Trend Alert: Sequel Weddings

Thinking about tying the knot now and holding a reception later? Join the trend.

“Sequel weddings have become the trend in the wedding industry, especially, since the pandemic when couples were forced to get married during a small ceremony or even online. Many discovered the benefits of having more than one wedding…”

Why have one wedding when you can have two or maybe even more?

It’s a trend that picked up steam a couple years ago, but has been a long-standing tradition in many cultures, including Nigeria. In India, weddings consist of multiple pre-wedding ceremonies over the course of several days.

Most notably, Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas hosted Sangeet, Hindu and Western ceremonies before a Bidaai (a bride’s farewell ceremony to her parents as she transitions into the role of a wife).

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Another Jonas brother, Joe, and his fiancée Sophie Turner had an impromptu Las Vegas wedding before hosting their dream wedding two months later.

So why are sequel weddings so popular? And why in the world would you want to plan and pay for two parties? For some, the answer is simple.

Although sequel weddings may sound daunting to plan, they actually can be quite the opposite. Think of sequel weddings as a part two.

To save money.

Some couples would rather space out their ceremony and reception to give them time to save money in-between both wedding events. It’s not unheard of for many newlyweds to wait several months, and even a year or more before they have a sequel wedding.

PRO TIP: If you’re planning a reception for an expanded guest list, consider having a second ceremony even if you’re already married. It gives your guests, who weren’t there for the first ceremony, the opportunity to witness and bless your nuptials. It may feel just as special as the first time you said “I do.” You’ll likely be more relaxed, and you get to do it all over again with more family and friends.

It’s easier.

You may have your eye on a venue for your ceremony, but find out it won’t accommodate the number of people you want to invite. This is where sequel weddings come in handy. You can have a small ceremony first then have a reception at a larger venue on a later date.
We’ve also seen already-married couples host second weddings in other states or countries — for family members who weren’t able to travel to the couple’s first wedding.

For privacy.

Nervous to be in front of a crowd? A sequel wedding is perfect for you. You can have a small ceremony, and then a more relaxed reception with a bigger guest list afterward.
Some couple even choose to have a private wedding with just them, their officiant and maybe a guest or two — before celebrating their nuptials with a larger crowd.

To honor traditions.

As we mentioned earlier, there are some cultures that traditionally host multiple weddings. In Indian, it’s tradition to have three separate wedding events, which include pre-wedding ceremonies.
Sequel weddings are also the perfect fit for couples who are from two different religions and want to honor each one.

Pull the trigger.

If you find yourself eloping or planning a last-minute wedding at city hall, then you may not have the chance to organize a reception. Why not have a second ceremony and reception at a later date to give you time to plan the wedding of your dreams?

Why Not?

Because, why not? There are couples who want to have two different themes, venues, locations and just go all out and host two or more weddings. If you’ve got the time, the cash and your future spouse is in agreement — we know your guests are in for an unforgettable experience.

Sequel weddings have become the trend in the wedding industry, especially, since the pandemic. In the last couple of years, couples have been forced to have micro-weddings or even get married virtually.
While it may not be tradition to have a ceremony and reception on different days, remember there are no rules when hosting your wedding(s). Plus, sometimes two is better than one!

Vows & Forever is a wedding vows & speech writing service that also specializes in speech coaching. Maria Cid is the founder and owner of Vows & Forever, LLC.