Having a second or third wedding is still a special day for the wedding party. When planning your second wedding, don’t copy what you did the first time around - make it new and yours as a couple!

Granny Mouse Country House & Spa has a few good tips for those considering walking back down the aisle (again) and Veronica Sookdin, Banqueting Manager of the “Mouse House”, emphasizes that never should this day be boring or super conservative. It’s a fun day and the team certainly knows how to help make it that.

Planning a second wedding also comes with some societal rules that are unwritten, so here are some tips to ensure that all goes down well. 

When getting married for the second time, and if there are children from the previous marriages, it’s really important to tell them first before letting the “cat out of the bag” to your other nearest and dearests. And, of course, let your ex husband or wife know too - even if you aren’t the best of friends, its polite that they hear it from you and not the neighbourhood gossipers.

When it comes to wedding gifts, many of those who are getting married again tend to have most of what they need after accumulating over the years. You can still provide a list of wedding gifts, or simply donate to a charity of your choice in the case of those who have everything. Also, don’t expect gifts from the people you invited to the first wedding and who cracked the nod for the second. Let it be their choice.

If you did the big wedding the first time round, why not cut down the guest list a little, so you can enjoy time with everyone that is there. It allows you to spend time with those that have been there for you, through thick and thin. But, again, it is your choice and if you want that big wedding again, then go for it.

When it comes to the dress, look at the colour scheme. It is generally “frowned” upon wearing white after having been married before. Besides the off-white or ivory, there are more colour options out there now, such as champagne, pink, blue or any colour that flatters you and is suitable for your gown. Black has also been a trend for a good few years and actually symbolizes power and sexuality. Take into consideration that the type of dress you choose also needs to fit in with your venue and/or church.

Something else to consider, and it’s also good manners, is that you shouldn’t expect your parents to foot the bill. This time you need to budget and pay for your own wedding.

Most importantly, if you do have children, include them in the wedding planning and day of the wedding. Let them walk you down the aisle, or be the maid of honour or best man. Of course this all depends on their ages, which dictates the role that they play – but whatever it is, they will feel so important!

For more information on weddings at Granny Mouse go to www.grannymouse.co.za