KISS Second Weddings

Let's talk about the second time around. Statistically, 50% of marriages end in divorce. (Just to keep a proper perspective, that means that 50% do NOT end in divorce as well!) Even if it doesn't work out the first time, that's no reason to give up the search for love and for someone with whom to share your life! (Donna Ennis' I Do Take Two site is an excellent source of second wedding ideas.)

Although a second wedding can be a full blown affair with a formal wedding gown, a gazillion bridesmaids and groomsmen, and 500 guests, the trend today is to keep it simple (smaller) and stunning! One of the advantages of this is that you can spend less and still have a lovely and intimate wedding that is more personalized and meaningful, especially for the bride and groom!

For many second time brides, a full blown wedding gives them a feeling of deja vu. They don't want to go through all the turmoil, planning and stress again. This time around they are seeking to place their emphasis on the relationship, their vows and their guests. In fact, many second weddings are often surprise weddings where the guests are invited to one type of event and a wedding happens instead.

From the wedding invitations and decorations, to the favors and second wedding venue, this wedding can be a more elegant and intimate affair than a blow-out first wedding. You set the tone. Having a destination or honeymoon wedding is always an option, but even a smaller wedding held at a local bed and breakfast, private home or garden, or a local historic site can provide the intimate backdrop that a huge venue for many guests may be unable to attain.

Even the wedding attendants can consist of one attendant each for the bride and groom - a Maid (or Matron) of Honor and the best man. Many times the second wedding party includes children from a previous marriage who stand up with their parents on this special day, thereby blending the families from the beginning.

In many cases, the second wedding also entails an older bride and groom who have had experience - both negative and positive - with marriage. They know what they are getting into and how to refocus their priorities. Many times with younger brides and grooms, the wedding is the ultimate goal and suddenly, there you are, married and with no clue as to what that means!