Second Weddings: What Are (And Aren’t) The Rules?

When it comes to weddings, there are tons of “rules” and traditions. That’s for the first one. But what if you’re on your second go-round? Things aren’t quite so clear. With years of experience in providing high-quality cubic zirconia engagement and wedding rings, Birkat Elyon offers these tips for couples taking the plunge…again.

The beauty part about a second wedding is that you’re a lot freer to do what you want. Some etiquette experts suggest that couples keep it low-key, but it’s not a rule. If you want a big blow-out, go for it; if you want to stick to just your closest friends and family, that’s cool too.

The question of wearing a white dress and veil comes up a lot. Answer? It’s totally fine. If a veil feels weird, second brides swap it out for a tiara, flowers or even a hat. The rule of thumb is to wear what makes you feel most beautiful and comfortable. Birkat Elyon offers many gorgeous CZ jewelry pieces like earrings, bracelets, and necklaces to accent your look.

What about walking the bride down the aisle? If the father has already done it, think about new ways to incorporate family members into that part of the ceremony. For couples on their second wedding, there are opportunities to bring stepchildren into the mix in a meaningful way. They can accompany the bride down the aisle, do readings during the ceremony and be involved in other creative ways.

For a first wedding, a bridal registry is traditional to help the couple set up house. For a second wedding, it’s a little different. You may have the basics, but it’s perfectly OK to ask for some specific things like new china to mark your fresh start together. Some couples request items related to a shared hobby, like skiing. A registry gives guests an easy way to pay tribute to your new life. However, one thing NEVER to do? Ask for money. That’s just… tacky.

On their second go, many couples opt for a more relaxed approach to their ceremony, such as a daytime venue or something fun and silly. Per etiquette experts, it’s fine to have a bridal party (and their duties would be the same as for a first wedding), but many couples choose to have a single attendant for both bride and groom. In that case, their dress code would be less formal.

When it comes to a second-wedding reception, the trend is to go more low-key. However, traditions like the wedding entrance, parent dances, and cutting the cake are still in vogue. It’s recommended to add fresh touches to this reception so it’s not a carbon copy of your first one.

Bottom line: a second wedding is something to be celebrated in your own unique way. Make it special and memorable!