Tradition and etiquette dictates that second weddings should be simple and casual instead of being formal and extravagant. However, the number of second or encore weddings is sharply growing each year. In any event, such ceremony is designed to celebrate the low between two people who want to embark on a new marriage.

Etiquette In Announcing Your Engagement
The immediate concern in planning a second wedding is how to announce this to you children. The children should always be the first be notified of your decision to remarry, as this will combine two already-established families. Expect that your children may be stressed by your move and they could possibly require a certain amount of time to accept the situation.

The next to be informed should be the bride and groom’s parents followed by the respective ex’s. The ex-wife or ex-husband should make an effort to appease the children and reassure them about their roles in the new family.

Engagement rings from the past should not be worn anymore based on second wedding etiquette. All signs of previous relationships should be taken away once planning for the wedding and announcements are made.

A second marriage can be announced informally such as advertising it in the newspaper, sending e-mails and making personal phone calls. Under second wedding etiquette, the couple does not have to host an engagement party but a small gathering can be organized where you can make that important announcement.

Who Should Attend?

Just about anybody can attend your second wedding. However, in observance of second wedding etiquette ex-spouses and former in-laws should not be invited however,  such as to avoid awkwardness among the other guests-even if you are on speaking terms.

The bride and groom should calculate a realistic budget for the wedding. This is a rare chance to again have the wedding of your dreams- the wedding could be elegant and intimate while at the same time, for some quite extravagant.

Vows and Ceremonies for Second Weddings

Second weddings are normally made in civil ceremonies but can also be done in a religious ceremony. They are many ways to make the ceremony fell very intimate and special. Writing vows is common among second wedding and there is an abundance of books written about it. The children can be assigned to do an important part of the ceremony in order to foster unity. They can escort you while walking the aisle, read passages from the bible or serve as attendants in the event.

Following wedding etiquette for second marriages would mean that either the closest family members and friends of the new couple can walk down the aisle or no one at all.

Are Bridal Showers Needed?
Bridal showers for encore brides are quite normal but it is recommended that you adhere to the second etiquette rules:

- Only guests should be invited
- Club, Office and school showers can also be scheduled and can be attended by others not on the official guest list. However, those that attended the bride’s first wedding should not participate.

Wedding Gifts and Registry

Guests should ensure that they register in the wedding registry. Some guests will have the uncontrollable urge to give something even if the couple does not want gifts. It’s also acceptable for encore couples to sign in the gift registry.

Second Wedding Gift Etiquette Ideas

Gift certificates—restaurants, spas, stores
DVD player and DVDs
Charity Donations
Coffee maker, pasta maker, cook books

Wedding Receptions and Parties
The reception of a second wedding may be extravagant or simple depending on the taste of the couple. The bride and gross will be first at the line and followed by their children. The traditional garter and bridal bouquet toss are optional.

Not Necessary In A Second Marriage

• Rehearsal Dinner
• Attendants
• Accompanying the bride down the aisle
• Procession

Advisable
- Make a gift registry even if you don’t want gifts.

- The children should have responsibilities in the ceremony.

- Customize and personalize the wedding and reception.

Avoid
- Doing the same things in like your first wedding.
- Wearing a similar wedding dress.
- Marry in the exact spot of your first wedding.
- Use old rings from a past marriage.
- Criticizing former spouses

Optional
- Showers
- Engagement Party
- Announcement in the newspaper
- Rehearsal Dinner
- A laving wedding with attendants
- Parents walking down the aisle
- A different color for the wedding dress instead of white

To find our more about second wedding etiquette click here.

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