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Getting Started
He proposed. You accepted. You're getting remarried in six months. Will it be just like your first wedding? Absolutely not. Will the planning be different this time around? You bet. Where do you start? Right here. Right now.
Planning an encore wedding means that you can choose less traditional ways of celebrating. Instead of a three-tiered white cake, go with carrot cake, cheesecake or your favorite dessert. Instead of the white gown, why not try an elegant pantsuit, a slimming sheath or tea-length gown? Rather than a church wedding, you may opt to exchange vows while barefoot on the beach, aboard a boat at sunset or under a shady tree at your favorite golf course. As for wedding rings, you may consider including your birthstone or favorite gemstone along with the typical diamond. Platinum is also a popular choice among encore brides, as it is one of the strongest, most precious metals in the world and more rare than gold.
Another difference in an encore wedding is the invitation. In a first wedding, the invitation is issued by the parents of the bride because they are hosting (read "paying for") the event. However, in the encore wedding it is the bride and groom who will most likely cover these expenses and, thus, issue the invitation. You may want to select invitations that say: "John and Julie invite you to celebrate in their union..." or "Please join us as we joyously exchange our vows..."
And finally, there's the honeymoon. Will you honeymoon as a couple or as a family? That may sound strange to you, but if your remarriage results in the creation of a stepfamily, sometimes starting out together is one of the best ways to bond. Keep in mind that many resorts offer endless activities for kids, allowing you time as newlyweds for privacy and romance.
Many say love is the rarest gem of all. You've found true love, and this time it's forever. With this marriage, you're a little bit older and whole lot wiser. This is your wedding. Take the opportunity to showcase your individual style. Have fun and enjoy it. With some advanced planning and a lot of love, you're sure to have the encore wedding of your dreams.
Write to Beth at secondweddings@weddingchannel.com with your questions about planning an encore wedding.
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Beth Reed Ramirez, creator of Bride Again magazine (1998-2002) and editor of the new on-line version at www.brideagain.com, became a "bride again" when she remarried in 1996. Her own encore wedding took place on the 18th hole of a private country club and included her daughter and two stepchildren in the ceremony.
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