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Second Ceremony etiquette

ArmyGirl96B
New User

Post #1 of 2 (3577 views)

Second Ceremony etiquette

My husband and I got married 5 months ago while stationed in Germany. We got married at the city hall with only a couple friends there, no honeymoon and no reception after. I deployed to Iraq a month later and now he is going to be in Iraq soon. We want to do a normal "white" wedding ceremony so to speak with the reception, honeymoon and everything once we are both back from Iraq. I've already changed my name and everything so would this ceremony be a vow renewal or just a regular wedding ceremony? The one we had in Germany was very cut and dry and only took like 10 minutes and was sort of impersonal. We want to write our own wedding vows for the ceremony with the family. What would the etiquette be for something like this?

Deacon Bob
INDEPENDANT CATHOLIC DEACON

Post #2 of 2 (3463 views)

Re: [ArmyGirl96B] Second Ceremony etiquette [In reply to]

I am sorry this reply took a little while. I had thought I replied to it but apparently something happened either with the computer or my memory. Wink

First, I want to thank you and your husband for serving our country. Under the circumstances it is very understandable why you would have a wedding in Germany and then want to share the event and celebration with family and friends in the United States once you return.

I am assuming that the normal "white" wedding will be a religious ceremony and if it is here is how I would handle it. On the invitations, I would characterize it as a "Blessing of our Marriage". This way there will not be confusion as to what you are doing with people who know that you are already married. I also think a full reception and celebration is appropriate. You were presented with a set of circumstances that made a full celebration difficult, if not, impossible. There is no reason why you should be denied the wedding of your dreams because you were defending our country when you fell in love.

God Bless, best wishes and thanks again. Bob
Deacon Bob Tousey
Independant catholic Deacon