. second time brides. . .
GETTING MARRIED AGAIN
It’s no secret that men and women are getting married more than once these days. However, with the decision to wed a second or third time there are also the common worries about tradition, dress styles, and proper etiquette.
Brides who are walking down the aisle for at least the second time tend to be more mature and ready to take on the world in a more sophisticated manner. Oftentimes, they are full-fledged career women who barely have time to fit a wedding into their schedule, much less plan a memorable day for which they can feel proud. With commitments such as work, children (and their busy schedules), and a personal life, it can be a tricky balancing act to plan a wedding during the prime of your life.
Couples who are getting married again usually reflect more on the actual ceremony, Because of the many aspects involved in the planning, 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.
A wedding coordinator keeps a record and schedule for the busy bride, which means the bride has someone to help her remember to get the wedding dress altered before the wedding picture is taken or remembering the ring bearer’s pillow is not available until the day before the ceremony.
What about the Children?
Above all else, be sure your children are the first to know of your engagement; the ex-spouses with whom you have children should also be told, then other family and friends. Wedding consultants are good for helping to coordinate extended families, including the bride’s or groom’s children.
Many couples are choosing to have their children be a part of the ceremony. Depending on the age of the children, sons might play the part of a groomsman, an usher, or a ring bearer. The daughter can also take part in the ceremony as a bridesmaid or a flower girl. The bride’s son or daughter might stand next to her 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 also be done on the groom’s side. It is not uncommon to have a son and/or daughter walk down the aisle with the mother/bride.
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. Some families choose to share family vows during the ceremony, whereas the new step parent promises to love and care for the children, while promising to always love and protect their parent.
Choosing the Right Dress and Style for You and the Wedding Party
Blushers are not a good choice for brides walking down the aisle a second time since this reflects the innocence of a first-time bride. However, the trend for a second time bride is a classic hairstyle donning a headpiece, which might include elements such as feathers, organza flowers, tulle, lace, or jewelry/rhinestones/seed pearls. The possibilities are endless, but nevertheless beautiful and elegant.
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. Second time brides often choose shorter hemlines and colors that are often soft and pastel. Overall, dresses tend to be less ornamental, but with better quality silk or silk satin, and the train is not as long. The most important thing is to pick a dress, regardless of the color, that brings out the beauty of the bride.
Wedding parties tend to be pared down from four plus attendants to two close friends or family. Additionally, attendants are usually allowed to pick their favorite cocktail dress that is within the brides color scheme or theme.
Wedding Trends and Who Pays
Smaller, intimate weddings are definitely the norm for second time couples walking down the aisle. The receptions are different too; simple dinner parties or cocktail receptions are preferred over full-blown affairs. The bouquet and garter toss might be supplemented or 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 want to be involved and pay for a part of the wedding. As there are no rules regarding to how to handle this situation, often everyone helps with the budget to make it the most special day possible. As with any wedding, all parties involved in paying for aspects of the wedding should meet and discuss all wedding budget items and then set a reasonable budget.
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 a new beginning for the two of you, with your pasts behind you both, looking only forward, together as a team.
©Reprinted compliments of Premier Bride and Premier Bride of Mississippi. Want more? Visit www.premierbridems.com