Second Wedding Etiquette
Many people today have second weddings and for these times, second wedding etiquette can be observed by the couple. Use your own best judgement, as many couples today find wedding traditions to be archaic and outdated. It entirely depends on whether, and whose experience is complicated by spouses from the former marriage.
Prior to the Wedding:
Second wedding etiquette recognizes the need to address the feelings of the former spouse. A courtesy of some sort must be extended to your former legal partner. If your relationship with your ex-spouse is cordial, feel free to announce your engagement over dinner. If, on the other hand, your relationship is not so friendly, the future bride or groom should inform his or her former spouse of the engagement by telephone. If you are close to your former in-laws, extend the same degree of courtesy to them.
If the couple has children to consider, it is polite to inform them of their decision. Regardless of their children's protests, this should not be omitted or done at the last minute. Children have a longer time to adjust and accept certain truths. One of them is the idea of having a new mom or dad.
That's why second wedding etiquette dictates that the children be informed of the engagement as soon as possible. If you and your new partner share a healthy relationship with your children, they will respect your wishes and support your union.
Finer Points Of The Wedding:
Apply what you learned from your first wedding, and make your upcoming celebration even more joyful. Your second wedding should be a smaller affair, and both you and your spouse should bear in mind that only close friends and family will be expected to attend. If you and your former spouse are still friends you may invite him or her, although it is considered impolite to do so.
It's important to have an open discussion regarding the budget for your wedding. Expenses are usually shared, and questions about who will pay for what should be settled privately between you and your future spouse.
Many couples celebrating a second wedding choose to hold the event out of town. Often, older couples have more disposable income and are able to afford the luxury of celebrating the marriage in a foreign place. This isn't always true of every guest, however. Consider whether your guests are able to pay for travel, accommodation, and related expenses.
Second Wedding Locations:
As a rule, second wedding etiquette requires that the bride and groom not celebrate their marriage in a place suggestive of the past relationships. Second weddings are sensitive occasions for both parties because there is an unspoken expectation from the partner regarding the first marriage. In selecting the theme, the wedding location and where the reception would be held is a matter for both parties to discuss. The locations should be available to the family and guests.
As a courtesy, the couple should provide transportation for their wedding party. Find out who is planning to drive, or if rented cars will be required. Making these plans in advance can save you time and cash closer to the big day.
Choosing Wedding Colors:
Regarding the color of the dress, it is acceptable for the bride to wear a white wedding gown. The groom and groomsmen may wear tuxedos. For a second wedding etiquette, you can still more or less follow the traditional color palette.
It's a Family Affair:
Sometimes, second weddings are not about creating new families, but are a celebration of renewed love. Second wedding etiquette also applies to a couple renewing their vows. This is often done on to mark the occasion of a marriage milestone such as a 25th or 50th anniversary.
This type of wedding is usually more intimate and private than the first union. It is also more joyous. The reaffirmation of love and dedication to a husband or wife, after years of marriage, is a rare and beautiful thing. If you are holding a second wedding to celebrate the renewal of your vows, limit the guest list to your closest friends and family. Plan an easy, carefree event that will be enjoyed by everyone in attendance.
Second Wedding Etiquette for Guests:
If you are to be a guest at a second wedding, it's polite to bring a gift for the happy couple. Not all couples will use wedding registries, so choose a gift that can be used and enjoyed. Of course, cash is always welcome. As in a first wedding, envelopes with cash should be presented to a member of the bride's or groom's family.
In most ways, second wedding etiquette is as easily to follow as the rules for a first wedding. The most important thing to remember is that you must be considerate of your partner's thoughts and feelings. The honeymoon should be sweeter and more exciting than the first. Think of the lessons learned during your first marriage, and use them to make your new union as strong and happy as possible.
Prior to the Wedding:
Second wedding etiquette recognizes the need to address the feelings of the former spouse. A courtesy of some sort must be extended to your former legal partner. If your relationship with your ex-spouse is cordial, feel free to announce your engagement over dinner. If, on the other hand, your relationship is not so friendly, the future bride or groom should inform his or her former spouse of the engagement by telephone. If you are close to your former in-laws, extend the same degree of courtesy to them.
If the couple has children to consider, it is polite to inform them of their decision. Regardless of their children's protests, this should not be omitted or done at the last minute. Children have a longer time to adjust and accept certain truths. One of them is the idea of having a new mom or dad.
That's why second wedding etiquette dictates that the children be informed of the engagement as soon as possible. If you and your new partner share a healthy relationship with your children, they will respect your wishes and support your union.
Finer Points Of The Wedding:
Apply what you learned from your first wedding, and make your upcoming celebration even more joyful. Your second wedding should be a smaller affair, and both you and your spouse should bear in mind that only close friends and family will be expected to attend. If you and your former spouse are still friends you may invite him or her, although it is considered impolite to do so.
It's important to have an open discussion regarding the budget for your wedding. Expenses are usually shared, and questions about who will pay for what should be settled privately between you and your future spouse.
Many couples celebrating a second wedding choose to hold the event out of town. Often, older couples have more disposable income and are able to afford the luxury of celebrating the marriage in a foreign place. This isn't always true of every guest, however. Consider whether your guests are able to pay for travel, accommodation, and related expenses.
Second Wedding Locations:
As a rule, second wedding etiquette requires that the bride and groom not celebrate their marriage in a place suggestive of the past relationships. Second weddings are sensitive occasions for both parties because there is an unspoken expectation from the partner regarding the first marriage. In selecting the theme, the wedding location and where the reception would be held is a matter for both parties to discuss. The locations should be available to the family and guests.
As a courtesy, the couple should provide transportation for their wedding party. Find out who is planning to drive, or if rented cars will be required. Making these plans in advance can save you time and cash closer to the big day.
Choosing Wedding Colors:
Regarding the color of the dress, it is acceptable for the bride to wear a white wedding gown. The groom and groomsmen may wear tuxedos. For a second wedding etiquette, you can still more or less follow the traditional color palette.
It's a Family Affair:
Sometimes, second weddings are not about creating new families, but are a celebration of renewed love. Second wedding etiquette also applies to a couple renewing their vows. This is often done on to mark the occasion of a marriage milestone such as a 25th or 50th anniversary.
This type of wedding is usually more intimate and private than the first union. It is also more joyous. The reaffirmation of love and dedication to a husband or wife, after years of marriage, is a rare and beautiful thing. If you are holding a second wedding to celebrate the renewal of your vows, limit the guest list to your closest friends and family. Plan an easy, carefree event that will be enjoyed by everyone in attendance.
Second Wedding Etiquette for Guests:
If you are to be a guest at a second wedding, it's polite to bring a gift for the happy couple. Not all couples will use wedding registries, so choose a gift that can be used and enjoyed. Of course, cash is always welcome. As in a first wedding, envelopes with cash should be presented to a member of the bride's or groom's family.
In most ways, second wedding etiquette is as easily to follow as the rules for a first wedding. The most important thing to remember is that you must be considerate of your partner's thoughts and feelings. The honeymoon should be sweeter and more exciting than the first. Think of the lessons learned during your first marriage, and use them to make your new union as strong and happy as possible.
