If your love story is one for the big screen, then why stop at one act? Sequel weddings – the encore to an intimate elopement or private ceremony – are on the rise, and at Zazzle, we’re seeing couples bring blockbuster creativity to round two.
Should you want to host a remastered and rebooted ceremony for those who didn’t join you on the elopement, then it could be time to start planning the next installment in this thrilling adventure. Read on to learn more about the premise!
What Is a Sequel Wedding?
Sequel weddings became particularly common in 2020 and 2021, when postponed receptions and carved-up ceremonies were obviously part of the norm. However, they’ve retained their popularity in recent years. According to Shine Wedding Invitations, there are three scenarios: a second ceremony and reception (a full second wedding); a second reception (a large party for those not present at the ceremony); and an anniversary reception (a wedding reprise held when the couple have been married for at least a year).
If you’re wondering why all these situations would arise post-pandemic, well, consider some couples’ unique circumstances. For example: if both partners were of different religions or cultures, then two variants of the big day would serve to accommodate both backgrounds. And if you’ve eloped or had a destination wedding lately – perhaps you were inspired by Zazzle Ideas? – then a follow-up elopement reception could provide closure to those who missed the far-flung ceremony.
Tips for Planning a Sequel Wedding
There are several factors to consider when planning a sequel wedding. We haven’t covered everything here – food and wedding décor are the same at sequel weddings – but these six ‘acts’ should help get your production started!
Budgets: Planning for Two Celebrations
Hollywood sequels typically command a higher budget, and so do sequel weddings! Although a couple’s small legal ceremony might have been inexpensive, the second wedding, with an expanded guest list, will probably cost more. Reduce expenses by reusing vendors and décor, and, if possible, formulate a budget for both days from the very outset. Consider your guests’ finances too, as Zola suggests: will certain participants – groomsmen, bridesmaids, parents – be paying more than they should?
Guest Lists: The Second Time Round
The main reason couples have a second part to their wedding is to include anyone who didn’t or couldn’t attend the earlier event. So, if your elopement was exclusive to close family members, then the wedding reception could encompass other relatives and friends (sequels always build out the cast of characters)! Take the opportunity to target two ‘audiences’ with each iteration; relatives that don’t get along, for instance, could be separated.
Themes: A Consistent Style Across Both Events
Deciding on a wedding theme can be tricky (and the challenge is only compounded when you have two days to plan)! On the other hand, you can use a sequel wedding to explore a theme that was in close contention during the planning stages. Enjoy your tropical lūʻau at the ceremony, and break out the Gatsby-esque designs for your art deco reception. Practically speaking, however, a consistent theme across both weddings will let you reuse backdrops, signs, decals, and tableware. For enough advice on themes to direct a wedding trilogy, check out “2025 Trending Wedding Themes to Get Excited For.”
Venues: A Beautiful Setting, Both Times
As soon as you decide to split up your wedding, start thinking about the venue and location. One option could be to host both parts in the same venue – even if they’re far apart on the calendar – to net a discount from the proprietor. However, most couples tend to travel further for their ceremony/honeymoon (‘on location,’ as it were) before convening closer to home for their reception. If your wedding took place in an exotic location, you could decorate your sequel venue with items that bring said destination to mind. Then guests will have a glimpse into your vision for the original day!
Invitations: Your Sequel Wedding Stationery
If you elope spontaneously with a few close friends, most of the stationery won’t be required. But if your sequel wedding is a full-blown ceremony and/or reception, scale things up again by sending RSVPs, Save the Dates, and wedding invitations. Be careful with the wording for Part II, because you don’t want anyone to feel bad for missing Part I (“in a private ceremony” is a fairly malleable term), and advise attendees if they’re coming to celebrate your marriage rather than to actually watch you get married.
Itineraries: A Seamless Schedule for Your Sequel
Planning a larger reception for your sequel wedding may involve compiling a wedding menu, finding a DJ or band to provide entertainment, and preparing at least a few of our “33 Popular Wedding Activities That Need to Be At Your Event.” But that doesn’t mean it needs to be a non-stop party, either – especially when some attendees may feel sore about missing out on the first tender moments of your marriage. Add a recreation of your vow exchange to the program and ask the wedding party to reread their speeches, allowing everyone to experience key moments from the big day. The first big day, that is.
They say that sequels never receive the same acclaim as the originals, but you’re about to disrupt the status quo with our tips above. For more advice on wedding planning, check out “The Art of Wedding Branding: How to Wow with Every Detail on Your Big Day” and “Wedding Vision Boards: Mapping Out and Manifesting the Day of Your Dreams.” Zazzle Ideas will return!
Eoin is a Content Specialist at Zazzle in Cork. He’s recently bought a house with his fiancée, and thus most of his time these days is spent trying to keep the walls from caving in and the wolves from the door. Still, he’s always open to book, game, and movie recommendations, so if you have some, let him know: he’ll add them to a very, very long list.
