Getting married for the second time is a beautiful opportunity to create a wedding that truly reflects your experiences, personalities, and love story. Unlike first-time weddings, second marriages often carry a different set of emotions and expectations, allowing couples to break free from traditional norms and embrace a celebration that is deeply personal.
My second marriage wedding happened in 2017, and taking my own advice we did just that. We wanted a sunset beach side wedding. So rather than wait all day for the ceremony, we did the party up front, with a backyard catered gathering of our closest friends and family. My wife chose a non-traditional wedding dress and I opted for a casual vest. We wrote a vows, had her father wed us, and we enjoyed the rest of the evening bar hopping in Saugatuck, MI with friends. It was perfect!
Intimate and Personal Venues
For a second marriage, many couples choose to move away from grand, traditional venues and opt for locations that hold personal significance. Consider hosting your wedding at a place that means something special to both of you—a favorite restaurant, a scenic park where you shared a memorable moment, or even your own backyard. The intimacy of a small, familiar venue allows for a more relaxed and meaningful celebration.
Incorporate Family in Meaningful Ways
If either or both of you have children from previous relationships, a second marriage is a wonderful opportunity to include them in the ceremony. They could walk you down the aisle, participate in a unity ceremony, or even share a few words during the vows. This not only strengthens the bonds within your new blended family but also makes the day even more special.
Non-Traditional Attire
The beauty of a second marriage is the freedom to wear whatever makes you feel most comfortable and confident. You might opt for a non-traditional wedding dress, such as a cocktail dress, a chic pantsuit, or even a colorful gown that breaks away from the typical white. Grooms might choose a relaxed, casual look that matches the vibe of the celebration. The key is to wear something that feels authentically you.
Personalized Vows
One of the most meaningful ways to personalize your wedding is by writing your own vows. Given the experiences and growth you’ve both undergone, these vows can reflect your unique journey together. Whether you choose to keep them lighthearted or deeply emotional, personal vows can add a powerful and intimate touch to your ceremony.
A Focus on Experience Over Tradition in your Second Marriage
Second marriages often allow couples to focus more on the experience and less on adhering to traditional wedding customs. Consider planning a wedding weekend filled with activities that reflect your personalities—like a hiking adventure, a wine-tasting event, or a relaxed beach day. This not only makes the celebration more enjoyable for your guests but also creates lasting memories.
Simplify the Reception
For many couples, the second time around is less about throwing an extravagant party and more about celebrating with close friends and family. A simple dinner party, a backyard barbecue, or a cozy brunch reception can be perfect for a second marriage. Choose a menu that reflects your favorite foods, serve signature cocktails, and create a playlist of music that tells your love story.
Honor the Past, Embrace the Future
If either of you has lost a spouse, or if there’s a significant past that you want to honor, consider incorporating subtle tributes into your wedding day. This could be as simple as including a favorite song in the ceremony, lighting a candle in remembrance, or displaying cherished photos. It’s a way to acknowledge the journey that brought you to this point while celebrating the new chapter you’re beginning together.
Create a Unique Registry
Given that many second marriages involve couples who already have established households, a traditional registry might not be necessary. Instead, consider creating a registry focused on experiences, such as a honeymoon fund, cooking classes, or donations to a favorite charity. This allows your guests to contribute in ways that align with your current lifestyle and interests.
Relaxed Formalities
Feel free to skip or adapt the formalities that don’t resonate with you. Whether it’s forgoing the bouquet toss, having a friend officiate the ceremony, or ditching the bridal party altogether, the second time around is about creating a day that feels right for you.
Final Thoughts
Your second marriage is a celebration of resilience, growth, and love. It’s an opportunity to create a wedding that truly reflects who you are now, both as individuals and as a couple. By focusing on what matters most to you, and letting go of the pressure to conform to traditional expectations, you can craft a wedding that is as unique and beautiful as your journey together.
Remember, there are no rules—only what feels right for you and your partner. Embrace the freedom that comes with planning a second marriage, and let your wedding day be a true reflection of your love story. At Chris Pritchard Studios I understand and resonate with couples traveling this same road I have.
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