There are a few guidelines to consider when planning a double wedding
Dear Joy, I recently became engaged, and last week my sister got engaged, too. We are just beginning to talk about setting dates and details. Last weekend, we joked about having a double wedding to cut down on expenses, and the more we thought about, the more it began to make sense. Could you give us details about planning a double wedding? Lynne and Heather.
Dear Lynne and Heather,
A double wedding would be an economical solution for your financially stretched family as you would have to entertain your family and friends just once-think of the savings.
Nevertheless, you may not be swayed by the financial savings when you realize that you would need to share the spotlight with each other. Unless you are extremely confident, you may have a difficult time sharing your special day.
If jealously isn’t an issue and everyone is excited about the double wedding idea, talk to both grooms and their families, too. Remember, the grooms’ parents are each marrying off just one child and they may be overwhelmed by this double wedding idea.
Here are some basic rules to follow for planning a double wedding:
– Both brides should wear similar length gowns and veils. They should adhere to the same level of formality.
– All of the male participants should dress identically. One wedding party shouldn’t wear gray tuxedos and the other party wear black.
– Each set of bridal attendants may wear different dresses; however, the color, length, and style should be complementary to both.
– Floral arrangements for the brides should be different in flowers and design. Flowers for each set of attendants should also be different in design; however, the colors should be complementary.
nBoutonnieres for the men should be in different flowers or colors.
Now that the details of the clothing and flowers have been discussed, here is how the double ceremony and reception would work:
– The older bride’s groom stands to the left of the officiant, with his best man behind him. The younger bride’s groom stands to the right of the officiant, with his best man behind him.
– The older bride’s wedding attendants lead the way and they take their place to the left of the altar.
– The younger bride’s attendants process to the right of the altar.
– The bridal procession begins with the older bride and her father. The father walks her to her future husband and may stand behind them. If the father wants to give both brides away, he then would walk back up the side aisle and process down the aisle with the younger bride. As an alternative, the mother may choose to escort the younger bride down the aisle.
– First, the vows are said to the older bride and her groom, and then to the younger couple. The rest of the ceremony incorporates both couples.
– The older bride and her husband, recess first, along with her bridal party. Recessional music should then change for the second bride and her wedding party.
– Her older sister walked down the aisle first and said her vows first, so eliminate sibling rivalry by having the younger bride and her husband participate first in reception activities, such as the first dance and cutting the cake.
K. Joy Schaeffer is a bridal consultant. E-mail her your bridal questions at bridejoy@yahoo.com.
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