As I write this, I’m fondly remembering my good friend’s “Encore” wedding, which I recently attended. They orchestrated an amazing weekend-long party full of fun activities, incredible food, and a heartfelt ceremony in one of the most beautiful settings imaginable: Aspen, Colorado.
However, my friend told me it was challenging to find information, advice, or inspiration when planning her “Encore wedding.” (I really like the term, “encore wedding”. I first saw it in Emily Post’s Wedding Etiquette 6th Edition, but I’m unsure if they coined it.)
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 a lot of information about what’s appropriate and what’s not.
Here are five helpful guidelines to follow:
1. Share Your News… But in the correct order
Tell Your Children First – Ideally, each parent should tell their children privately and in person (or if absolutely necessary- over the phone). Sometimes, the news is welcome and happy, but it may cause concern in some situations. 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, 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 – You can now inform your family and close friends, starting with your parents and siblings. Additionally, this is an excellent time to tell your previous in-laws if you are still on good terms or a widow or widower.
And Everyone Else – Now is the time to tell your other friends and co-workers 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. Just as my friends did, it’s key to consider the feelings of others when sharing the happy news.
2. Wear Whatever You Want
The most important question for a bride is what she will wear. Years ago, it was practically forbidden to wear white for remarriage, but today, literally anything goes. 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. Because she was getting married in a beautiful outdoor mountaintop 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 insight into what you prefer, want, or need. It’s OK 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. (Not sure where to register? Check out this list of our favorite places to create a wedding registry!)
Don’t forget that including any mention of gifts on your wedding invitation is still a major faux pas, even if you 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 you can then state your preference – “Thank you for thinking of us. We are so happy you’re coming; that is gift enough for us.” Or – “For convenience, you can find our registry at RegistryFinder.com, 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. However, they did 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 attendants 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 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 family situation, budget, and preferences.
My friend’s encore wedding was hands-down the best wedding I’ve attended. It was a true expression of their personalities. But what really set this event apart was the palpable happiness and joy of the couple and their friends. It was contagious. I caught it, and it seemed everyone else attending did, too. That’s what you’re hoping for!
If you have questions or comments about this post or gift giving, bridal shower, baby shower, or wedding etiquette, please comment below or email AskCheryl@RegistryFinder.com. We will personally respond to your questions and may also use them as the subject of a future blog.
