If you recently received an invitation to a bridal shower or wedding, it could quite easily be a second marriage for either the bride or groom, possibly due to a past divorce or death of a previous spouse. Divorce rates have climbed over the years and second marriages are becoming more common place. Etiquette for second weddings has adjusted subtly over the years to accommodate this shift.
Gift Giving Etiquette for Second Marriages
Today, etiquette for buying a second marriage wedding gift is very similar to the etiquette for first marriages. In previous years the rules were more formal, in that gifts were absolutely not expected to be given or received if you bought a gift for either bride or groom for their first wedding. Wedding gifts were strictly for first time young couples getting married and setting up their first home.
Nowadays, etiquette dictates that you still do not have to buy a second marriage wedding gift, but most people feel that they would want to and it has become expected. I do take two.com states that it is perfectly acceptable for the happy couple to set up a registry for gifts; they should not however, as is true for first marriages, advertise the fact by putting the information in with the wedding invitation.
Registry information should be passed by word of mouth or if the couple feels uncomfortable about setting up a registry, gift ideas can be given by talking with a member of the family or wedding party about the most appropriate gift, if you are unsure about what to give them.
Second Wedding Gift Ideas
A couple embarking on their second marriage may be financially secure and have all the household items that they need, especially if they are combining two homes. If the couple will be blending families, this should be taken into consideration when you purchase a gift. This can make gift giving a little more difficult but will also give you a chance to think of something unique, whether it be a personal or practical gift. Consider these gift ideas.
- Gift basket – themed around gourmet food, gardening, honeymoon essentials such as candles, body oils and champagne, family game night or a movie night basket
- Wine
- Books
- Luggage
- Electronics
- Camping equipment
- Donation to their favorite charity
- Gift certificate to a couple’s spa day
- Tickets for a family day out to the zoo or aquarium
- Season tickets to their favorite sports team
- Tickets to the theater
Almost any gift will be appropriate these days as long as you consider the couple’s lifestyle and taste.
