The Second Time - Another White Wedding?

That first wedding was a dream, a gorgeous long white wedding dress, a beautiful church, luscious bridesmaids and the groom in tails. Plus all the trimmings and a heavenly reception and a great honeymoon.

Upsetting as it is, at least 50 percent of marriages end in divorce. But we don't give up do we? Some 80 percent of us marry again. Hopefully, we're a little wiser, a little more experienced and a little more sensible the second time. And a little more relaxed.

The formal, traditional white wedding is not only expensive, it can be incredibly stressful despite the power of our dreams and fantasies and the years we spent imagining just how it would be. For most, the second time isn't seen as particularly suitable for a traditional white wedding.

While many of us settle for a simple exchange of vows and a much less formal party for friends and relatives, you may want to consider a couple delightful alternatives.

Remember, a second wedding is still a wedding. You and your other are making a real and significant commitment to a life together. It deserves to be marked off from the more mundane events of everyday life.

Events that are significant markers in our lives are normally weighted with significance by traditions, unusual activities, special psychological and social meanings. This makes them stand out and marks transitions from one phase of our life to a new phase. Anthropologists call them rites of passage and weddings are a prime example.

One lovely new development has been the growth of both theme weddings and destination weddings. They can be especially well suited to the second wedding. Theme weddings can be nearly anything you can conceive of - from medieval with antique styled Gothic wedding dresses to the extremely casual styles associated with a beach wedding. You can truly let your imagination run riot. For you and your guests it can offer an absolutely unique experience that will be remembered forever.

Alternatively, destination weddings can be of any type. While the basic idea is that it takes place in some beautiful, exotic or historical setting, far from your day-to-day life, you can arrange for anything from a full-blown white wedding to a small cozy informal exchange of vows outdoors in a natural setting so lovely that no added frills are necessary.

Normally, a destination wedding combines the elements of the wedding and the honeymoon. You are already out of your daily existence. You've chosen a place you've always wanted to go. And you've shared it with those close to you. For your guests this is also an opportunity to enjoy a break from their day-to-day and combine the pleasure of being with you when you marry and a great vacation.

While I'm a great fan of the destination wedding, it can become complicated and you need to carefully check out all the details, from the local wedding laws to just who will marry you, where and how. Even within the US, laws vary significantly from state to state. For foreign destinations please don't jump into without doing your research.

You can find wedding planners, travel agents, resorts and hotels that can greatly ease the problems of organizing from a distance. Many resorts and hotels offer packages that include these services or can recommend local resources. Do not neglect checking references.

Obviously, economics play a significant role. You'll need to consider just what you can really afford and just what your guests can afford. Of course, it's always possible to make a destination wedding just the two of you. Sometimes an elopement is the best solution - and then the whole thing from beginning to end can be a dreamy honeymoon.

Whatever your dream, you don't need to feel limited any longer by outmoded traditions and ancient etiquette. There's a new freedom we are all reaching for and it includes the option of structuring the important events in our lives to be more personally relevant and meaningful. From the wedding itself to the type and style of wedding dress, alternatives have grown incredibly in this new age. Why not make your marriage an expression of your uniqueness?

Elena manages http://www.All-Wedding-Dresses.com with articles and resources about weddings and, particularly, all kinds of wedding dresses from traditional white wedding to maternity and theme wedding styles.

---

Fabulous Wedding Favors For Every Budget

Wedding favors are a delightful detail for any wedding shower,... Read More

Wedding Colors

Is it to be a summer wedding or winter wedding?... Read More

Save Money on Your Wedding Dress

Your wedding is quite possibly the most important day of... Read More

Diamond Hunting

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

Choosing a Wedding Date ?- When You?re Feeling Indecisive

He ? or she ? asked, and you answered in... Read More

How to Have a Sizzler of a Honeymoon! Article No.5

Every woman in the room agreed that Crichton was a... Read More

Which Came First, Love or Marriage?

I came across an article today: LOVE AND MARRIAGE THE... Read More

Marriage Advice: Upgrade Your Marriage By Changing Your Focus

As the story goes, a Cherokee elder was sitting with... Read More

The Gracious Bride

The key to being a gracious bride is to be... Read More

Flower Girl Flowers

There are many options available to adorn your flower girl... Read More

Selecting Your Wedding Centerpieces

Wedding centerpieces help tie together the look of your entire... Read More

5 Tips To Keep Marital Bliss Alive After You Retire!

Let's face it retirement is a time of great transition... Read More

Prenuptial Agreements: The Deal Breaker?

So you're toying with the idea of getting married? Maybe... Read More

Living in LOVE : Remembering Why You Married

The kids are yelling, the dog is barking, and you... Read More

Maid of Honor Duties

Being chosen as a maid of honor is a great... Read More

Marriage Advice: Ten Ways to Add Romance to Your Marriage

Every marriage needs a healthy dose of on-going romance to... Read More

Planning the Music for Your Wedding Ceremony

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

Anniversary Gifts that Say I Love You

Exchanging anniversary gifts is a long standing tradition. Many couples... Read More

Beyond Her Grasp

I am a woman, 42, who three years ago married... Read More

Hot Wedding Trend: Platinum Wedding Rings

In our hungry-for-anything new pop culture world, celebrities are often... Read More

Wedding Videography - When Getting it Right on the 1st Take Counts, Hire a Professional

Getting married is one of the most stressful events anyone... Read More

Focus On What Is Important ? Your Wedding Disc Jockey Choice

Your true love got down on his knees and asked... Read More

Bridal Shower Games Are Extremely Fun!

Bridal shower games are a wonderful way to put your... Read More

Wedding Etiquette for the Best Man, Groomsmen, and Ushers

Undoubtedly, the groom will want to choose a few good... Read More

Faulty Expectations: 4 Essential Don?ts

The more realistic you are as you prepare for marriage,... Read More

Beach Wedding Cakes

Looking for beach theme wedding cake ideas?When it comes to... Read More

Unique Beach Wedding Receptions

The most unique beach wedding reception ideas are sparked by... Read More

Marriage Counseling Advice: Give Your Spouse Space to Breathe and Grow

When you're married, the boundaries between yourself and your spouse... Read More

Saving Money on Photography for Your Wedding

Weddings are momentous occasions to all people involved; especially the... Read More

The Bachelor Party: A Guide For The Best Man

If you forget the ring, there is still a chance... Read More

Slash Your Wedding Ceremony Bills

When it comes to your wedding services alone, nobody wants... Read More

Bridesmaids Gifts: a Token of Love, Appreciation and Affection

No one has as much fun as the bride to... Read More

Celtic Diamond Rings ? A Combination of History And Romance

The symbolism of Celtic Diamond Rings is relevant to all... Read More