As I write this I'm fondly remembering the "Encore" wedding I attended about this time last year. A good friend of mine was getting remarried and it was an amazing event. When planning her wedding, she told me it was a challenge to find information, advice or inspiration for her Encore wedding. (I love the term encore wedding. I first saw it in Emily Post's Wedding Etiquette 6th Edition, but I'm not sure if they coined the phrase.)
Photos by: Alice Koelle Photography
When planning an encore wedding there are many questions. Can you wear white? Should you keep it small? What about attendants? And registries? What etiquette should be followed when marrying for a second or even third time? It seems there are many strong opinions, but not much information about what's appropriate and what is not.
Here are five helpful guidelines to follow:
1. Share Your News... But in the right order
- Tell Your Children First - ideally each parent should tell their children privately and in person (or if necessary, over the phone). Sometimes the news is welcome and happy, but sometimes it may cause concern. If your news is not immediately welcomed, be patient. Validate your children's concerns, and reassure them that you will all work together to build your new family.
- Tell Your Ex Next - If you have children together, your former spouse should be the next to know, whether you have a good relationship or not, and especially if you share custody. You may even feel it's best to inform your ex first so they are prepared to react appropriately with the children.
- Then Family - Now you can inform your family and close friends, starting with your parents and siblings. Additionally, before you "go public" this is a nice time to inform your previous in-laws, if you are still on good terms, or if you are a widow or widower.
- And Everyone Else - Now is the time to tell your other friends, coworkers, and share it on social media.
My friend has two adult sons. Before her husband proposed, he spoke with each of her sons individually and asked for their mom's hand in marriage. What a beautiful gesture! Also, before she shared the news with others, my friend chose to call her ex and let him know. It's key to consider the feelings of others when sharing the happy news, just as my friends did.
2. Wear Whatever You Want
For a bride the most important question is what is she going to wear? Years ago it was practically forbidden to wear white for a remarriage, but today anything goes. Literally. Of course, I would encourage being tasteful. Choose a dress or suit that compliments your personality, figure and venue.
My friend wanted a dress that complimented her venue, a beautiful outdoor, mountain top setting. She chose a floor length beige chiffon dress with a leaf-like sequin and embroidery overlay.
3. It's Fine, Even Helpful, to Create A Gift Registry
While you may feel uncomfortable creating a wedding gift registry for your encore wedding, it may be considerate to do so. Even if you don't expect gifts, many guests will want to give them. The wedding gift is a representation of love and support for the couple. As a wedding guest, sometimes it's hard not to want to share in the joy by giving a gift. You may be helping your guests by providing some insight into what you prefer, want or need. It's fine to create a traditional registry, but if you don't want or need those types of things, create a registry around any special interests or hobbies you enjoy.
Don't forget, it is still a major faux pas to include any mention of gifts on your wedding invitation, even to say, "no gifts." The invitation is always about the event and should never mention gifts. Whether you create a registry or not, you should wait to be asked before discussing gifts, and then state your preference -- "Thank you for thinking of us. We are so happy you're coming and that is gift enough for us." Or - "For convenience we have created a registry at... , but all we really care about is seeing you at the wedding."
My friend chose not to create a registry, as she and her fiancé only wanted their guests to come and celebrate with them. They did however receive some gifts and promptly wrote heartfelt thank you notes to the givers.
4. Don't Ask Your Parents to Pay
If you are young (or relatively so) and your parents offer to contribute to or pay for your wedding, that's wonderful. The point is that you should wait until they make the offer, don't just expect them to foot the bill.
5. You May Have Attendants
It's perfectly fine to have one or two people standing with you during the ceremony, even if they are the same women from your previous marriage. I recommend keeping the number small and their financial obligations low. You may want to cover the cost of their dress or ask them to wear something they already own.
My friend did not have attendants. But her two handsome sons did walk her down the aisle.
This time around you're older, hopefully wiser and more confident. Stay true to yourself and use your best judgment. Every encore wedding is different and your decisions will be influenced by your age, family situation and budget.
My friend's encore wedding was, hands-down, the best wedding I've attended. It was a true expression of who they are. They orchestrated an amazing weekend-long party full of fun activities, incredible food and a heartfelt ceremony, in one of most beautiful settings imaginable, Aspen, Colorado. But what really set this event apart was the palpable happiness and joy of the couple and their friends. Their joy was contagious. I caught it and it seemed everyone else attending did also. That's what you're hoping for!
Photo: personal snapshot
Do you have questions or comments about wedding or gift giving etiquette? Please email me at AskCheryl@registryfinder.com.
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