Lesley Lorenz

Helpful Hints for the Second Time Bride

April, 2010 Nanaimo Magazine
By Lesley Lorenz

Hello Readers!
With my own marriage coming up in May, the fruit of my laptop this month turns out to be an article on surviving (and enjoying) the second-time wedding.

Helpful Hints for the (second time) Bride
By Lesley Lorenz
So you’re engaged. If you’re like me, you’ve already spent bucket loads of time staring at the sparkle on your finger as you flip through telephone-book size bridal magazines. Glossy photos of youthful, first-time brides in flamboyant, fairy-princess gowns surrounded by dozens of maids and attendants in pastel coloured outfits. So, if it’s time for round two, here are my suggestions:
1. Really love the guy. Deep down respect for his values, his shortcomings, his tolerance for your kids and his addiction to hockey.
2. And he really loves you. On your grumpy days, or when you put a fresh ding in his truck, he holds you and says “I’m still in, forever, you can count on it.”3. You’ve racked up lots of life experience – don’t worry about the social etiquette once demanded by great-aunts and tea grannies. Plan your event as a celebration of love. Wear what you like, serve what you like and your guests are invited along for a little joy ride.
4. The dress. Avoid going in to the bridal shops with your daughter. The staff will rush to her side, measuring her up and pointing out exorbitant gowns before you can open your mouth. Also, the selection these days is limited to strapless. So, if you’re like me, you’d need to hook up a chain like those used for the librarian’s eyeglasses to hold the damn thing up. Try on some of those bridesmaids’ dresses, which are usually a bit simpler and offer more coverage – lots of them are available in white too.
5. The flowers? I’m headed out to buy my hanging baskets before the wedding, and plan to use the baskets (wire hangers removed) on pedestal tables/covered barstools to decorate the hall. I’ll get to enjoy them all summer, and they’re my usual garden expense, so they’ll work twice for me.
6. It’s got a good beat that you can to dance to. DJ services will be provided by the ever-popular ipod, courtesy of three teenagers with (they promise) appropriate playlists.
7. Remember who the wedding is for. No need to impress anyone, except to impress on everyone just how much the two of you love each other.
Cheers and good luck!

You can read the rest of the Nanaimo Magazine April issue by clicking on the link below:
April Article Nanaimo Magazine
Cheers! (or as we will say, Nastrovia!)- Lesley