Question from Debbie:
We are having a small outdoor wedding at our home in October. It’s a second for both of us. What do I wear, do I carry a bouquet, does he wear a boutinere, do I give favours to our guests? I’m so confused.
The month before my soon to be stepdaughter is getting married. Do I wear something to compliment my fiance? The bride is wearing ivory, the bridesmaids are wearing black with red accent. Please help me!!!
Answer from Bridal Expert Angela:
Hi Debbie and congratulations on your upcoming wedding. First let’s talk about your wedding. What do you wear? Many brides on their second wedding wear a wedding dress, although it is also acceptable in a smaller wedding to wear a beautiful cocktail dress. Yes, you should carry a bouquet. It need not be a large trailing bouquet, but, say a posy of flowers instead. Yes, he should wear a boutinere. Yes, you should give wedding favours to your guests. They are attending your wedding, and bringing gifts (presumably), so giving something in return is proper etiquette.
Think of your second wedding as a scaled down version of a first wedding, especially since you are having a small outdoor wedding at your home. All the elements should be there, just smaller. A wedding dress? Sure, but not a large flowing ballroom gown with a 12′ veil. Instead, a simple, elegant wedding dress—full length or knee length. Wedding flower bouquets? Yes, but proportionate to the scale of the wedding. Wedding favours give your day a festive flair, but need not be extravagant. Saying that, if you have a small number of guests you might want to give them something to remember the day like these photo album wedding favours, or even the picture frames with a picture of the two of you.
As for your soon-to-be stepdaughter’s wedding, yes, you should wear something to compliment your fiance’s dress. Be careful not to outshine the mother of the bride or groom, but be smart and well put together. There is no reason you should not look your best.
If you have any other questions, feel free to ask!
Angela Fiebelkorn, Ask The Expert
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