Second Marriage Wedding Dress and Etiquette

Just as with your first marriage, your second marriage is a new beginning with your fiancé. So it makes sense that many of the traditional rituals and rules of etiquette apply. But which ones?

There is no reason why you should not register for gifts, have a shower, or wear a white, full-length gown at the altar. Whether or not you will choose any of these options is now considered strictly a matter of personal preference dictated by your style.

Charting a new course

When it comes to the ceremony, one of the questions that experienced brides-to-be frequently ask themselves is "Do I really want to do everything the same or do something completely different?" If you were married in a civil ceremony the first time, maybe it's time to consider a church ceremony, complete with flower girls, a ring bearer, and attendants.

Because you are certainly all-grown-up now, this is your chance to plan your wedding exactly the way you want it to be, without any unnecessary consideration for the wishes of parents. However, you will want to discuss your feeling and carry out the planning with the groom.

On the other hand, if the formality and style of your first wedding did suite your taste, you should feel free to repeat those elements. Nevertheless, since this is a time to look toward the future, rather than returning to the past, don't get bogged down with history. Using the same reception site or adding the same personal touches would be in poor taste, so should be avoided.

Large ceremony or small

The size of your wedding party, as well as the number of guests you will invite, is entirely up to you. With regard to the ceremony itself, the rules of etiquette would be the same as if you were marrying for the first time.

If you are planning to invite more than 50 guests, arrange to have attendants (groomsmen or ushers) on hand. If at all possible, you will want to have one attendant for every 50 guests.

And Jenny makes three

Children of the bride and/or groom are often a part of second marriages. If either of you has children, invite them to participate in the ceremony.

Teens make nice junior ushers and junior bridesmaids. Very young daughters can, of course, be flower girls, and little boys, ring bearers or pages. Conversely, if the ceremony is to be small or the ages of the children would make them unsuitable for these roles, you might simply ask them to accompany you down the isle, or meet you at the altar.

Children do not always welcome the opportunity to participate in wedding ceremonies. If you children seem unwilling to play a role in the ceremony, you should respect their feelings. Incidentally, if you share custody with your ex-husband, let him know about plans to include your children in the ceremony.

Inviting your ex-husband and former in-laws

If you and your former in-laws are still on good terms, you may want to invite them. However, you are under no obligation to do so. Consider this as nothing more than a formality since they would not be expected to accept.

Rarely would an ex-spouse be invited to the ceremony, even if the two of you have remained friends. Think about it. Inviting your ex-spouse to the ceremony leaves him with only two choices, neither of which would be welcomed: accepting and feeling bad or declining and looking bad.

A more sensible and considerate approach would be to invite him to a private dinner, perhaps at your home, after the ceremony and honeymoon.

About the Author

Jean Bachcroft is a former public relations director, the founder of Bachcroft and Aloha Labels, and the publisher and editor-in-chief of Town and Country Shopping Bargains Magazine. For designer wedding, holiday, and year-round mailing and return address labels, visit Bachcroft Mailing and Return Address Labels and Aloha Return Address Labels

For bargains and bargain shopping articles, visit Town and Country Shopping Bargains.

---

Is Conflict Healthy in Marriage?

Today my three-year-old daughter told my husband that she wants... Read More

Marriage Counseling: What Do Wives Really Want in a Husband? Part One

Numerous men have pondered the questions, "Why does my wife... Read More

How to Have a Sizzler of a Honeymoon! Article No. 10

What about this business of food for lovers? Is it... Read More

What Being Best Man is All About

Being a best man is like many duties you will... Read More

Ten Beliefs That Can Contribute to an Unhappy Marriage

Have you ever wondered why your marriage isn't happier? If... Read More

The (American) Bride Wore Red

Increasing numbers of American brides are thinking about doing the... Read More

Las Vegas Wedding Packages

One of the good things about Las Vegas Wedding Packages... Read More

Las Vegas Helicopter Weddings

If you've always dreamed of flying in a helicopter, Las... Read More

Wedding Dresses - How to Select the Best One for You

Every bride would agree that her wedding dress should be... Read More

Is Your Heart Set On An Antique Engagement Ring?

As Mark Twain said "Let us not be too particular;... Read More

Wedding Planning: Involve your Fiancé in 10 Easy Steps

He's popped the question. You've chosen a date. And now,... Read More

3 Easy Steps to Buying the Right Engagement Ring

You've made the plunge, you've decided to get married. Congratulations!Don't... Read More

Wedding Reception Entertainment - Choose Wisely

When planning your wedding, what type of entertainment are you... Read More

Wedding Rings

Your wedding rings were meant to last a lifetime. They... Read More

Do-It-Yourself Wedding Invitation Guide

Think creatively and add a personal touch to your special... Read More

Are You Fully Present in Your Marriage?

"Presence is more than just being there," states Malcolm S.Forbes.... Read More

How to Have a Sizzler of a Honeymoon! Article No.1

Henry Vlll and Elizabeth Taylor, who between them had fourteen... Read More

Marital Fulfillment: Tips for Intercultural Couples

Through my personal & professional coaching practice, marital issues often... Read More

Minor But Important Duties For Your Wedding Party, Bridesmaids, and Groomsmen

Your wedding party is a major factor in the success... Read More

Arizona Wedding Reception

The Arizona Inn is just the place that you are... Read More

Wedding Frames ? Are Your Wedding Photographs Safe?

One of the top priorities on a wedding day is... Read More

The Planning of a Bridal Shower!

Planning a bridal shower? Maybe a dear friend or even... Read More

The Perfect Wedding Budget

Creating a wedding budget is one of the first things... Read More

How to Have a Sizzler of a Honeymoon! Article No. 4

When Maria Callas first appeared on the international scene, she... Read More

Let Your Wedding Flowers Speak the Language of Love

Congratulations! You have found the man of your dreams and... Read More

Marriage Counseling Tips: What to Do When Your Spouse Wont Talk

How to get a spouse's attention so that he or... Read More

Lingerie Party Ideas: Tips to Help Break the Ice

Are you in the process of planning that last special... Read More

All that Glitters?Something Old, Something New...

Brides through the ages have accessorized with wedding jewelry to... Read More

Marriage Advice: Seven Marriage Myths You Can?t Afford to Ignore

If you're like most people, you probably entered into marriage... Read More

Planning the Music for Your Wedding Ceremony

It's safe to say that out of all the events... Read More

Choosing A Wedding Photographer

The wedding day is the day that most women wait... Read More

What Happens If You Dont Wear Proper Wedding Shoes?

Here comes the bride! Walking through the alley confidence holding... Read More

Diamond Hunting

Diamond hunting can be quite traumatic for the uninitiated. It... Read More