How Second-Time-Around Brides Can Make Their Weddings Unique

If you are a bride who is marrying for the second time, there are many things to consider. You’ve been down the aisle before, and for whatever reason (divorce or death), your first marriage ended. You consider yourself blessed to have found love again, and are ready to take the plunge again. I am speaking from personal experience as I write, so here are some tips on how to make your second wedding even more special than the first.


Type of Ceremony
Many second-time-around brides choose not to have an elaborate ceremony and reception as they did before. Some choose to have a small ceremony, followed by a party to celebrate (not necessarily all on the same day). Or some may decide to fly to Vegas or visit the local justice of the peace to tie the knot. However you decide to do it, it is a special moment in time.

Attire
Whether this is your first or second marriage, a bride’s attire should reflect her personality, body type and ceremony formality. If you had a long train with a cathedral-length veil the first time, consider something totally different this time! Dress styles change as the years progress, so shop for something that is up-do-date and flattering to you. For me, I chose something that was figure-flattering (I was a 40-year-old bride, and wanted to show that I still had my ‘girlish figure’), yet classy. Your attire should make a statement about YOU!

Jewelry
If you married the first time when yellow gold was the rage, consider alternate metals for your new wedding set. Metals such as palladium and titanium have become popular in recent years, and are great choices for your new set. I told my fiancé (now husband) that I wanted something totally different than my first set, and he did just that! :-)

Things to consider
If this is the first marriage for your fiancé, he may want to have a more traditional ceremony for his first wedding. Discuss this fully to ensure you are both on the same page. The most beautiful gift you can give is something another person has always wanted!

Your Planning Assignment

All weddings are celebrations, whether or not they represent your first marriage. Don’t downplay the fact that this isn’t your first trip down the aisle, but work with your fiancé to make it a wonderfully memorable day!

What is a Wedding-Day Timeline and Why Do I Need One?

They say that timing is everything, right? You met your future spouse at just the right time, and now the time has been set for you to become one. An integral part of your wedding is the timeline. But why is it so important on my big day?


What is a wedding-day timeline?
A timeline is a tool that is used to ensure your wedding day flows as smoothly as possible. The timeline will outline what time each major event in your day should be happening. That not only includes your ceremony and reception, but also things like vendor arrival and set up, and bridal party readiness. All of these elements occruing when they should will ensure the success of your wedding day!

Why do I need one?
Any wedding planner worth his or her salt will tell you that having a timeline is a MUST! A timeline helps vendors see the big picture of your day, not just their individual duty. It also ensures everyone is on the same page time-wise, so there are no surprises. The last thing you want is to incur overtime charges from vendors because things are running behind schedule. As the bride, it’s not your job (or it shouldn’t be your job) to worry about what’s coming next (e.g., when is the bouquet toss or at what point do we do our first dance). Your planner has your timeline handy and will ensure things happen when they should.

Who puts my timeline together?
If you are hiring a wedding planner or coordinator, he or she will develop your timeline, with input from your vendors. If you have chosen not to hire a planner or coordinator, I suggest you develop a timeline, and hand it off to someone you trust who can keep things moving. Check out http://www.weddingbee.com/2008/06/24/sample-day-timeline/ for a sample timeline.

Shouldn’t I just let things flow naturally?
Your planner has done many weddings, so he or she understand the natural flow of a wedding. Without having a timeline, things can get out of control (too much time spent on post-ceremony pics, guests waiting while the bride still gets dressed, etc). As I mentioned earlier, if you go over your contracted time with vendors, they can charge you overtime (by the hour). Or, your venue may ask you to leave if you gone over your time (especially if they have another event after yours). Your wedding day will go by quickly, so having a timeline is a requirement!

Your Planning Assignment

If you are not hiring a wedding planner, don’t leaving the timing of your wedding day to chance. Put something together and ask a reliable person to make sure it is followed. Happy Planning!