Yes, You Can – Tips for the Encore Bride

jean@weddingsfromtheheart.net

14 years ago

Is this your second wedding? Are you an Encore Bride (or Groom)? If you are like many people, this may not be your first wedding. So you’re probably wondering “what am I allowed to have at my wedding?” The good news is that there are plenty of ideas for a second wedding (or third, …).

Guess what? You can have your wedding any way you and your partner want!

When looking for ideas for a second wedding, remember that this day is for you and your fiancé and the celebration of the love you have for each other. Don’t let anything in the past put a damper on the excitement of this new and wonderful relationship you share, or get in the way of having the celebration you really want.

With the minor exception of two things – a veil and orange blossoms, which both symbolize virginity – there is nothing you cannot have at your wedding. (But then again, if you decide to have a veil or orange blossoms, the “wedding police” aren’t going to swoop down and stop you. So if that is what you and your partner want, go for it).

Yes, you can wear white – it is the color of celebration.
Your bridal party can be as large or as small as you want.
You can register for gifts.
If your attendants or someone else wants to throw a bridal shower for you, let them.
You can also have a bachelorette party.

Think about your previous wedding for a moment, and then consider the following:

1. Do you want to do everything in a new way?
2. Did you feel overwhelmed by the size of your last ceremony?
3. Did the style of your first wedding reflect your tastes, regardless of its outcome?
4. Do you want to find a special role for your children?
5. Are you still close to your in-laws, ex-spouse?
6. Would you feel more comfortable with a civil ceremony?

Answering these questions honestly can help guide you in your wedding planning. And when thinking of ideas for a second wedding is not so different than planning for a first-time wedding.

Other Ideas For A Second Wedding

1) Pre-Wedding Events
Many couples feel that some pre-wedding events, such as bachelorette and bachelor parties, and showers are inappropriate for a second (or third, or …) wedding. Well, those that are raucous and wild, and represent the bride and groom’s “last days of freedom” are usually skipped for a second wedding kind of are. Also bridal showers (with the giving of gifts needed to start a new marriage/household) are typically skipped.

This doesn’t mean that you can’t have any pre-wedding celebrations. Like many other things, just alter them so they appropriately fit. A nice dinner out with your friends, a camping (or glamping) weekend, a golf outing.

Shower ideas for the second time bride are less shower-her-with-gifts, but have fun together, with an outing for spa day, to a comedy club, or concert. Or if your peeps want to go a bit more traditional, they can host a simple couple’s shower.

Traditions
Some wedding traditions, like the bouquet and garter toss, may seem more fitting for a younger, first-time wedding. But, if you want to include them, and you have enough guests to participate, then go for it. Feel free to include any traditions that hold meaning for you and your partner.

Your wedding can be as big or as small as you want. Any previous marriages / weddings have no bearing.

You can have a traditional ceremony processional with bridesmaids and groomsmen if you want. Or you can skip the traditional processional and walk in together.

Other Ideas For A Second Wedding

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