Second Weddings: Things NOT To Do!
Second Weddings & Good Taste...
When I owned my bridal salon, the question I heard 99% of the time from second-time+ brides was, "What should I wear? I don't want to make an idiot of myself. Can I wear white, a veil, etc.? Help!"
My answer was the same: Why would you want to do things the same as you did at your first wedding? You're older; you're wiser; you're your own woman! Plan your wedding to reflect those changes! They're positive and they're good!
Can you wear white? Sure if you want to and the gown isn't traditional. (I think there are better options than white, but that's up to you.) Can you wear a veil? Yes, but as a fashion statement, draped from the back of your headpiece, for example. (You are not a "blushing bride", so forget the blusher [face veil]).
Select a gown that fits you and your personality. Go to specialty boutiques as well as bridal salons to find the perfect dress. Don't eliminate colors like blush, salmon and ivory, which for some, are much easier and more complementary to wear than white.
Second Weddings: Traditions That Are Keepers!
1. Attendants: Best man and maid/matron of honor, only.
2. Walk yourself up the aisle. You're independent; no one needs to give YOU away!
3. Receiving line: Nice way to greet guests after the ceremony; appropriate no matter how many times you've tied the knot.
4. Introduction of bride and groom at the reception: Yes, but skip the bridal party and the parents.
5. First dance with husband: Yes, why not? (Skip the father-daughter dance; that's the realm of the first-time bride.)
6. Cutting the cake: Yes, this is wedding tradition, no matter how many weddings you may have!
7. Toast: By best man to the couple. (It's always nice to have someone wish you well!)
* Garter and bouquet toss are out. These are the realm of the first-time bride.
Second Wedding and Traditions: In Summary
The most important thing to consider if you're a second-time+ bride is that you need to focus on YOU as an individual, who's moved beyond the first-time bride syndrome, as I call it.
There are many traditions that fall within the realm of the first-time bride like the traditional gown and veil; a father who gives her "away"; the father-daughter dance; bouquet toss, etc. etc. etc. and these traditions are uniquely hers!
Capitalize on the new you and how you can make this wedding uniquely your own!