By the time someone is getting married for the second time, especially if it is the second wedding for both halves of the couple, they already have everything they need to set up their home—in many cases, they already have at least two of everything because they are merging two complete households. This, then causes a problem for second wedding guests: what to give the happy couple?
Second Wedding Gift Ideas
Checking with the wedding couple’s gift registry is always a good idea, but this tradition is sometimes abandoned by the time they get to their second wedding. They may feel uncomfortable asking for gifts, or they may feel as though they have everything they need and do not see the point in registering. This gives the wedding guests a lot of freedom to be creative with their gifts, but of course it makes things a little more stressful because they have to be creative with their gifts! Here are some ideas:
Help with the wedding – offer to pay for a portion of the wedding, like the flowers, favors or a portion of the honeymoon. This may feel less tacky than simply writing a check for cash, although many people who receive cash for wedding gifts have no objection.
Gift certificates – give a gift certificate for something the couple can do together. This is especially thoughtful if the activity is something the couple would not necessarily think to do on their own but would really enjoy. Dinner for two at a restaurant, an afternoon of river rafting, dance lessons or a horseback riding excursion are all fun things. Or, give a gift certificate for something useful for the house, like for landscaping services or the local home improvement store.
Donations in Lieu of Gifts for a Second Wedding
Some couples make this request for a second wedding, but it is a nice idea if they do not think of it. Make a donation to the couple’s favorite charity or cause in their name, then include a tax receipt and a note about the gift in the wedding card. While some people are shallow and do not appreciate this type of gift, many would rather their guests make a much-needed charitable donation than add to the couple’s collection of blenders and toasters.
Just because someone is getting married for the second time does not mean that a celebration, and therefore some kind of gift, is not in order. However, gifts for a second wedding require a little more thought and creativity. Just keep the couple’s needs and interests in mind, and nearly any gift will be appreciated.
