Second Wedding Invitation Wording Examples: 20+ Templates for Remarriage

Second weddings are often exactly what they sound like: a second chance to do this in the way that actually fits you. Many couples find them more meaningful, more intentional, and considerably less stressful than their first time around – in large part because the social pressure to follow every tradition has evaporated.

Your invitation wording should reflect that freedom. There’s no obligation to mimic the formal conventions of a first wedding if they don’t fit. There’s also no rule that says a second wedding can’t be just as formal, just as grand, or just as traditional as a first – if that’s what you want. This guide covers every style, with 20+ real wording examples and the specific guidance that makes second wedding invitations distinct.

Why Second Wedding Wording Is Different

First wedding invitations typically follow a fairly established template: parents host, formal third-person phrasing, specific hierarchy of names. Second weddings break from almost all of that, for good reason.

The couple is almost always older, financially independent, and making this decision entirely on their own terms. The guest list is usually smaller and more intentional – close friends and immediate family, rather than an extended network of obligations. The ceremony itself tends to reflect the couple’s actual personalities more than a first wedding does.

All of this shows up in the invitation. Second wedding wording tends to be:

• Self-hosted (the couple hosts, not their parents)
• More personal in tone – first names, warmer language
• More direct – “join us” instead of “request the honor of your presence”
• Shorter – less formality means less ceremony in the wording

None of this is required. A second wedding can absolutely use formal third-person wording if that’s the couple’s style. The point is that the choice is genuinely yours – not inherited from convention.

Hosting Line Options

The hosting line (who is announcing the wedding) is where second weddings most consistently break from first-wedding tradition. Because the couple is typically hosting themselves, the most common approach is to simply lead with both names.

Self-hosted – most common for second weddings

Parents co-hosting (when applicable and desired)

If parents are significantly contributing to the celebration and want to be named hosts, that’s perfectly acceptable for a second wedding too. Use the same conventions as a first wedding hosting line.

Formal Second Wedding Wording Examples

A second wedding can be entirely formal. There is no etiquette rule that says remarriage must be casual or small. If you want a black-tie reception with a 150-person guest list and letterpress invitations, that is completely appropriate.

Casual and Intimate Second Wedding Wording

Many second wedding couples prefer something warmer and more personal – language that sounds like them, not like a formal document.

Second Wedding Wording When Children Are Involved

If either partner has children who will be part of the ceremony, the invitation can acknowledge them gracefully. The key is including them in a way that feels natural – not like a legal disclaimer.

What Not to Include in Second Wedding Invitations

A few specific things to avoid:

• Any reference to “second” or “again”: “Join us for our second wedding” or “as we marry again” – don’t do it. It’s your wedding, not your second attempt.
• Your previous married name on the invitation: Use your current legal name or the name you go by now.
• References to the ex or previous marriage: The invitation announces what is happening, not what came before it.
• “No gifts please” on the main invitation: This is better handled on your wedding website or through word of mouth. If guests ask directly, you can say you’d prefer experiences or charitable donations to your favorite cause.
• Overly apologetic tone: Some couples unconsciously write invitations that downplay the celebration. This is your wedding. Write it like it matters – because it does.

Printing Your Second Wedding Invitations

Second weddings are an excellent opportunity to invest in a print quality you might have compromised on the first time – or simply to choose something that reflects who you actually are now rather than what you thought a wedding invitation was supposed to look like.

Letterpress on 600gsm Wild Cotton is the most tactile, luxurious option – stunning for intimate, formal celebrations. Flat foil on premium stock is elegant without the higher cost of letterpress. Digital print gives you the widest design range and the fastest turnaround.

Browse the wedding invitation collection and filter by print method to find the right combination. If you’d like to see and feel samples before ordering, the $5 sample pack includes 7 designs across different print methods. Your designer proof arrives within 1-2 business days of ordering, with two free revision rounds included.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to mention it’s a second wedding on the invitation?

No – and you shouldn’t. Simply invite your guests to your wedding. There’s no obligation to reference previous marriages on the invitation. Your guests already know your story; the invitation is about the future, not the past.

Can a second wedding be as formal as a first?

Absolutely. There’s no etiquette rule that limits the formality of a second wedding. If you want a black-tie ceremony with 200 guests, formal third-person wording, and letterpress invitations, all of that is entirely appropriate.

Should children be named on the invitation?

If children are playing an active role in the ceremony (walking down the aisle, as ring bearers, reading passages), naming them on the invitation is a lovely and meaningful touch. If they’re simply attending, it’s optional – you can include them or not based on whether the wording feels natural.

Who hosts a second wedding?

The couple typically hosts their own second wedding. This means leading with both names as the “host” line rather than parents. If parents are significantly contributing financially and want to be named, that’s acceptable too – but it’s not the norm for second weddings the way it is for first ones.

Is it appropriate to have a gift registry for a second wedding?

It’s a gray area. Many couples who already have established households feel uncomfortable with a traditional registry. Options include: a cash fund toward an experience (honeymoon, renovation), a charitable donation request, or simply having no formal registry and responding to individual questions personally. Don’t include registry details on the main invitation – put them on your wedding website instead.

What’s the right RSVP window for a second wedding?

The same as a first wedding: mail invitations 6-8 weeks before the event (or 3-4 months for a destination celebration), and set the RSVP deadline 3-4 weeks before. Second wedding guest lists tend to be smaller, but that doesn’t mean guests respond faster – set a clear deadline and follow up with non-responders 3 days before it closes.

Should I use a wedding website for a second wedding?

Yes – a wedding website is just as useful for a second wedding as a first. It’s where guests find accommodation recommendations, travel information, parking details, the day-of schedule, and answers to practical questions. Include the URL on your invitation info card.

Related Reading

• Browse wedding invitations
• Save the dates
• Complete wedding stationery suites