Second marriage invitation wording (with examples)
Who hosts a second wedding, how to include children on the invitation, what to say about gifts, and wording examples from formal to relaxed.
The short version
- A second wedding is a wedding. It can be as large, formal and joyful as the couple wants.
- The couple usually host and invite in their own names; children can be named as co-hosts.
- If you have a home already, say gifts are not expected, or suggest a fund for something you will do together.
- Leave out explanations about previous marriages. The invitation is about this one.
For a second marriage, the couple usually host the wedding and invite guests in their own names, often together with their children. Beyond that, a second wedding follows the same etiquette as any other: it can be large or small, formal or relaxed, in white or not. The old idea that a second wedding should be quiet has quietly disappeared.
Who hosts a second wedding?
Most often the couple. Parents can still host if they want to, and the invitation then follows the traditional form. When either partner has children, naming them on the invitation is a warm way to show that the wedding joins two families.
Second wedding wording you can use
Emma Collins and James Porter request the pleasure of your company at their marriage. Saturday, June 12, 2027, at four o'clock, The Old Mill, Hudson Valley. Reception to follow.
Together with their children, Lily, Noah and Grace, Emma Collins and James Porter invite you to celebrate their marriage. Saturday, June 12, 2027, at four in the afternoon, The Old Mill, Hudson Valley.
We found each other, and we're making it official! Join Emma, James and the kids on Saturday, June 12, 2027, at 4 PM at The Old Mill for a ceremony, dinner and a lot of dancing.
What about gifts?
Many couples marrying for the second time already have a home full of things. It is perfectly polite to say gifts are not expected, or to suggest a fund for a honeymoon, a family trip or something you will build together. Mention it once, in the practical part of the invitation or on your website, never as the headline.
What should you leave out?
- Any reference to a previous marriage or a divorce
- Defensive explanations about the size or style of the wedding
- Instructions to guests about former partners; handle those privately
Should children be part of the invitation?
If they want to be, yes. Naming them as co-hosts, or including a line like "together with their children", tells guests the day is about a family. Ask older children first; some would love it, and some would rather not be on the card.
A second wedding is not a smaller first wedding. It is simply a wedding, and it gets to be whatever the two of you want.
Common questions
Who hosts a second wedding?
Usually the couple themselves, inviting guests in their own names, often together with their children. Parents can still host if they wish.
How do you include children on a second wedding invitation?
Name them as co-hosts or add a line such as "together with their children", followed by their names. Ask older children first whether they would like to be named.
Is it okay to have a big second wedding?
Yes. A second wedding follows the same etiquette as any other and can be as large or formal as the couple wants.
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