Divorce wedding etiquette is a little different than first time
wedding etiquette.
If you have been previously married and are ready
to jump back into married life for a second time, you will want
to be aware of divorce wedding etiquette so that you don’t
make any glaring mistakes.
The engagement is the first point to contend with
in divorce wedding etiquette. If you have children, it is important
that they be the first to know beside yourself. They will be hurt
if they have to hear it from someone other than you.
If the children’s other parent, your ex,
is still living, you should contact him/her right after you tell
the children and before you announce it to anyone else.
It will make things easier if you can have cooperation
in regards to the children from the ex. Of course, if your divorce
has been drawn out over years and is not final, you should not get
engaged and plan a wedding until the legalities of the first marriage
are finalized.
Many people who have been separated for two years
find themselves in love and ready to move on before the legal paperwork
is finished. It is wise to wait until that is taken care of since
things can get delayed and become ugly if the ex wants to exploit
the fact that you have a new love in your life.
Once you have cleared the engagement phase, you
will need to consider the religious requirements if you want a church
wedding and the size of your wedding. If you need to get an annulment
to fulfill church requirements, that should be done before sending
out invitations.
You may also have to attend pre-wedding counseling.
Divorce wedding etiquette suggests that second weddings should be
smaller more intimate events than first weddings. However, if one
of the couple is a first timer, this can be overlooked somewhat
in order to give him/her a big celebration.
Typically, the bridal party will also remain small.
Including any children from first marriages in the bridal party
is a good way to make them feel a part of what is happening.
According to divorce wedding etiquette, it is appropriate
for the couple to pay for the second wedding since the parents probably
took care of it the first time around. That is not big deal though
since almost half of all couples cover their own costs even if it
is a first wedding.
If it is just the groom’s second marriage
but the bride’s first, it is proper wedding etiquette for
her parents to host the wedding. The invitation should be from the
couple in divorce wedding etiquette. If they want to include their
parents beneath their names, that is appropriate.
Unlike first weddings, divorce wedding etiquette
does not expect guests to buy gifts unless they want to. It is assumed
that the two probably have a household established from the first
time and will need to blend items rather than add to them.
As far as the couple’s attire, divorce wedding etiquette
suggests that it should not be as elaborate as a first wedding.
However, it has become acceptable that the bride can wear white
if she wants.
The gown can also be floor length, but she should
forgo the veil this time. The groom should wear a suit instead of
a tuxedo. The rings can be whatever the couple chooses.
Although there are few differences in second weddings, divorce
wedding etiquette in no way inhibits the beauty and happiness of
a wedding for second timers. This day can be just as romantic and
happy as any wedding.
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