Today it’s not at all uncommon for people to get married a second or even a third time. When you find happiness after disappointment it can be just as wonderful as the first time you were married. It’s a natural human desire to spend our lives with someone that we love. According to the Pew Research Center in a 2014 survey, 64% of men who were divorced or widowed sought to remarry as did 52% percent of women who had either been divorced or widowed.
While the thought of getting remarried may have been a rarity and a very subdued type of affair in the past, all of that has changed. Some couples who are returning to the altar an additional time are making their new lives with new loves even more memorable than ever.
If you’re contemplating another trip down the aisle, here are some ways to help make it less stressful for both of you!
What to Wear – One of the best things about getting remarried is that you have a much more vast range of choices than just the traditional white wedding dress and tuxedo combination. Many couples who are remarrying find that their own sense of identity and style really does come out even more than it might have when they were younger. If one or the other mate is from another culture or heritage, often they will choose ethnic garb to emphasize this. A couple might also want to go for that fantasy wedding that they didn’t dare to try the first time. This might involve both the wedding party and guests in vintage attire from Elizabethan England, the Edwardian era or straight out of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Great Gatsby. The possibilities of making such a wedding into a fun and memorable event are endless!
What to Say – Couples who are remarrying often decide to write their own wedding vows in order to reflect the feelings and words that are significant to them. Most officiants are completely open to this; however, it’s a good idea to check first. Being able to speak what is on your heart can make your wedding ceremony hold even more meaning for the two of you.
Who to Invite – Needless to say, if you have children from a previous wedding, it’s a good idea to try and incorporate them into your wedding plans if possible. Young children can participate as ring bearers of flower girls or hand out programs to guests. You may also include them in your vows if you want to do so. Of course, in the case of divorce, there can still be some animosities between family members and ex-spouses, for example. Even if they aren’t on the guest list, they do deserve to know what is happening before the big day.
The two of you are likely going to be paying for this wedding, so make a budget and stick to it. This is your second chance at happiness, make it as big, extravagant or intimate as you like.
For more ideas surrounding a second wedding, check out the article on Shore News Daily.
Even if this isn’t your first trip down the aisle, planning a second wedding can still present its challenges. Why not have a wedding planner help you to pull it all together? Geri Sims at Atlanta Wedding Decor can help you put together a one-of-a-kind event with the two of you in mind. With over 25 years in the business, she can help you create an event to remember by using dramatic event drapery and uplighting that can turn your wedding or reception into something spectacular.
Contact Geri today to schedule an appointment and let her help you plan your wedding or special event. Call Geri today at 404-558-1300.
