Knot Plan

With so many divorces it’s amazing that people continue to get married. Not just once, but multiple times. I guess everyone is hoping to hit the right key. So when you do find the right one and want to commit, go ahead and celebrate too! Most couples don’t like to look at it being their second or third wedding, but as a first for them as a couple. Encore weddings are usually paid for by the couple themselves so all the decisions are made by them too. Most often the guest list is smaller and includes more of their friends and associates, as opposed to their parents friends. I’m told it is OK to invite ex-inlaws, just not ex-spouses.

Etiquette prescribes that that there is no need for an engagement party or shower for encore couples. Today’s brides may opt to have one anyway, but it should be kept informal, and invitations can read “ no gifts please”. Sometimes intimate theme parties are held, such as wine, garden, or household goods parties.

If children are a part of the marriage, they should be a crucial part of the celebration too. The wedding should be a family affair, with the children participating as much as they want to. One interesting idea is for couples to have their new family members join them in their first dance. Vows can also be written to include kids to love and respect the new partners. Special medals, or rings, or necklaces, can be exchanged as a symbol of the couples commitment to family.

Many wedding consultants advise against an encore bride wearing pure white, unless the gown or dress is less formal or less traditional than a first time bridal gown. No veil should be worn, but flowers, or hair jewelry is appropriate. Etiquette states that there is no “giving away” of the bride, as this was done the first time, nor is there any processional, or bridesmaids per se. The bride just enters the ceremony site herself, and one or two friends may be there already to stand up for the couple. As with any wedding, the encore couple should try to ensure the good time of their guests, as well as establish fun memories for themselves.