Planning A Second Wedding Party? Here's How To Invite Guests

There are many ways to invite people to a second wedding party. You can send invitations by mail, email, or social media, or invite them by phone or in person. If you're sending invitations, make sure to include all the necessary information, such as the time, date, location, and dress code. If you're inviting people by phone or in person, be sure to give them all the details and leave them a way to decline the invitation without feeling guilty. It's also important to be discreet when inviting people in person so as not to offend those who overhear but are not invited.

Be honest about the circumstances

Being honest about the circumstances of your second wedding party is a great way to approach inviting guests. Here are some tips on how to do this:

Be Clear About the Situation

Explain the situation to your guests in a straightforward manner. For example, you could say something like, "We had some last-minute openings due to unexpected cancellations, and we would love for you to join us if you're available." Being transparent about the circumstances shows that you're not trying to hide anything and values your guests' presence.

Be Timely

Send out your second-round invitations as soon as possible. The sooner you reach out, the more likely your guests will be able to attend. It also demonstrates your eagerness to have them at your celebration. If you wait too long, it may seem like an afterthought or that you're just trying to fill seats.

Be Selective

When considering whom to invite for the second round, be thoughtful and selective. Choose people you truly want to celebrate with and who will add to the joy of your special day. Avoid treating guests as mere "fillers" to meet a minimum guest count. Remember, it's about the quality of guests, not just the quantity.

Be Understanding

Understand that not everyone will be available or willing to attend on short notice. Some guests may have prior commitments or feel slighted by being a second-round invite. Respect their decisions and don't take it personally. Focus your energy on those who are excited and able to share this moment with you.

Be Creative with Invitations

Consider using alternative invitation methods for the second round. Instead of formal printed invitations, opt for a more casual approach, such as a phone call, email, or text message. This can help convey the spontaneity of the situation and make it feel less like a formal, structured process.

Be Accommodating

Make your guests feel comfortable and valued. Let them know that their presence is more important than a gift. You could say something like, "No need to bring a gift; your presence is enough. We just want to celebrate with people we care about." This approach can alleviate any pressure they may feel about last-minute arrangements.

Contact people directly

When it comes to inviting people to your second wedding party, it's important to be tactful and considerate. Here are some tips for contacting people directly:

• Be honest and explain the situation: Let your guests know that you initially had to prioritize family and a limited guest list, but now you have some extra spaces available. Be transparent about the reason for the second round of invitations. This will help your guests understand your situation and feel appreciated.
• Choose an appropriate communication method: Consider the formality of your wedding and the relationship you have with the guests. You can call, send a personal message, or even meet in person to extend the invitation. A phone call or in-person conversation can be more personal and allow you to gauge their reaction and answer any questions they may have.
• Provide all the necessary details: Make sure to include the date, time, venue, dress code, and any other relevant information in your invitation. Let them know if there is a specific theme or if they need to bring anything. You can also mention if there will be any special activities or arrangements for guests' enjoyment.
• Be mindful of their response: Understand that some guests may not be able to attend on short notice. Respect their decision and don't pressure them to accept the invitation. It's also important to set a deadline for their response so that you can plan accordingly.
• Avoid using the same RSVP cards: If you're sending out invitations for the second round, avoid using the same RSVP cards with the original date. You can ask guests to respond by email, text, or a phone call instead. This will help avoid any confusion and make it clear that they are part of the second round of invitations.
• Consider your guest list carefully: Invite people who are close to you and your partner, and who will be excited to celebrate with you. It's okay to have a mix of family, friends, and colleagues, but be mindful of the dynamics and relationships between your guests. You want to create a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone.

Send invites soon to avoid people feeling like second-thoughts

When it comes to inviting people to your second wedding party, it's important to act soon to avoid making your guests feel like an afterthought. Here are some tips to help you navigate this situation:

Be Mindful of Timing

It's crucial to send out invitations to your second wedding party as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more likely your guests will feel like they are second-tier invitees. Try to send out the invitations at the same time as your first round of invites, if you can. This way, your guests will know that they are valued and that their presence is important to you.

Be Transparent and Honest

If you are inviting guests to your second wedding party because you have extra spaces available, be transparent about it. Reach out to them personally and explain the situation. Let them know that you would be honoured if they could join you on your special day. Most people will understand the complexities of wedding planning and guest list management. Being honest shows that you respect your guests and want to include them, rather than treating them as a last-minute addition.

Use Discretion

When inviting guests to your second wedding party, be mindful of who might overhear your conversations or see your social media posts. You don't want to accidentally offend people who weren't on your initial guest list. Be discreet when discussing your second round of invitations, especially if you're inviting a smaller group of people. This way, you can avoid any potential hurt feelings or misunderstandings.

Consider Different Invitation Methods

Depending on the timing and your relationship with the guests, you may want to use different invitation methods for your second wedding party. If time is of the essence, a phone call, email, or social media invitation might be more effective than mailed invitations. Choose a method that allows you to connect with your guests directly and convey your excitement about having them celebrate with you.

Focus on Your Nearest and Dearest

Ultimately, your wedding is about celebrating your love and commitment with the people who matter most to you. When creating your guest list for the second wedding party, focus on those who are closest to you and your partner. Invite the people who bring you joy and whom you would be thrilled to have by your side on this special day. This will help you prioritise your guest list and ensure that your celebration is filled with love and support.

Be wary of using the same invites

If you are planning a second wedding, you may be unsure about the etiquette of sending out invitations. It is true that second weddings are often less formal, and you may choose to send out invitations that are not as fancy as those for a first wedding. However, it is still important to send out official invitations to your guests. This way, your guests will have all the information they need about your wedding, such as the date, time, and location.

When it comes to the wording on the invitations, you may want to avoid using the same language as your first wedding. Instead of using traditional phrases such as "request the honour of your presence", you could opt for something more casual and fun. If you are worried about gifts, you can include a lighthearted phrase on the invite, such as "Your presence is your present" to let guests know that you do not expect a gift from them.

Another thing to consider is whether to include your parents' names on the invitation, especially if they are hosting the wedding. If you have a good relationship with your parents and they are contributing to the wedding financially, it is common courtesy to include them. However, if you are an independent adult and prefer to have the invitation come from you and your partner, that is also perfectly acceptable.

In the case of remarriage, you may wonder what name to use on the invitation. You can choose to use your legal name or your maiden name if you prefer. It is a personal choice, and you should go with whatever makes you feel comfortable. If you have children, you may want to include their names on the invitation as well.

When it comes to the guest list, it is essential to be considerate and thoughtful. While you may want to include everyone, it is important to prioritise those who are closest to you and your partner. Be mindful of your budget and venue capacity when creating your guest list. If you are unable to invite everyone, be honest and let them know that you are having an intimate ceremony.

In conclusion, while it is important to send out invitations for your second wedding, you can be more relaxed and creative with the wording and format. Remember to include all the necessary information and be considerate of your guests' feelings. Most importantly, focus on celebrating your love and enjoying this special time with your loved ones.

Don't feel pressured to invite everyone

When it comes to planning a wedding, it's easy to feel pressured to invite everyone you know to your big day. However, it's important to remember that your wedding is about celebrating your love and commitment with the people who are closest to you. Here are some tips to keep in mind when creating your guest list and avoiding the pressure to invite everyone:

• It's your special day: Remember, your wedding day is about you and your partner. Don't feel obligated to invite people just because your parents or in-laws want to include their friends or distant relatives. It's perfectly acceptable to politely decline their requests and explain that you are keeping the guest list intimate.
• Create a master list: Start by writing down the names of everyone you and your partner would consider inviting, from immediate family and close friends to colleagues and distant relatives. This master list will help you visualize your options and make informed decisions about who to include.
• Separate your top-tier guests: Identify your non-negotiables, the people you simply couldn't imagine getting married without. These are your must-haves, and they stay on the list no matter what. Everyone else is optional and can be invited if space and budget allow.
• Be mindful of your budget and venue: The number of guests you can invite will depend on your venue and budget constraints. Be realistic about how many people you can accommodate and afford to host. This will help you narrow down your list and ensure a comfortable and enjoyable celebration.
• Don't feel obligated to reciprocate: If someone invited you to their wedding, it doesn't mean you have to invite them to yours, especially if your relationship has drifted apart or you weren't close to begin with. It's perfectly acceptable to politely decline and explain that you are keeping the guest list intimate or have a limited capacity.
• Stick to your ground: Remember, it's your day, and you don't have to invite anyone you don't want to. Don't feel pressured by others' opinions or emotions. Be kind but firm, and trust your instincts when deciding who to include.
• Consider a staggered approach: Etiquette suggests sending invitations at least eight weeks in advance. Keep in mind that you may receive some regrets, freeing up space for additional guests. Consult your master list and send out a second round of invitations to those you would have loved to include initially.

Frequently asked questions