Ciara Elliott
The double wedding - a legal ceremony followed by a separate celebrant-led celebration, often abroad - is no longer unusual and is in fact becoming more and more the norm. But what exactly does this entail? And more crucially should you consider having one? While we've always been advocates for doing things your own way, there's no tried-and-tested etiquette around multi-stage weddings, so there's no strict formula you need to stick to. The key is not to over-complicate things, keep at least one of the two parts super simple. Your legal wedding day can be as special and personalised, or as much of a "non-event" as you want it to be. It's totally up to you. Here are a few ideas: Your second wedding or wedding party can follow your original plans, or be totally different, it's up to you and your other half! A two-part wedding often suits couples who are marrying abroad as not everyone will want to travel, and also sometimes it is more straightforward to get the legalities in place before the bigger 'do'. In a word, no! We always tell couples not to pay too much heed to what other people think, but it's understandable to worry that momentum or excitement for your wedding will be lost if it's not the "real thing". Firstly, it's up to you whether or not you let your guests know about the previous legal wedding, you don't need to mention it if you don't want to! Secondly, after all this has passed, everyone is going to be so up for a party, that they're going to be doubly excited to attend your wedding, whatever form it takes! It's totally up to you! We love the idea of outfits as special (and expensive!) as your wedding-day attire getting two airings. But if you want to debut your dress or suit in front of the larger crowd, you could always wear a different outfit for the legal wedding. We have seen full-length gowns worn to registry office ceremonies and playful, short dresses at huge country house receptions, both of which looked amazing when worn with confidence! Likewise, with hair, makeup, flowers, entertainment, guest attire, etc. you dictate how much or how little formality, tradition, time and investment, you want to add to each occasion - there are no rules! Our top piece of advice is to make sure you take lots of pictures at both events, and have a professional photographer for at least one element of your wedding, but preferably both - you'll never regret having a keepsake to remind you of the day, however big or small the celebration is! If they are, they shouldn't be. We have always say this to couples who choose to have a smaller intimate wedding, either in and of itself or as a preliminary to a wider celebration. So if anyone takes issue with that - let them! Further reading Ideas for a Part-One Wedding
Ideas for a Part-Two Wedding
Rory & Dearbhail celebrated both in Dublin and Marbella in two very different - and both very chic - ways. Image by Julie CumminsFAQ: Will our Guests Think We're "Milking It"?
Naomi and Luke married in London before heading to Mallorca for their sunny second celebration. Image by Abraham GarciaFAQ: Do I Wear my Wedding Dress/Suit to Both, Can I Wear it Twice?
Aoife and Ben celebrated with a legal ceremony in Tipperary followed by a second wedding in Provence. Image by Sarbo StudioWill Some Guests Be Annoyed They Weren't Invited to the Legal Wedding?
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