Planning A Double Wedding: Twice The Fun, Half The Stress

A double wedding is a single marriage ceremony and reception for two couples. It is usually held by two siblings or cousins, but it can also be between two friends. A double wedding can be a great way to save money and resources, as the two couples can share the costs of the venue, band, and other expenses. It also solves the problem of out-of-town friends and family having to make two separate trips for two weddings. However, it can be tricky to navigate, especially when it comes to traditions like walking down the aisle and deciding whose wedding party gets priority. It's important to be considerate of each couple's wishes and work together to ensure that both weddings are harmonised and individualised.

Benefits of a joint wedding

A joint wedding, also known as a double wedding, is when two couples get married during the same ceremony. This is often done by siblings or very close relatives and friends. While it may not be for everyone, there are many benefits to having a joint wedding.

Cost-cutting

Joint weddings can be a great way to save money. There are many costs associated with weddings, and having a joint wedding means that these costs can be shared. This includes costs for the venue, band, and photographer. With two budgets, the celebration can be bigger and grander than if just one couple was marrying.

Travel

Joint weddings can also be a good option for those considering a destination wedding. If guests need to travel long distances, it may be difficult for them to attend two separate weddings. By combining the celebrations, guests won't have to choose between the two. It also means that out-of-town friends and family only need to make one trip.

Time

Joint weddings can save time for those involved in the planning. There is no need to worry about conflicting dates or deciding who gets to have their wedding first. It also means that there is no clash of dates for guests, ensuring a higher attendance rate.

Fun

If one wedding is fun, then two weddings are twice the fun! Having two couples marry during the same ceremony means double the excitement and joy.

Planning

Joint weddings can also be beneficial in terms of planning. With two couples working together, there are more people to share the workload. This can be especially helpful if the couples are busy and don't have a lot of time to dedicate to planning.

Overall, joint weddings can be a great option for those looking to save money, time, and travel costs. They can also be a lot of fun and provide a unique and memorable experience for the couples and guests involved.

Who walks down the aisle

A double wedding ceremony can be a complex event to organise, especially when it comes to the procession down the aisle. Here are some suggestions for how to approach this:

Two aisles

If both brides want to be escorted by the same parent, a creative solution is to have two aisles, allowing the parent to walk with one bride on one side, and the other bride on the other. This way, both brides can enjoy their moment with their parent without having to choose.

One after the other

If there is only one aisle, the brides can walk one after the other. If both brides want to be escorted by the same parent, the solution is to have a flower girl or another family member walk down the aisle first, giving the parent time to walk back up the aisle and then escort the second bride.

Different escorts

Another option is for each bride to be escorted by a different family member. For example, one bride could be escorted by their father, and the other by their brother, uncle, or grandfather.

Age before beauty

If one of the brides is older, she could go first, with the younger bride following. This is a simple solution that can avoid any potential conflict over who walks down the aisle first.

Side by side

If the couples want to emphasise the unity and togetherness of the day, the brides could walk down the aisle side by side. This could be with their respective escorts, or the brides could walk together, with their escorts following behind.

No rules

Ultimately, there are no rules for who walks down the aisle and in what order. The couples can decide what they are most comfortable with and alter the procession to fit their preferences.

Who gets top billing

A double wedding is a single marriage ceremony and reception for two couples. It can be a great way to save money and cut down on costs, especially if the two couples share a close bond, got engaged around the same time, and have a significant overlap in guest lists.

The top billing on a wedding invitation is usually reserved for the couple getting married. In the case of a double wedding, both couples should be reflected in the invitation and deserve top billing. If the brides are sisters, it is common to list the oldest sister first, followed by the younger sister and their respective partners. For example: "Your presence is requested at the marriage ceremonies of Jane Smith to Michael James and Janet Smith to Paul Williams..."

It is important to consider the format of the invitation, especially if using a formal invitation structure. Guests may be surprised by the nature of the double wedding, so including a separate insert that explains it can be helpful. This insert can also direct guests to the wedding website for more information.

Additionally, it is worth noting that each couple should have their own wedding cake, dress, hair, and makeup to ensure they get their own spotlight.

How to dress

A double wedding is a single marriage ceremony and reception for two couples. This means double the joy, but also double the considerations when it comes to planning what to wear. Here are some tips to help you navigate the dress code for a double wedding:

Understand the Level of Formality

The most important thing when dressing for a wedding is to understand the level of formality the couples are expecting. The dress code is usually indicated on the invitation and will depend on the style of the event and the time of year. For example, a black-tie wedding in the winter will call for very different attire compared to a casual summer wedding. It's also a good idea to consider the venue and season when choosing your outfit. A beach wedding, for instance, calls for more casual attire, while a winter wedding tends to be more formal.

Coordinate with Your Fellow Couple

If you are one of the couples getting married, it's a good idea to discuss and coordinate your outfits to some extent. Matching dresses or suits are not necessary, but similar levels of formality are recommended. This will help create a unified look for the day, especially if one couple's style is sleek and simple, while the other is more glitzy and extravagant. If you are close relatives or friends, you may also want to consider matching your shoes, veils, or other accessories. However, it's important to let your personalities shine through and dress according to your figure and comfort.

Avoid Turning it into a Popularity Contest

With two couples getting married, it's crucial not to turn the wedding into a popularity contest. Avoid placing more emphasis on one marriage than the other, as this may cause upset. Both couples should feel equally special and avoid sharing the limelight more than necessary.

Be Mindful of Your Guests

A double wedding may cause some confusion or challenges for your guests, especially when it comes to gifts and attire. Guests may feel obliged to bring two gifts, especially if they know both couples well. They may also struggle with what to wear, particularly if they only know one couple and are unsure of the expected level of formality. As such, it's a good idea to provide clear guidance on your wedding website or through communication with your guests.

Seek Inspiration

If you're unsure about what to wear, seek inspiration from wedding planning websites, fashion guides, or even popular culture. For example, the parents of the famous Bronte sisters, Charlotte, Emily, and Anne, had a double wedding, as depicted in literary and cinematic classics like Pride and Prejudice. You can also consult wedding planners, fashion experts, or people in your community who have experience with double weddings.

Gifts for the couples

A double wedding is a single marriage ceremony and reception for two couples. If you're attending a double wedding, it's good etiquette to bring a gift for both couples. Here are some gift ideas to celebrate the happy couples' special day:

• Personalized ornaments: A customized ornament with the couples' names and wedding details is a thoughtful gift that will be treasured for years to come.
• Experience gift vouchers: Gift the couples an experience they can enjoy together, such as a picnic in the park or a day at local botanical gardens.
• Monogrammed items: If the couples appreciate personalized touches, consider gifting them monogrammed items like cocktail glasses, bathrobes, or a doormat.
• Homeware: For couples who love to host, homeware gifts like a marble serving platter, a beverage tub, or a set of wine glasses would be appreciated.
• Kitchen appliances: Practical gifts like a stand mixer, an air fryer, or a cast-iron skillet are sure to be useful for the couples' culinary adventures.
• Artwork: A sentimental print or framed artwork that symbolizes the couples' love and connection is a unique gift idea.
• Date night journal: A journal with daily prompts and date ideas will help the couples connect and spend quality time together.
• His and hers duffel bags: If you're looking for a splurge-worthy gift, a set of high-quality duffel bags is a great option for couples who love to travel together.
• Personalized wedding keepsake library: This unique gift is a treasure box for the couples to store mementos from their special day, such as written vows, a flower from the bridal bouquet, or the garter.
• Cash: If you're unsure what to give, cash is always a safe option, especially if you're attending on behalf of just one couple.

Frequently asked questions