In the past, couples who were remarrying were expected to have a simple, small affair – no frills, no parties, no invitations – just a trip to the courthouse. However, the trends for second and third weddings have changed. Wedding planners now refer to these special events as “encore weddings.”
For most couples, planning an encore wedding is all about options. Many second-time brides are more confident in their style preferences, friends, desires and wishes. This wedding can be a second chance to plan a special day that truly suits the bride and groom. Older (and wiser) couples have often outgrown the pressure to plan a wedding “to please mom’s taste” or “do what’s expected.”
If you’re planning an encore wedding, these resources may be helpful:
- I Do Take Two: This website includes information on invitations, renewing vows, children & weddings and gowns.
- Second Weddings by The Knot: This site is hosted by TheKnot.com and includes information on every topic possible!
- Remarriage by Emily Post: Of course, Emily Post has timeless advice for encore brides.
Encore Wedding Etiquette
- Yes, your father can walk you down the aisle once more! We are sure he’d be delighted to have the privilege.
- It’s okay for your matron of honor to host a shower. In general, the guest list will be made up of new friends, close friends and family. Consider a non-traditional “food shower” or “garden shower” if you already have basic necessities for your home.
- Emily Post addresses the tricky “No Gifts, Please” topic for encore weddings in an informative article. Here is a past blog post addressing money and gift registries.
Invitation Wording
Many times with an encore wedding, the bride and groom host the event. (Hosting typically means paying.) This requires a small change in the wedding invitation wording. At Hitch, we are well-versed in wedding etiquette. We can make the process of writing and creating your invitation simple.
For more options on invitation wording, view this article at IDoTakeTwo.com.
Bride and Groom Hosting – Formal Wording
The honor of your presence is requested
at the marriage of
Jane Doe
to
John Doe
Saturday, the tenth of November at five o’clock
Friendship Church
Brookings, South Dakota
Bride and Groom Hosting – Informal Wording
Jane Doe
and
John Doe
Invite you to share in their joyat their wedding
Saturday, November 10th
at five o’clock in the afternoon
Friendship Garden
Brookings, South Dakota
Bride and Groom Hosting – Informal Wording
The pleasure of your company is requested
at the marriage of
Jane Doe
to
John Doe
Saturday, the tenth of November
at five o’clock
Friendship Church
Brookings, South Dakota
Your Custom Invites by Hitch Design Studio
Please contact us today to set up a consultation! Bring in those dress swatches, Pinterest boards, examples, ideas, and your inspired style. We can’t wait to start talk about your custom wedding invites. Remember, your encore wedding is a new beginning – we’ll help you get started with a perfect custom invitation.
Look at our Programs and Invitations board on our Pinterest page for additional inspiration!
we are planning a second wedding, but only family at the ceremony and friends and family at the reception. It will be a reception that will only have finger food and cocktails. How do I word the invites.
Hi Elaine!
Congrats on the upcoming wedding! You could word your invitations something like…
“The pleasure of your company is requested for a reception celebrating the couple with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails.”
OR
“Light appetizers will be served during this cocktail-style reception.”
OR
“Please join us after the ceremony for mingling, hors d’oeuvres and cocktails”
Any variation of that wording would be perfectly acceptable!
Good luck and best wishes!