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PREETI NANVAAN OF PREETI EXCLUSIVE CREATIONS IS A DESIGN SPECIALIST AND CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL WEDDING AND EVENT PLANNER. FOUNDED IN 2004, THE BOUTIQUE EVENT PLANNING, COORDINATION AND DESIGN COMPANY ALSO SPECIALIZES IN INTERACTIVE PARTY FAVOURS AND FLIPBOOKS. HER COMPANY WAS NOMINATED FOR TWO COVETED INTERNATIONAL SPECIAL EVENTS SOCIETY (ISES) BIG APPLE AWARDS AND RECOGNIZED BY WEDDINGCHANNEL.COM FOR PRODUCING AN EVENT THAT MADE THEIR TOP 13 WEDDINGS OF THE YEAR. AN EXPERT IN THE DETAILS, SHE BRINGS HER KNOWLEDGE OF TRENDS AND ETIQUETTE TO AN EVER-CHANGING MARRIAGE SCENE.
Encore Weddings Most fairytales start with “once upon a time” and end with “…and they lived happily ever after.” But with the average marrying age increasing consistently, and divorce and remarriage becoming more and more common, the styles, choices and possibilities on how to plan a wedding can be endless. Whether you are fortunate enough to find love later in life or a second time around, every wedding is a reason for celebration. However, in these situations, where the rules are not so clear, there is a way to separate etiquette from opinion.
Attire Desire The old rule about not wearing red for a second wedding has gone out the window. You can wear whatever color feels and looks good on you. Your outfit should reflect your personality, lifestyle and fashion sense rather than conforming to a dated rule. Most brides getting remarried already had their “Bollywood Bride” moment the first time around or may have outgrown the maharani look. Opt for a more mature look, such as a purple lehnga with bold contrasts for your ceremony and a breathtaking gown for the reception. Perhaps there is a designer dress you have been salivating over, but just couldn’t justify the expense... until now!
Child’s Play If you have children, make them a special part of your wedding. Depending on their age, they could walk you down the aisle, or be a flower girl or ring bearer. Perhaps they would like to make a special toast during the reception. Just make sure that they are comfortable with their role. When done for the right reasons, including former in-laws can be fine, especially if they are still devoted grandparents to your children. If you are thinking of including them, be sure to check with your fiancé first. 68
To Gift or Not to Gift… Rules of etiquette state that gifts are not mandatory for a second wedding, but they are now much more common. Traditionally, wedding gifts are meant to help a couple set up their household, but secondtime brides and grooms presumably already have their own households set. If you are considering registering for gifts, register for more fun things at a store where you can shop for everything from furniture, electronics and home goods to camping gear, artwork, luggage, books and wine. To walk off the beaten path, register for your honeymoon, spa services or a charity that is dear to both of your hearts like Honeyfund.com or Justgive.org.
Bridesmaids Part Deux For the same reason that wedding gifts aren’t always given, bridal showers for a second-time bride are not that common, but perfectly acceptable. This time, have only your closest friends attend and create a fun theme where presents are not needed, but rather the food, company and memories are the “present.” Consider hosting a champagne brunch just for a chance to connect with your friends or to have old ones meet new ones. And don’t skip out on the bachelorette party! There aren’t any rules against girlfriends having a fun night out together! If you’re not sure what to do, invite me and I will take care of it all – help me help you!
Giveth Away Who will walk you down that aisle? These days, it can be anyone: your mother, father, children or best friend. Or you can choose not to have anyone walk with you. It’s simply a matter of taste and choice, not rules. The only rule here is to not let it be your ex-husband, although it would make for a seriously entertaining reality show!