Wedding Planning: Advice for Second Weddings

For some second-time brides and grooms, wedding planning can be a sensitive subject. Will you have bridesmaids? Will you have a small or large ceremony? Who all should you include in the guest list? The details are endless. But the key to second weddings is simple—plan an event that reflects both of you. A wedding that embodies the hopes and dreams you have for one another. The kind of wedding that expresses your heartfelt love and commitment. If you’re planning a second wedding, consider this wedding essentials advice.

1. Communicate often: sit down together and really talk about what is important to each of you to have in your wedding.

2. Discuss goals and expectations of each other and of yourselves: If you or your fiance has children, give them a specific role during the wedding so they feel involved and are active participants in the wedding essentials ceremony. If they are too young to participate make sure you have designated a family member or friend to watch over them. If lots of small children are attending, consider setting up a separate play area with a baby sitter so that the kids have lots of activities and supervision.

3. Find ways to make your wedding essentials intimate and special: Some venues will allow you to cater your own dinner/reception. Depending upon your budget you can ask family to bring or cook special dishes. Picnic tables and benches may come with the space rental. Or ask your caterer to prepare an appetizer bar with a mixture of hot and cold plates, make your guests feel they are special.

4. Consider alternative ceremony and reception sites: Getting married at a B&B is a good choice if you plan to have your reception in the same location, avoid the hassle and stress of being on time, arrive the night before, have the rehearsal dinner and go to bed! Pick a B&B that has plenty of sightseeing activities nearby for your family and guests.

Linda L. Gunter is the proprietor of Millhouse at Richland Creek, a bed and breakfast nestled in the woods of Randolph County, North Carolina.