RON LIEBERMAN

bridal 2018

E ncore! Encore!

What to do for “Just Married,” take two — firsthand tips from a pro in the business.

LORRI LEWIS SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS

I

t was all about the wedding and not
about us,” said Carrie Bradshaw in the
Sex in the City movie.
Sometimes, the second (or third) time’s
the charm — and, often, the bride has
learned from her experience what she
really wants, in a spouse and a wedding.
The negative connotations of second
weddings or getting remarried are long
gone. Couples are embracing the thought
of getting a second chance and creat-
ing new beginnings with what’s become
known as “encore” weddings.
A blog posted by Berkley’s the Wedding
Shoppe (weddingshoppe.net) says, “A n
encore wedding is the same thing as a
second wedding or third wedding or
fourth and so on. Encore weddings are
usually smaller affairs and usually involve
older adult couples. The bride often
chooses a less flashy wedding gown and
throws a slightly less formal event.”
Perhaps — but it doesn’t have to be.
My client Debbi Daniels, who chose to
focus on a more intimate celebration for
her encore wedding, had a slightly small-
er event than her previous marriage. This
wedding included fewer invited guests

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January 25 • 2018

jn

than her first; however, her bridal attire,
FIVE WAYS TO CREATE THE ENCORE
room decor and other details were just
WEDDING OF YOUR DREAMS
as elegant and well-planned as they were • Take a real look at your budget while
for her first wedding.
determining what type of wedding
For the wedding ceremony, the couple
you desire. If it’s limited, consider a
have various options to consid-
courthouse ceremony or cer-
ABOVE: Lorri Lewis emony performed by friends,
er. Is a big wedding an option?
coordinated the
Do they want a destination wed-
but spring for an elegant wed-
encore wedding of
ding? In her previous marriage,
ding brunch or early dinner at
Debbi and Joshua
did the bride have an elaborate
an upscale restaurant.
Daniels at the
wedding affair? What about the
• Instead of a wedding reg-
Somerset Inn in
groom? Has he been married
istry, ask your guests to make
Troy. Centerpieces
before? Many encore brides and
donations to your favorite char-
by Breath of Spring,
grooms choose to use this event
ity; you may also want to do a
Bloomfield Hills.
to be what they really want,
special dedication in honor of a
rather than what is expected.
loved one or mutual friend.
Encore weddings have evolved over the
• Have a dress code or theme for
years; in 2007, Special Events magazine
your guests; you could request they
stated, “Second-time brides are setting
wear all black or all white, while you
their own wedding traditions.” And the
and your significant other wear the
trend continues. Today’s Bride 2017 mag- opposite color. This makes a great visu-
azine article adds, “There are no written
al at the event and the happy couple
rules for encore weddings, which means
will really stand out in photos.
you can go with what works for your
• If you’re blending families — your
family. After adhering to wedding tradi-
kids, his kids — consider allowing the
tions the first time around, encore wed-
children to be the wedding attendants,
dings open up the floor to looser rules
and the oldest children can sign the
and a more individualized event.”
marriage license as witnesses. How

about changing into matching T-shirts
for the wedding reception or brunch:
bride and groom T-shirts with Mr. and
Mrs.; children can be Team Bride or
Team Groom. What a great, and fun,
photo opportunity!
• You remember those wedding
favors from way back when — matches,
notepads, shot glasses? Why not create
cute little gift boxes or baskets for your
guests full of you and your significant
other’s favorite things, like gum, chips,
lotion or shaving cream with person-
alized labels with your family crest
or monogram? There are many small
companies that specialize in custom
wedding guest boxes for every budget.
• Remember, it’s your celebration.
There are no rules other than what
feels best and most comfortable to
you when embarking on your new life
together. •

Lorri Lewis, the DirectHer, has been a wedding
coordinator in Metro Detroit for more than 20
years, specializing in encore weddings. Contact
her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter via
@thedirecther.