A significant number of Brides who are planning their weddings are especially
knowledgeable, experienced, and opinionated. The reason? They have been
through all the planning and decision-making before. Then, because of widowhood
or - more likely - divorce, they are now planning their second (or third)
wedding.
Having "been there before" has its advantages. These Brides have
first-hand knowledge and experience in planning a wedding, and are less
likely to be over-anxious about the process. The second-time Bride is a
well-informed consumer. She knows the importance of shopping around for
the best-quality and best-priced services.
The trendy second-time Bride can best be described as casually elegant,
for she is less likely to be confined to the strictness and formality of
a first-time wedding and is usually content to be surrounded by immediate
family and close friends. In addition, many second-time Brides are footing
the bill themselves, as opposed to first-time Brides whose families usually
handle a large part of the cost. Thus, second weddings tend to be smaller
and more intimate. Most, though not all, are less formal than first weddings.
In response to the needs of these Brides, the wedding service industry has
geared itself towards accommodating their special wishes. Reception staffs
and caterers adapt their facilities to provide the more intimate, yet still
elegant ceremonies and receptions. Many of these Brides invite a smaller
number of family and friends, and are thus looking to ensure that their
guests are treated to the finest food and spirits available. Quality, not
quantity, seems to be the priority.
Although "Adults Only" receptions are still the norm, these Brides
and Grooms often have children from a previous marriage. Many of these couples
realize the importance of including the children as an integral part of
the ceremony and reception. They realize that this is an excellent opportunity
to cement the new family unit.
Many second weddings call for the ceremony and reception to be held in the
same place, making the choice of location very important. In New Orleans
there are many sites that can accommodate this type of wedding. Brides have
at their disposal many stately uptown private homes, an A to Z assortment
of hotels, outdoor parks, country clubs, and halls.
Second-time Brides tend to be demanding when it comes to quality and service.
They want the best and they know the questions to ask. For example, when
deciding on videographers, they will often inquire about the type of video
equipment, tape quality, lighting, and microphones.
Because many second-time Brides choose not to wear a white gown (although
it is acceptable to do so), they often ask for a non-white frosting on the
wedding cake. Ivory icing is available, as are any other colors, such as
the popular pastels, to match the color chosen for the gown.
Most service companies in the wedding field have designed packages for the
second-time Bride. Even if you are not a second-time Bride, you may find
that special something you were looking for. So, ask and become an informed
consumer.