Second marriage wording
A second wedding is worded exactly like a first one, minus two habits: no one “gives away” anyone, and the couple almost always host themselves. The tone is confident and unadorned. Children, where they exist, can appear as hosts — one of the loveliest modern forms.
Example 1 — The couple hosts, simple and assured
Example 2 — Children invite, with the couple
Example 3 — Small wedding, closest people
How it is put together
The couple as hosts — No parents’ names at the top, no “giving away” — the invitation is issued by the two people marrying.
No reference to the past — The wording never mentions previous marriages, “again”, or “second time lucky” unless the couple themselves find it funny (see the funny page’s test).
Children named with intention — Children can host, be named in the welcome line, or be left to the day itself — all three are correct; the couple decides.
Good to know
- Send second-wedding invitations a little later — 6–8 weeks ahead is usual, reflecting smaller, closer guest lists.
- A short gift line is more common and more accepted here: “Your presence is the present; if you wish, a contribution to our honeymoon” is a settled form.
- Guests from the first wedding who are invited again are honoured, not awkward — invite without commentary.