My fiance and I are planning on getting married while on vacation with just the two of us in a couple of weeks, but it will not be a religious ceremony. We are thinking about then having a church wedding in June along with a reception. The reason for this is that we really don't want to wait to get married, but June will be the soonest that we can really get anything planned. Have you ever heard of anyone doing something like this? Are there any etiquette issues that go along with this? Thanks.
Etiquette Now
WEDDING ETIQUETTE EXPERT
Post #2 of 2
(1634 views)
Re: [kjohnson724] Intimate wedding and church wedding
[In reply to]
Dear Intimate Wedding,
Yes, people do this all the time. Because you will already be married in June, you will be having a reaffirmation ceremony, not a wedding. This is very similar with a few small distinctions.
Your invitations will ask for your guests to come to your reaffirmation of the wedding vows of "Mr. and Mrs. Your Married Name".
Usually you and your husband will be hosting the ceremony and reception.
If you have children, often they will play a part.
The dress is most often subtler than the traditional wedding dress, but this is just a guide line; many choose the formal gown. Plus, up until very recently, it was considered in poor taste to wear a veil unless you are a first bride. This rule has been relaxed. However, the blusher veil (worn over the face) is still reserved for the first-time bride.
Your vows are slightly altered to reflect that this is a reaffirmation of your vows. Many couples will write their own, but because you want a religious service you will have to talk to your clergy member. Usually your clergy member will ask for your rings and he/she will bless them.
Your reception can be the same as for a first wedding, but is usually more relaxed and less formal.
Intimate wedding and church wedding
