Two-part weddings have long been a luxury for celebrities who simply can’t squeeze all their lavish festivities into one event. In recent years, they’ve also become increasingly popular with couples who wish to honor two cultural traditions in their ceremony, or who have families in different corners of the globe. Now, due to COVID-19, a two-part, or sequel wedding, is the new black… or should we say white?
Whatever your reasons for having two celebrations, it’s important to plan ahead carefully for both events. So grab a notebook and pen: here’s what you need to know about planning a two-part wedding.
How exactly do you marry now, and party later?
Many couples around the world were legally married in 2020, not wanting to be delayed by COVID-19 or anything else. According to The Knot, a third of these couples are planning to host another celebration when large gatherings are safe again. As more couples take this approach, small, intimate gatherings have become a popular choice for part one, also known as ‘the minimony’: a safe and elegant ceremony that complies with restrictions. This trend has seen couples embracing more casual celebrations, home ceremonies, and personalized plans. Pinterest recently shared that those planning nuptials this year are showing interest in ‘bride denim jackets’, ‘one tier wedding cakes,’ and ‘minimalist matrimony’. Your wedding is yours to design, especially for this smaller event, so feel free to throw out the rule book and make your little big day totally unique to you!
Planning is a bride’s best friend
While the rule book is being abandoned, the planner remains sacred! Having two meaningful events that complement each other will require some creativity and organization, but don’t worry, it’s totally achievable. To avoid confusion, consider creating separate budgets and guest lists for each event, as recommended by WeddingWire. For decor, cakes, music, and even outfits, putting together some mood boards or vision boards for your events may also be helpful. This could be an especially enjoyable process if you’re hoping to host a larger gathering in the future, as you’ll likely have plenty of time to research, curate, and bring to life your ideal aesthetic for your second celebration.
One dress or two?
Two celebrations means two opportunities to don the dress, suit, or other attire you’ve so carefully chosen (and probably spent a significant amount on) for your wedding day. However, it’s also an opportunity to splash out on multiple outfits, if you so desire! The world really is your oyster with a two-part wedding, so embrace the fashion freedom it offers, whatever your preference. You might decide to have one casual and one formal event, as mentioned earlier, or even add a theme to one occasion or the other: another chance to include an outfit you’ve always dreamed of in your wedding!
Lights, camera, action!
Live streaming weddings using applications like Zoom has been a solution for many couples wishing to safely share their day with friends and family throughout the pandemic. While your two-part wedding may solve this problem to an extent, you might also want to consider recording or live streaming your legal or religious ceremony. If so, don’t underestimate the importance of a strong internet connection and a reliable sound system. You can also avail of professional help when planning a virtual wedding, as outlined by Vogue. Having a professional photographer present, if possible, for some part of your celebration is also a good idea. Treasured photos taken at your legal ceremony could later be a wonderful addition to the décor at a bigger celebratory event.
Put health and safety first
Unless your wedding date is far into the future, COVID-19 precautions will feature in your plans. Stay up to date with the latest advice from the CDC and restrictions specific to your state or city. Consider investing in face masks, hand sanitizer, and any other protective equipment necessary for the day. Planning in advance will not only ensure your guests have everything they need to stay safe, but allow you to get masks and hand sanitizer to match your outfit and decor. Take a look at some of our COVID-19-conscious wedding products to get started.
Communicate clearly with your guests
Guests attending any wedding during the pandemic will appreciate some communication beyond the usual Save the Date card, and this is even more important if you need to communicate multiple plans. A wedding website is a good way to clearly outline your plans for your guests, and share any updates that might be necessary due to changes in COVID-19 guidelines, or anything else. These can often be set up with little or no cost.
What if someone “objects”?
Unfortunately, communicating wedding plans to friends and family can sometimes be a source of stress, even for couples planning under the best circumstances. Hosting a two-part wedding during the pandemic may mean inviting a very limited number of guests to one or more elements of the celebration. If you’re concerned about communicating a change of plans, or any other difficult conversation, remember that it’s your day, and enjoying it safely is the number one priority. Check out our article on How to Postpone or Cancel a Wedding for more communication advice.
We hope all your wedding dreams eventually come true, whether that’s in one part or two. Are you planning a two-part wedding? If so, let us know your tips and advice in the comments!
Neasa, a self-confessed travel and podcast addict, is a Content Specialist with our Zazzle team in Cork, Ireland. When she’s not reading, writing, or practicing her French, you’ll find her drinking far too much coffee and babbling about pop culture to anyone who’ll listen.
