A common question asked about second weddings have to do with guest etiquette. More specifically: should guests bring gifts to your second wedding? In this article we break down:
- Second wedding guest etiquette
- Gift ideas
- Expectations
Readers Ask
If I’m attending a second wedding, am I expected to bring a gift?
When you receive an initiation to a wedding, no matter if it’s one of almost-newlywed’s second or even third time, some type of gift is appropriate but not expected – although it shouldn’t be extravagant. A small token, like a framed art piece for their home, or something monetary will do its job paying respect to the day’s events and the couple’s new venture moving forward.
Other “Expert” Opinions
“If the bride or groom has been married before, you don’t have to give them a gift. However it is still a nice thing to do, whether or not you attend their wedding. A gift is part of the celebration and shows that you are thinking of them on their special day. It also shows your support of their new life together.” – The Spruce
“These days, there is often not much of a difference in the traditions of a first and second marriage. However, there is a traditional etiquette rule that applies to gifts for a second wedding. If you were invited to a first wedding and gave a gift, you are not expected to give a gift for the second marriage.
Other than that, traditional gifting etiquette applies. If you receive an invitation, it is customary to send a gift, whether or not you can attend the wedding. The amount you spend is entirely dependent upon your budget and closeness to the couple getting married. Some couples that have been married before and are of a more mature age will often ask that you do not give gifts, so you can and should follow those wishes.” – Registry Finder
Second Wedding Gift Ideas
If giving a gift feels right, don’t stress too much about it as the bride and groom shouldn’t be anticipated extravagant gifts or large sums of money. Take a peek at some of these easy-to-handle ideas and see if one of them fits the bill for the event you’ve been invited to attend!
- Gift Certificates – Movie Dates, Spa Days, An Afternoon of Golf, etc.
- A Donation In Their Name To A Charity/Cause of Their Choice
- Wine and/or Chocolate
- Monetary Gift
- New Artwork
