There are many reasons a couple chooses to have multiple wedding ceremonies. You and your partner may come from different religious or cultural backgrounds and want to honor both of your families and upbringings. Perhaps the two of you really want to get away to some far-flung place to tie the knot but you know that it would be difficult for loved ones to participate. It could be that you want a quick, no-muss, no-fuss ceremony to make things official now and a bigger celebration involving family and friends later. If two or more ceremonies is the move, keep these things in mind.

Getting Clear

It’s important to know that your reasons for having more than one ceremony are valid, and you don’t have to explain them to anyone else. You don’t even need to let anyone know that you’re having more than one event, especially if you’re getting hitched as part of an elopement or wanting to marry quickly to begin enjoying marital benefits. All that matters is that you and your partner are on the same page about what you want as individuals and as a union.

Planning for 2+

Planning a single wedding is hard work, so you can expect planning multiple events to have a bigger demand on your time, pockets and patience. A single wedding planner may not be able to accommodate all your requirements, so consider having one planner per ceremony. Your energy will be divided between your events, so having an expert focused on each can reduce your stress and workload.

Thinking About Logistics

Depending on your situation, it may be better to request services or suppliers for all of your ceremonies at once. For example, if you’re going to have a cake at each event, a baker may offer a discount for multiple cakes. If your espousals will be in the same location on the same day, consider finding a venue that can host all of them. 

Choosing Looks

Give some thought as to what your events will look like. Your motivations will help dictate the aesthetic you choose. For example, you may want one matrimony to acknowledge roots from another country and the other to be more in line with Western tradition. A quick wedding likely may be simpler in details than an elaborate, elegant event. Don’t feel pressured to wear the same tuxedo or bridal gown to each event. Feel free to mix it up.

Picking Your Party

There’s no rule that says you must have a wedding party at each of your ceremonies or that your parties must include the same people. It may be too much of a financial burden for a loved one to be in more than one party, especially in a maid of honor or best man role. If you need friends and family to cover attire and travel accommodations, consider this when making decisions. If one event requires a specific look, it might be better for the others to be more laid back.

Finalizing Guest Lists

When putting together your lists, you and your spouse-to-be should be clear on who is invited. You’ll likely have an idea of what your guest lists should be, but your guests should know which ceremony they’re expected to attend. If you want some loved ones at multiple weddings, communicate that early so they can prepare accordingly. 

Wedding celebrations are usually about marking the beginning of a new chapter with those who are near and dear. You and your partner may want to have more than one ceremony to start the adventure that is married life. Having multiple nuptials will require more of your time, talent and treasure, but anything’s achievable with proper planning and consideration.