You’re probably thinking that this is outrageous! But hear me out.
Lillian and her seven bridesmaid
One day is not enough
One of the things that I’ve told my newly engaged friends, as well as my clients, is that the wedding day will go in a flash. There is kind of an anti-climactic feel when all the planning and coordination is completed. I’ve been calling it wedding withdraws. I’ve even seen it within the bridal parties that I’ve been part of. With all the festivities from the engagement parties, showers and bachelor/bachelorette party there’s a bit of a withdrawal afterward. You won’t seem to see you friends quite as often after the wedding. An extra day can grant you more time to enjoy your wedding.
The first set of guests at Lillian and Philips wedding
It can accommodate more people
Even with small intimate weddings with less than 75 people, it’s still quite not enough time. As a guest, I’ll probably have enough time to say congratulations in between dancing. Now if you’re guest list is more than 200 people you’ll address your guests in groups rather than individually. We were lucky to shoot the wedding of Lillian and Phillip where they did a two-day wedding. Their Saturday church ceremony was followed by a light lunch reception where they invited many friends and acquaintances; well over 200 people. I also found that to be great because some of the attendees had other weddings that they had to attend later in the evening and this way they were able to do both. If you’re in the common marriage age of 28 – 35 you’re friends will also be attending a lot of weddings. They still had plenty of speeches and were able to dance with pretty much everyone in attendance. Then they had a formal reception with a separate set of 200 attendees.
Phil and his groomsmen performs their choreographic dance
Chior performances throughout the night
Allows for more performances and dancing
At the Saturday wedding, they had multiple speakers take up the mic to share stories about the couples. From siblings to mentors, to co-workers. Trust me there were a lot of speeches. Even a video from the students from their school. The bride a groom were able to perform a duet for their attendees. At the second Sunday reception, the groom and groomsmen were able to perform a choreographed dance. Almost every single member of the bridal party was able to give a speech. They had their parents sing in a choir and plenty of wedding games to the guessing of the hands to my personal favorite, the shoe game.
All sorts of dancing in the middle of the afternoon
Stretch the usage of decorations or completely change up the theme.
Even with using the best Hobby Lobby discounts, it can be hard to keep decorations cost low. Spending on expenses such as flowers, center pieces, and favors don’t seem as bad if you’re getting multiple day usage out of them. Some couples find that having a two day wedding allows them to try different looks and themes.
Less of a rush
In a single day wedding, there’s a bit of a rush to get through everything on time. From hair and make-up to setting up the venue, there always a feel that one needs to run around and get things done. In my early years of shooting, I’ve seen couples unable to enjoy their dinners because of all the festivities. With a spread out two-day schedule, there’s time to catch your breath.
The couple performs a song for their guest
It’s more intimate
With everyone in town and meeting people that you’ve never seen before it can be quite difficult to get enough facetime, let alone catch up with anyone. They had a more formal reception for the family the following day on a Sunday evening. They were still able to fit over 20 tables of solely family that didn’t attend the previous ceremony. With family, it does require a bit more time to meet everyone. It also gives you more chances to take pictures with them! *wink wink*
Many guests were able to give toasts to the bride and groom
Potentially saving costs and no need to cut the guest list down
This is a big maybe. What was unique about this wedding was that they had so many people that they loved but were trying to do it on a teachers salary. By having a more informal lunch reception it allowed for them to invite more people at a fraction of the cost. Had they tried to invite all the same people to a formal dinner it would have been double the price and that’s only even if the venue could accommodate that size.
Lillian and Phil watching a slideshow made by their students to congradulate them.
Downside
There’s a bit more logistics and you’re gonna be exhausted. Finding vendors such as an MC/DJ and photographer might be difficult if you’re trying to book them for two days. And as for wedding planning, it’s not just you that will be exhausted but also your family and bridal party. They probably won’t want to see you for awhile.
Final thoughts
I would totally consider this if you and your partner have a large extended family and a huge circle of friends. This wedding personally changed my perspective and I myself might do a two-day wedding if and when the day comes.
What are your thoughts about a two-day wedding? Have you done one yourself? Comment below because we would love to hear from you!
