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wedding we didn't have because of deployment to Iraq

meganmm711
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Post #1 of 6 (3446 views)

wedding we didn't have because of deployment to Iraq

My husband and I got married at the court house because he was being deployed to Iraq. We still want the big day. Is it okay to have a regular wedding? He still has 4 months until he comes home from deployment. We are hoping to have a wedding when he comes home so that all of our friends and family can be apart of us being together. If it is okay then how do you word the invitations since we are already married? We have only been married for 9 months. Also any other information regarding our situation would be great since this is still new to me. Thanks! Wink

Etiquette Now
WEDDING ETIQUETTE EXPERT

Post #2 of 6 (3443 views)

Re: [meganmm711] wedding we didn't have because of deployment to Iraq [In reply to]

Dear Wedding we didn't have,

You would be inviting you guests to a reaffirmation of your wedding vows. This can be every bit as formal as a first wedding. The only difference is that it doesn't have to be a legal ceremony--license and an officiate. A friend could even perform the ceremony. You shouldn't wear a veil, but your dress may be everything you wish.

Your invitations would read something like this:

The honour of your presence (next line) is requested at the reaffirmation (next line) of the wedding vows of (next line) Mr. and Mrs. Very Happy (next line) Saturday, the ninth of April (next line) two thousand and five (next line) at two o'clock ... (next two lines) the address.

It will be a wonderful event for all of your family and friends to share.

Congratulations!
Rebecca Black, Etiquette Consultant
Etiquette Now
http://www.etiquettenow.com

Jill
Family Psychotherapist

Post #3 of 6 (3436 views)

Re: [meganmm711] wedding we didn't have because of deployment to Iraq [In reply to]

You will have a lot to celebrate when your husband comes home. If you want a religious ceremony - or blessing - then talk to whoever might officiate. You will almost certainly find him/her very helpful.

You could send out the invitations from you both as a couple inviting people to celebrate your marriage with you.
Jill Curtis, psychotherapist
http://familyonwards.com Author, How to Get Married ... Again (A Guide to Second Weddings) available from this site!

Mannersmith
Deleted

Post #4 of 6 (3416 views)

Re: [meganmm711] wedding we didn't have because of deployment to Iraq [In reply to]

Dear War Bride,

Yes, yes, yes - please do have the wedding of your dreams. You can have a
wedding reception if you do not want public exchanging of vows, or if you
want to have a ceremony, then it would be a wedding vow renewal (versus a marriage since you are already married). Have fun.

Yours,
Jodi R R Smith, The MannerSmith

scchocolatemm
Deleted

Post #5 of 6 (3366 views)

Re: [Et.byRebecca] wedding we didn't have because of deployment to Iraq [In reply to]

Why shouldn't a veil be worn?

Etiquette Now
WEDDING ETIQUETTE EXPERT

Post #6 of 6 (3362 views)

Re: [meganmm711] wedding we didn't have because of deployment to Iraq [In reply to]

A veil is a symbol of youth and innocence, so it isn't appropriate for a reaffirmation.
Rebecca Black, Etiquette Consultant
Etiquette Now
http://www.etiquettenow.com