icon

Trend Alert: Multiple Nuptials - Tips For When One Wedding Is Not Enough

The pandemic threw a wrench in many couples’ wedding plans. The idea of having a large celebration went out the window when it was no longer safe for large groups of people to gather. So, instead, brides and grooms opted for smaller, more intimate ceremonies.

But they still wanted to celebrate with friends and family! Now that COVID restrictions have lifted in the United States, many couples have chosen to throw a second wedding.

Brides and grooms have seen how fun it can be to host multiple nuptials, so this trend isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Here’s what you need to know about having multiple weddings, including tips for when one wedding just isn’t enough.

Bride and Groom Embracing on a Couch: Camera Shi Photography

Reasons to Have a Sequel Wedding

The pandemic gave rise to the sequel wedding in the United States. It continues to be popular, even though life has mostly gone back to normal. Especially since the concept has been popularized by multiple celebrities, like Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker.

Brides and grooms in the US are discovering that there are many reasons to consider having a second wedding ceremony. For example:

  • You can have a smaller wedding, legalizing your nuptials and celebrating with loved ones who can't travel before having another destination wedding overseas.
  • Two people from different faiths who fall in love may want more than one ceremony to honor both of their traditions.
  • An intimate ceremony can take place with sick or elderly loved ones before a sequel wedding for the rest of your friends and family.
  • Couples from different countries who struggle to get family together in one place may have multiple ceremonies in different locations so everyone can attend.
  • Couples that are struggling with finances may have a small ceremony now and have a larger one after having more time to save.

The Basics of Having Multiple Nuptials

 

How does having multiple nuptials work?

There aren’t any hard and fast rules, but there are some commonalities.

Many couples have one smaller ceremony and at least one larger ceremony. This was a necessity during the pandemic, but even now that restrictions have lifted, brides and grooms love the intimacy of having a smaller ceremony with the ability to celebrate their love at a larger gathering too.

The order of these ceremonies doesn’t much matter. During the pandemic, smaller ceremonies came first when social distancing was the norm. Couples who want to elope and celebrate their nuptials when they return home also start with a small ceremony. However, some couples may have a large celebration first, then have a more intimate ceremony in another country or with an important family member who isn’t well.

Bride and Groom Eloping in the Jungle: Intimate Weddings, Guests Toasting Across the Table at a Wedding Reception: Wedsites, Bride and Groom Participating in a Handfasting Ceremony: Hitched

Tips for a Successful Second Wedding Ceremony

No matter what your reason for wanting multiple nuptials, it’s important to recognize that the concept comes with its own set of rules. Here are a few tips that are specific to sequel weddings so you can make sure your celebrations are a success.

Work With a Separate Guest List

It’s important to work with separate guests lists for each event. There is likely to be some overlap, but separating the lists ensures that you send out invites properly.

For example, guests who are invited to a small, intimate ceremony will probably also be invited to a larger sequel wedding. But, you might want to let them know that they don’t have to attend both if they don’t want to.

It’s important to send out separate invites for separate events. That way you can reduce hurt feelings, and there isn’t any confusion about which events guests are invited to.

Decide if Another Ceremony Is Right for You

Many couples decide to have traditional wedding ceremonies at all of their celebrations. They can be more personal at an intimate ceremony, with more traditional vows being exchanged at a large gathering.

This also gives you the opportunity to be creative! You still get to have the traditional wedding ceremony you have always wanted, but having another ceremony means you can also do something that’s completely offbeat. A few ideas include:

  • Planting a tree
  • Asking guests to bless the rings
  • Having a wine ceremony
  • Having guests sit in a circle around the couple
  • Having a handfasting ceremony

Don’t feel like you have to have another ceremony if you don’t want to. If you would rather make your union legal at a small ceremony and focus on dancing and eating at a reception, you can do that too.

Focus on Spoiling Your Guests

Multiple nuptials may not be well understood by your guests, which can lead them to believe that having multiple gatherings is a gift grab and a cry for attention. Ease their judgements by focusing on spoiling your guests.

Make it very clear that gifts are not required—their presence is enough. Find ways to make at least one of your celebrations more about your guests and less about you as a couple. That means doing things like providing guests with safe transportation at the end of the night, providing guests with welcome bags, and giving guests handwritten notes.

Having multiple nuptials can be a challenge, but many couples are finding that they can also make the process of getting married more enjoyable. Especially if you heed our advice and follow the tips on this list!

Previous article Top 10 Berry Wedding Color Ideas