Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
Traditional wedding etiquette holds that, under most circumstances, second marriages do not require gifts. When the person marrying for a second time is a close family member like a son, however, you may still wish to give the newlyweds something. Since the couple most likely already has the basic necessities of daily living, consider giving them a gift that draws the focus on their new life or time together.
It is polite when planning your second marriage to find inexpensive wedding gifts to list on your registry. Quite often you will find the guests who are attending may have attended your first wedding and you should aim to keep their gift cost low. Keep in mind though that you don't need to sacrifice on quality when maintaining low costs, you just need to be a more prudent shopper.
Unlike individuals taking their first tentative steps into matrimony, couples celebrating their second marriage often have already established housekeeping and, as a result, do not need the basic presents given for a first union. To ensure that your gift is useful to a couple taking a second trip down the aisle, select a present that is less common and, as a result, likely will not duplicate something they already have.
Although at one time second weddings were quiet affairs, usually only celebrated by the couple and close family members, they have grown into larger affairs in the late 20th and early 21st century. The prevalence of second weddings can leave guests feeling confused about wedding etiquette, such as if they need to bring a gift.
Etiquette for returning wedding gifts depends on the circumstances in which the couple has split. Whenever a relationship between two people ends, it is always a difficult, stressful and very emotional time for everyone involved. The circumstances of either the split or the separation depend on the situation of the couple as well as when in their relationship the split takes place.
Second weddings should be every bit as happy and special for the couple as any other wedding, although you'll need to make some decisions about whether you want to stick with traditional etiquette or do things your own way. Remember--it's your wedding.
When a woman is getting married after the death of her first husband, the rules and etiquette surrounding the wedding are a little different. However, many aspects of the wedding planning are up to the bride's discretion, and she can even incorporate new family traditions that will make the day even more special.
According to the website I Do Take Two, more than 30% of weddings are couples marrying for the second time (see Reference 1). While a second wedding can be a small, intimate celebration, it is also socially acceptable for the event to be as elaborate as the couple desires. Bridal showers, wearing white and the bridal party are other elements about which couples planning a second wedding often have questions.
