Practical tips and planning guide for second weddings.

          Nearly 30 percent of all marriages today are remarriages. But the number of remarriages is not all that is growing, according to Bride’s Magazine. So is the spirit of the wedding celebration. 

          Traditionally, couples embarking on second and third marriages faced strong pressure to keep the wedding a small, quiet affair with little resemblance to a first wedding. Even etiquette books suggested curtailing activities and extravagance: “The remarrying bride does not wear white,” “A second engagement is never announced in the newspapers.”

          Not any more, says Bride’s. The emphasis NOW is a lot less on rules, a lot more on the importance of sharing a joyful new beginning surrounded by family and friends.

          Here are some of Bride’s suggestions for a remarrying couple. We are also offering our advice for beautifully capturing this special day through professional wedding photographs.

Announcement

          Be a little selfish. Wear an engagement ring to symbolize your new commitment. Some second-time couples even announce their engagement in the newspaper. Check with the society editor about format and deadlines for both engagement and wedding news. If this is your first marriage, but your groom’s second, your parents may still announce the engagement in the customary way. Our studio can provide an engagement and wedding-day photograph which you can submit to your local newspaper.

Photographs

          Our studio can capture the many moods of your day and create memorable second wedding photographs. For instance, picture your daughter’s look when her new stepfather asks her to dance; his son concentrating on balancing the ring pillow; the two of them clinking their glasses together in a toast. We will focus on family poses too—your groom with his children; you with your own children; the new remarried family together. Also, include your attendants—whether you have one or a whole wedding party. If members of your former in-laws, relatives or siblings will attend, we can work with the situation to avoid awkward moments, yet still provide complete coverage of everyone at the wedding and everything that happens.

Clothing

          Feel free to marry in the outfit of your choice. The traditionally simple, cream-colored suit is still lovely—but so is a romantically long and lacy gown, in white or your favorite color.

          Also, consider styles especially flattering to your age, whether you’re in your twenties, thirties, forties, or beyond. A dress with elaborate neckline details will draw attention to your face, up from the body. Diagonal and vertical lines are slimming and give an illusion of height.

Planning the wedding ceremony/reception

          As a remarrying couple, you may prefer a traditional small ceremony, followed by a reception. But if you eloped the first time, you may wish to plan a large celebration now. If religious requirements allow, consider remarrying in your family church or synagogue, as long as the two of you and your families are comfortable with the idea. Another option? Marry quietly (with family, close friends in attendance). Complete your party with all the wedding traditions—a receiving line, the “first dance,” the ceremonial cutting of the cake, and a champagne toast.          

          If you go all out for your reception, our studio can provide wedding coverage of the entire day, from start to finish, including all our traditional poses, candids and special requests. If you prefer a more intimate ceremony and reception, we can work closely with you to plan wedding photographs that convey your special feelings and special circumstances.

          Whatever your decision, our wedding photography will beautifully reflect your unique relationship and personal style.

Including your children

           If either of you have children, try to include them in as many plans as you can, says Bride’s Magazine. They will feel especially important playing a role in your ceremony—depending on their ages. Boys can be ring bearers, or ushers. Girls can serve as honor attendants, maids or flower girls. They might hand out hymnals and programs. Even if your do not give children duties, include them in other ways—assign them seats of honor, or let them stand at the altar with you. At the reception, let children tend the guest book, pass out punch or the birdseed packets for your getaway. But when children express a preference not to participate, honor that request.

          Make an appointment to review our portfolio of second-marriage wedding photographs, and see how the love can be captured a second time through professional wedding photographs.