It’s not often you get a second chance at something in life. But when you do, it's one of the rare times you have the advantage of experience and perspective. And when it comes to planning a wedding, this can be invaluable.

I can speak first hand about this experience. My first wedding day was special. it was rustic, set on acres of vineyard in southern California. I was 25 years young and wanted this day to be my one and only. I played with the idea to have a modest dress, but quickly reconsidered because the long train and bushy veil was much more of a bridal vibe. Or at least that’s what I kept telling myself it was. It seemed as though the rules of planning a wedding where against me because of what I should do versus what I truly loved.

My current partner and I aren’t married yet, but do plan on having a wedding in the future. I’m nearly ten years older than I was the first time round. Sure, my tastes have evolved and trends have changed, but more importantly our wedding will reflect the couple that we are, not on what tradition dictates.

“The wedding is only the beginning,not the accomplishment.”

Expectations the second time around are more realistic. The pressure of planning the "perfect" wedding (spoiler: it doesn't exist) can reduce first-time brides to nervous wrecks, and understandably so. The expectations of family and friends are outrageous (back off guys, it's not your day). Which is why getting married for a second time can actually be much more enjoyable. After all, you’ve been down that aisle before.

So, you’re getting married for the second time? This topic shouldn’t become taboo and no-one should tell you that it can’t or won’t be special. This other person in your life IS the love of your life and you both should have the day you both deserve. With a first marriage, couples tend to see the wedding as the goal. The second time though, they recognise that the wedding is only the beginning, not the accomplishment. It's what comes after that matters.

Here are 3 reasons why your second wedding deserves aaaaaall the hype:

Your Wedding Dress

It’s completely up to you whether you wear a white wedding dress or go for something a little more informal and personal to you. If you missed out on the fairytale princess gown first time around then you might want to go for the wow factor this time, fair enough. Conversely, if you wore white before you may prefer to wear something very different. For some, maybe that means a mini dress or something colourful, for others something low is more fitting – for instance a formal, beautifully tailored jumpsuit like these by Ghost. Brides shouldn’t be relegated to only white dresses. It’s not your mum’s wedding this time, you really can do what you want!

“You really can do what you want!’

Your Guest List

If you have been married before then chances are you understand the importance of the actual marriage vows you take on a slightly different deeper level, and the significance of your new lasting relationship. Your people who have been there to support you both during the highs and lows. You (and perhaps your fiancé too) are getting married for the second time so your choice about your guest list will seem clearer. Mutual friends and close family members will trump over the acquaintance from the office and your second-cousins-twice-removed.n Don’t worry about offending anyone if they don’t get invited to your wedding. They can still be happy for you!

Break traditions

As mentioned before, planning a wedding day can be overshadowed by the pressure of following rules and traditions. I could probably write an entirely separate blog post on this subject alone. Without bringing up the “D” word, marriages where never meant to end traditionally, right? So why not go the whole hog and do everything untraditionally here on out!? Fancy having the reception the day before the wedding? Do it! Get matching tattoos instead of exchanging rings? Done. Maybe you could start a new tradition together without resulting in something old or blue.

Of course, this doesn't apply to second weddings only- you guys do YOU for whatever number wedding it may be!
I’m of the belief that you deserve the best, feel your best and get to celebrate/dance/drink the day away with the love of your life- and have it documented well ;) Get in touch to enquire about your wedding in Dorset. I’d love to capture it.