Another cup of coffee, repurposed Mason jars, and antique jewelry. There are a number of things that get better the second time around. At the top of that list is a second wedding.
Whether it’s your second marriage or the increasingly popular renewal of vows, here are several beautiful ways and helpful tips to celebrate your second wedding ceremony.
Do Exactly What You Want To Do
If your first ceremony was held in City Hall, plan the elaborate wedding you’ve always dreamed of. If you had your first wedding in a church, but always wanted a ceremony on the beach- book your flight. Thinking an intimate evening wedding is the route to go? Sleep in, get your beauty rest, and have your romantic, candle lit ceremony. It is your wedding, and more importantly, your second chance to do and have exactly what you want.
Bridal Shower
It is often the case that those planning a second marriage or vow renewal have all of the typical household items that are traditionally gifted at a first wedding. This time plan something fun for your bridal shower. Take a trip to a winery. Plan a spa day or a weekend camping trip. There are plenty of fun things to do with your close ones that will toast this special time for you without the traditional bridal shower. Customized shirts are a fun and thoughtful way to commemorate the trip or event!
Registry
If you can’t think of anything you need that would warrant starting a typical registry, ask guests to donate to the charity of your choice or to your children’s college fund. Use sites like HoneyFund to create a honeymoon registry of sorts. Or add another sweet touch to your wedding by asking guests to bring you their favorite movie, book, or album- a fun and loving way to build your collection.
Blending Families
If you’re planning a second wedding and you or your fiancé have children that you’re bringing into a new family, bring them into your new wedding. Give them big tasks so they feel incorporated and important. Flower girls, ring bearers, and ushers are useful positions that the young ones can fill and feel trusted by their new step-parent.
Honeymoon
Second time brides often think that they have to plan a family friendly honeymoon or skip it altogether. Far from true. Find someone to watch the kids if they aren’t old enough to stay home alone. Perhaps a close family member will do this in lieu of a wedding gift. Certainly don’t skip your honeymoon! Your second wedding or vow renewal is a celebration of happiness and love in your life just as much as the first ceremony was. Plan the trip you’ve always wanted to take. Hiking the green hills of Ireland, a Mediterranean cruise, the trip to Hawaii you’ve always dreamed of- you deserve it now as much as you ever did. After all, you’re brave enough to take another chance at happiness and that’s not always easy to do. Be every bit of the brave, beautiful bride that you are.