BEST TIPS ON YOUR SECOND WEDDING

The Ceremony:

If you are planning a ceremony that is for a second marriage, be sure to check with your clergyman or officiant to determine if there are any rules or restrictions for remarriages of divorced people.

The following are different case scenarios regarding bride and groom’s second marriages:

·                   Bride’s first marriage and groom’s second:

Everything normally remains close to tradition. The ceremony may be as formal or religious as you would like.

·                   Bride’s second:

A semiformal or informal wedding is chosen. Only close friends and family members are present. The exception is if the bride has never had a large formal wedding before or has no children.

·                   Bride’s second but groom’s first:

The groom’s parents may opt to host the wedding or the couple may chose to pay for it themselves.

·                   Both the bride and groom’s second:

Its best to have a semiformal or informal wedding. There should be a maid (matron) of honor but no bridesmaids. The groom should have a best man and only several ushers if they are needed. If so, the ushers don’t need to stand at the altar. You may want to involve children from previous marriages, depending on their ages.

Invitations and announcements:

If you are inviting 30 or more guests besides your closest friends or relatives, you should send printed invitations. Usually the person who is hosting the ceremony and reception should issue the invitations. The wording will depend on your individual situation. If you are planning to have a small ceremony but a large reception, a formal invitation should be sent to all guests with a ceremony card included for all guests invited to both the reception and ceremony.

Gifts are not expected for a second wedding but if you should receive any, you should send thank- you notes. Remember, it is not proper to indicate “no gifts” on the invitation.

The Wedding Dress:

What type of dress you chose to wear will depend on the formality of the ceremony and the time of day. You may wear white but you could also chose ivory or something in a pastel color. It could be an ankle or mid-length dress or suit. Do not wear a veil which is a symbol of virginity. Instead wear a wreath of fresh or silk flowers or a hat. You may want to carry a bouquet, a decorated prayer book or a single flower.

The Reception:

The reception can be of any size or style you wish. You may still toast with champagne, cut the wedding cake and have a “first dance”. However, first time wedding customs like tossing the bouquet or garter should be omitted.

Including children in your wedding:

You and your groom will need to discuss your feelings and thoughts on children from previous marriages role’s in the wedding. Remarriage of a parent is difficult for most children to accept. If the children choose to be involved, you should include them in the wedding plans from the beginning. They should feel like that are active participants in the planning, decision making, and shopping.

Wedding Date:                                                                                                Number of Guests:_                            Rehearsal Date:_                                                                                                                                          

Time:_                                             

Time:                                                 

Name:	Home Phone:	Work Phone:
Bride:
Groom:
Bride’s Parents:
Groom’s Parents
Bride’s Attendants:	Home Phone:	Work Phone:
Matron of Honor:
Maid of Honor:
Bridesmaid:
Bridesmaid:
Bridesmaid:
Bridesmaid:
Bridesmaid:
Junior Bridesmaid:
Flower Girl:
Other:
Groom’s Attendants:	Home Phone:	Work Phone:
Best Man:
Usher:
Usher:
Usher:
Usher:
Usher:
Usher:
Usher:
Ringbearer:
Other:

Wedding Vendor Worksheet

Vendors:	Phone/Cell:	Address:	Pager:	Email:
Wedding Consultant:
Officiant:
Ceremony Site:
Organist:
Soloist:
Other Musicians:
Stationer:
Calligrapher:
Florist:
Bridal Attire:
Tuxedo:
Attendant Attire:
Reception Site:
Caterer:
Bartender:
Valet:
Bakery:
Reception Musicians:
Photographer:
Videographer:
Transportation:
Travel Agent:
Rent Equipment:
Special Equipment:
Guest Book Attendant:
Gift Attendant:
Jeweler:
Other:
Other: