Our Most Frequently Asked Wedding Questions: Part 1

Q: If this is a second marriage for the bride and first marriage for the groom, is it proper to give the bride-to-be a bridal shower?

Yes, it is proper to throw a shower for a bride even if it is a second marriage. The shower gifts are for both the bride and groom. Without a shower, the new groom would be missing out.

Q: Is it proper for the bride on a second marriage to wear white?

Usually a bride that is getting married for a second time will wear off white, although the newer fashions have first time brides wearing off white as well. Be sure the groom wears an off white shirt under his tux; when standing next to the bride for pictures, they should match and you don't want her dress to look yellowed when standing next to the groom. Brides sometimes wear white for second and even third marriages. Age of the bride will play a role. If she is a younger bride, i.e. under 30 years old, white wouldn't be questionable. If she is older, a classier bride would wear the traditional off white and still look just as beautiful.

Q: Is an engagement ring necessary?

No. However, the wedding ring is an integral part of the wedding ceremony.

Q: Are engagement presents given?

They are not necessary but on occasion the families or close friends may give small gifts.

Q: May relatives give showers for the bride?

This is not considered appropriate.

Q: Should the church and reception invitation be sent out by the bride's parents or should it be sent out by the bride and groom?

This depends on several factors such as age and financing. If the bride is under 30, you should mention the parents on the invitations, especially if the parents are helping with the wedding plans. If the bride is over 30 it depends on how much the parents are involved in the wedding. If they are contributing financially they should be mentioned in the invitation. If they are not and will be attending as a guest, the invitations should be sent out by the bride and groom.

Q: When should invitations and announcements be ordered?

Approximately two - four months prior to the wedding.

Q: When are invitations for a formal wedding mailed?

Approximately three to four weeks prior to the ceremony.

Q: Does the fact the groom has been married before affect the bride's wedding plans?

No, plans do not differ.

Q: If the bride is a young widow, does her family send invitations?

Yes.

Q: Are reception cards included with invitations?

Yes, along with reply cards and envelopes with the home address printed on the reply envelopes.

Q: Should invitations be engraved?

If the bride wishes. However, simulated engraving is very satisfactory and less costly.

Q: When should announcements be mailed?

Approximately a day or two following the wedding.

Q: When should at-home cards be mailed?

Normally with the announcement.

Q: Are announcements sent to anyone who has been invited to the ceremony or reception?

No. Announcements are sent to acquaintances of the bride and groom who are not attending the wedding.

Q: May guests be invited to the reception and not the wedding?

Yes, if the ceremony is to be attended by only relatives and close friends.

Q: If the bride's parents are divorced, who handles the invitations and plans the wedding?

The bride's mother.

Q: Does the formal invitation to a church wedding require an answer?

No.

Q: Are wedding invitations sent to those in mourning?

Yes.

Q: How are envelopes of invitations addressed formally?

No abbreviations except for Mr., Mrs., Jr., Dr., etc.

Q: Is it proper to use "and family" on invitation envelopes?

No. Separate invitations should be mailed to adult sons and daughters. Small children's names should be listed on the inner envelope with only first names under the parents' names.

Q: How should the invitation be inserted into the envelope?

The invitation is folded with wording outside and placed in the inner envelope (unsealed) with the folded edge down. The inner envelope is placed in the outer envelope facing the flap.

Courtesy of Lovegevity.

‍