Are you getting married for the second time? For many brides and grooms in your situation, things can be trickier than for a bride or groom planning a first wedding. In the past, second weddings were generally quieter affairs with less pomp and much fewer white dresses. But today's second weddings often enjoy the same type of big blowout wedding affair as first weddings. 

However a second wedding is, by its nature, different, and it's good to recognize and embrace those differences. How so? Here are a few ways that your second wedding should be adapted to fit who you and your fiance are in your lives right now. 

1. You Already Had the Big Shindig

Many older couples recognize that they've already had the grand party and the "princess" (or prince) moment that they dreamed of. And for them, it was enough. No bride or groom is obligated to spend hard-earned money on a big party or worry over details a second time if they'd rather try something new. 

2. Your Needs Have Changed

Some of the wedding traditions and elements are tailor-made for younger couples. Gift-giving, for example, has traditionally been done to help outfit the young couple as they set up their new home. But you likely have what you need to start your marriage and are already making your own way. It may be better, then, to skip the traditions that don't fit your current needs. 

3. Your Family Has Changed

Many older couples have children when they marry a second time. If this is so in your case, include your whole family in your wedding day. This could include personalized touches like having a child walk you down the aisle, including family vows with minor children, or letting adult children plan the bash. 

4.  It May Be Awkward

Some aspects of a second wedding can be a bit awkward. You may have to deal with the presence of an ex-spouse, for instance, or children may still be adjusting to the relationship. Whatever the cause of potential awkwardness, think about ways to avoid it. A smaller venue, for instance, might make it easier to avoid relatives who would have strong opinions about you wearing a white dress. 

5. Your Perspective Is Different

Finally, you are a different person right now than you were when you were younger. Your idea of a fairy-tale wedding might be vastly different as well. While big weddings are often billed as "dream weddings," your dream now might be to spend this time with your children and grandchildren. Embrace these changed perspectives and design a "fairy-tale" wedding that fits you. 

While many elements of your second wedding are likely to be similar to a first wedding, you do well to embrace the ways that it's different as well. By planning for these, you'll create a day that you and your fiance love and that reflects the people you've grown to become. 

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