Remarriage Etiquette
If you plan to get remarried soon, it's important to keep remarriage etiquette in mind. Certain courtesies are expected when informing guests of the ceremony or requesting gifts. Remembering these rules will make the ceremony more enjoyable for everyone.
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Announcing the Engagement
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For a second or subsequent marriage, it is appropriate for the engaged couple to inform their children first (this is also the case for individuals with children who are marrying for the first time). The parents of the bride and groom should be informed of the engagement next, followed by the ex-spouses of the couple. Ex-spouses may prove to be instrumental in reassuring children that they are still loved and valued by both parents.
Invitations
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It is still ideal to send invitations to guests for a remarriage, although the invitations do not have to be as formal as first-wedding invites. Invitations are the best way to let guests know that a wedding will be taking place, unless the couple only want close family members and friends to be present for the wedding. In that case they can tell their guests about the ceremony via word of mouth or over the phone.
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Engagement Party
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It is common for individuals who are getting remarried to host their own engagement parties (the parents of the bride or groom will customarily host an engagement celebration for first marriages). If the couple are hosting their own party, it is improper to request that guests bring gifts, since it is an etiquette faux pas to ask for present at a party that is self-hosted.
Gift Registries
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It is acceptable for encore brides to create a wedding registry. However, most couples will include items on their registry that are non-traditional, such as electronics or camping equipment. It's not proper etiquette to request items like fine china or silverware on a registry for a remarriage, as these items are traditionally associated with a first marriage. If couples do not want guests to bring gifts, it's appropriate to ask guests to donate gift funds to the couple's favorite charity. Some couples will also denote on their invitations that they simply want the gift of their guests' presence.
Bridal Showers
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It is also acceptable for encore brides to have a bridal shower. According to etiquette, the people who were invited to the bride's first shower are not invited to the second. However, if some of the guests coming to the second bridal shower also attended the first, these guests are not required to give a gift. Traditionally, the shower should not be hosted by a member of the bride's family, unless the host is a member of the bridal party.
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References
- Photo Credit marriage image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
