From deciding how to announce your engagement to the style of your wedding invitations, a remarriage offers opportunities to do and say things exactly way you may have always wanted to.

At the same time, the first challenge in springing the news is to be sensitive to the reaction of those on the receiving end, particularly children, former spouses or other family members you know may need some time to adjust to the idea.

Once you are completely free to remarry (if a divorce was needed, the decree should be final and in your hands!), these close relations (including ex-spouses) should be personally made aware of your intention to marry before a general announcement is made. If either of you have children, give them plenty of time to absorb the news and discuss the matter privately with you to discuss any doubts, questions, or fears.

Do it Differently

But when it's time to tell the world, express your joy in whatever way makes you happy. For instance, rather than a newspaper announcement, put the word out on the Web (You can build a site right here at www.weddingsnovascotia.com) or send imaginative faxes to friends, colleagues, and relatives. Phone calls are also perfectly acceptable.

Have the fun of an engagement party without the formality by hosting an open house or dinner party to announce your plans. Just remember that traditional etiquette dictates that those invited to an engagement party also be invited to the wedding.

To completely dispense with formalities, you could simply surprise guests at the next appropriate get-together, and then offer a round of champagne for toasts. Just make sure to let your hosts know ahead of time (in case, for example, they may be planning to make their own special announcement!).

What to Put on Invites

If you are planning a formal or very elegant wedding, traditional engraved invitations are perfectly acceptable. For a more informal wedding, alternative sources are only limited by your imagination. Many of the new blank greeting card collections offer romantic choices. Folded squares of hand-made Japanese paper create an elegant look, especially if the writing is hand-calligraphed. Or paste printed invitations into one-of-a-kind antique Valentine cards. If you are planning on hosting your own wedding, the invitation might read:

Ms. Jane Doe
and
Mr. John Smith
request the honour of your presence
on Saturday the Ninth of November
For their Celebration of Marriage

If you wish to include your children in the wording, it might read:

Ms Jane Doe
with her daughter Leslie Anne Doe
and her son William David Doe
and
Mr. John Smith
with his daughter Penelope Smith
request the honour of your presence
at the union of their families,
Saturday, the ninth of November...

If either of you have adult or married children who wish to host the wedding on your behalf, their names would be listed at the beginning of the invitation:

Miss Leslie Anne Doe
Mr. and Mrs. William David Doe
Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Brown
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their parents...etc.