[malakin]

I am a Bahamian currently working in the UK planning to return home in a month or so with my fiancé (Jon) who is British. We are desperate to leave the UK as we have had enough of our current jobs and the weather and are desperate to get on with a settled life, however the wedding arrangements have me concerned. We need to be married so that Jon can work however I do not feel that I have sufficient time to organise the sort of wedding day our family, friends and ourselves would like. I was therefore considering having a very small, simple marriage on our arrival with only a couple of our friends in order to obtain the necessary paperwork and waiting a year to have the glorified wedding. In other words I am thinking it would be best to have a remarriage as though we had not married with family, friends and the really important things. I am sure this sounds really crazy to you but I know I can not handle all the necessary arrangements as well as moving our lives – jobs, house, cars etc. Please advise as to how much of a first wedding I can make our remarriage and any further advice which may help as I am feeling quite lost as to what to do. Thank you in advance for your assistance.

[Etiquette Now]

Dear Remarriage,

You can almost have it all for a reaffirmation of your vows. The main differences is that this isn't considered as much of a gift giving event. Typically you wouldn't be walked down the aisle. The receiving line is different. You and your husband would be hosting, not the parents. So, you two are first in line. Usually the couple don't toss the bouquet or garter.

I think I have listed everything. It really isn't much different except the invitation would read, reaffirmation, or renewal of wedding vows, instead of marriage.

Best wishes,