess dress they would have chosen to wear in their first wedding.  However, white dresses are no longer taboo.  Hemlines are shorter and the colors are often soft and pastel.  Dresses tend to be less ornamental with better quality silk or silk satin and the train is not as long. Another trend for a second time bride is a hairstyle donning fresh flowers, a choice that is very trendy and elegant nowadays.

Pick a dress that you love, that makes you feel comfortable -it’s your wedding!

Wedding parties tend to be pared down from four plus attendants to two close friends or family. We are also seeing the trend of attendants are usually that are allowed to pick their favorite cocktail dress that is within the brides color scheme or theme.

Wedding Trends and Who Pays

Some couples are opting for smaller, intimate weddings and some  prefer over the top full-blown affairs.  We are seeing changes in the “traditional” wedding traditions.  Often the bouquet and garter toss are  replaced with an award to the longest married couple in the room.

Since most of the time the bride and groom will pay for the second wedding, the choices they make are their own this time around.  However, if it is a first wedding for the bride or groom, parents might still get involved to pay for a part of the wedding.  There are no rules in regards to how to handle this situation, often everyone helps with the budget to make it the most special day possible.

The wedding invitations are issued from the bride and groom, in third person, without titles.  It would read as follows:

Jane Cook
and
John Smith
request the honor of your
presence at their marriage

Enlisting the aid of family, friends and wedding professionals ensure an easy and enjoyable day where nerves stay relatively unfrazzled and the sophistication of the event is remembered for years to come.

Finally, remember that while you might have been married before it was not to each other.  Treat your special day as just that, and keep in mind it is the first day the two of you will spend your life together.