With so many couples having to change their wedding plans due to Covid, we think that a two-part wedding could be the perfect compromise! Imagine a beautiful, intimate wedding ceremony that’s totally safe and socially distanced. Then in a few months time, when restrictions ease up, that huge wedding party you’ve always wanted to have!
At the time of writing, weddings and social gatherings are all restricted. It may be a little while before restrictions ease, so lots of couples are thinking of doing the ‘legal bit’ now and having a big party later. A two-part wedding is perfect for couples who just don’t want to wait (we don’t blame you!), somebody who is important to you is ill and time is of the essence, or you want to celebrate your original wedding date while keeping vulnerable guests safe.
Main image credit: MG Photography
Related: The weddingsonline Official Guidebook for Covid Wedding Advice
Photo by Denlo Photography
What does a two-part wedding entail?
In short, whatever you like! To put your mind at ease, lots of couples are already doing two-part weddings. Think elopements, small ceremonies conducted by a close friend, or doing just the ‘legal bit’ and then having a big bash to celebrate after. In some form, the two-part wedding isn’t totally new, and it’s important not to overthink it.
Part one
Your two-part wedding can look however you want it to! You could have a small, legal ceremony with just yourselves and witnesses, a celebratory meal at a nice hotel just the two of you, or lunch with just immediate family. Whatever this looks like will be determined by government restrictions and health advice at the time, so be sure to include social distancing and health protection protocols in your plans.
Part two
The second part of your wedding can take place when restrictions ease and it’s safe to have a bigger party. This can be whatever you want it to be! Lots of couples have been planning incredible wedding parties with live music, candy carts, photobooths, delicious meals and all the frills. A two-part wedding allows you to have all of those things, just at a later date.
The bottom line is that your two-day wedding can look however you want it to, provided that it is safe, responsible and socially distanced.
Photo by Magical Memories
What will our guests think?
Well, your guests are made up of those who love you, so they will be totally on board! A small, safe wedding (part one) is there for the safety of those in attendance and those not. Nobody will be upset if they are not included in that. And for those who are worried that guests will be over it by the time part two comes around? Well, all we can say is that everybody will be up for a big ol’ celebration! More opportunities to dance together, clink glasses and pose for photos after months of restrictions and nobody will be complaining.
We love how Niamh and Eoin celebrated their wedding in the middle of lockdown! Click here to read about it and peek at their gorgeous photos, taken by Aidan Beatty Photography.
