— Guide
Second wedding and vow renewal invitation wording
A second wedding invitation reads like any other wedding invitation, there's no need to mention that it's a second marriage. A vow renewal is different, because guests should know the couple are already married before they arrive.
Second wedding
Ana and Marko are getting married, and the day feels incomplete without you.
Life brought us together a little later than planned. We're marrying in September and want you there.
Ana Petrović and Marko Ilić ask you to celebrate with them as they marry.
Older, wiser and very sure. Ana and Marko are getting married.
We've each lived a whole life before this one. Now we're starting the next part together.
With children
Ana, Marko, Luka and Mia are becoming one family, and we'd love you to see it happen.
Together with their children, Ana and Marko invite you to the day they marry.
Our kids have approved the match. Now we'd like you to celebrate it with us.
Two families are becoming one. Please join Ana, Marko and the children for the wedding.
No gifts
We already have two of everything. Your company is all we're asking for.
Our home is full and our hearts are fuller. Please, no gifts, just you.
Between us we own three toasters. Please come empty-handed.
Funny
Second time lucky? We think so. Come and celebrate with us.
We've both done the practice run. This is the real thing.
Same excitement, fewer nerves, better shoes. We're getting married.
Vow renewal
Ten years ago we said yes. We'd like to say it again with you watching.
Deniz and Emre are renewing their vows, surrounded by the people who saw them through.
Twenty-five years married and we'd still choose each other. Join us as we promise it all over again.
Please join us as we renew the promises we made in 2015, with our children beside us this time.
We never had the party the first time round. This is it.
Same couple, same promises, a much bigger table. Come renew them with us.
Anniversary vow renewal
To mark ten years of marriage, Deniz and Emre will renew their vows, and they'd like you there.
Our silver anniversary deserves more than dinner for two. Join us for a renewal of vows.
Line above the names
Short line above the names
Together again, on purpose
Short line above the names
We'd say yes again
Closing line
A short line at the foot of the invitation
Here's to the next chapter
A short line at the foot of the invitation
Still choosing each other
Who hosts a second wedding
Couples marrying for the second time often host the day themselves, so the invitation opens with their own names. If children are part of the new family, naming them is a lovely touch and shows guests the day is about everyone. Parents can still be named if they're hosting, the same rules apply as for any wedding.
What to leave out
- Phrases like "second time around" unless you're deliberately joking
- Former partners, they don't belong on the invitation
- Long explanations of how you met, save that story for the speeches
Vow renewal wording
Call it a renewal of vows, not a wedding, so nobody wonders whether they missed a divorce. Mention the anniversary if there is one, and say who will be there, children, the original wedding party, or just the two of you and the people you love most.
Gifts at a second wedding or renewal
Guests often aren't sure whether to bring something. If you'd rather they didn't, say so in one kind line. If a contribution towards a trip would mean more than another vase, our page on no-gift wording shows how to ask without awkwardness.
Using a wedding invitation for a renewal
On Digitally Invite, a vow renewal uses the wedding layout. Change the short line above your names to something like "We'd say yes again", write the anniversary in your note, and the rest of the invitation, programme, map and RSVP form, works the same way.
Frequently asked questions
Do you mention a second marriage on the invitation?
No. Word it like any wedding invitation. Guests who know will understand, and those who don't don't need to.
Who hosts a vow renewal?
Usually the couple themselves, sometimes their grown-up children. Whoever hosts goes first on the invitation.
Is it OK to ask for no gifts at a second wedding?
Yes. A short, warm line is enough, and many guests will be relieved to know.