Many couples decide to hold two separate wedding ceremonies, known as the “Sequel Wedding,” for various reasons. Maybe they are holding a destination wedding that their family can’t get to, or they want a more personal, intimate feel before they throw a big party. Planning one wedding, let alone two, can be exhausting. However, with the right planning, you can create two incredibly unique and meaningful ceremonies. The Atlanta wedding photographers at Atlanta Artistic Weddings have seen this happen many times. This week, I want to give some tips and advice for how to hold a Sequel Wedding and create a perfect, and even practical, wedding experience.

*Photo by the Atlanta Wedding Photographers at AtlantaArtisticWeddings*

What you may not realize is that each of the two ceremonies serve a different purpose. The first ceremony is known as the “civil ceremony” and this is where the couple legally ties the knot. You can make this ceremony as small and intimate as you want and use it to celebrate your love and commitment, just the two of you, without outside influences. This ceremony is typically just the couple, officiant, and required witnesses, with no bridal party. This means the couple can be a little flexible with their venue. They may choose to conduct it at the courthouse or in their backyard, but they can also choose a destination wedding at their dream location, such as another state, city or country they’ve been wanting to visit, without worrying about travel plans for guests. Also, this ceremony is less traditional, so feel free to have a bit more fun with your ensemble, such as the bride wearing a jumpsuit or less formal dress, and keep it simple with the flowers and decor. However, the one must-have at this ceremony is a photographer. Since your loved ones won’t be attending this ceremony, you’ll want photos and videos of the occasion to share with them and help them feel like a part of the day.

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Photo by the Atlanta Wedding Photographers at AtlantaArtisticWeddings

Now, you’re legally married, so the second ceremony is purely symbolic and is more for fun. This ceremony can be used to fulfill any traditions or rituals they feel necessary that they didn’t do at the first ceremony. In addition, since you went simple on the first wedding, you now have the budget to make the second one fun and fabulous and really make it a party! You can have a larger guest list and make sure everyone you love gets to celebrate with you. That being said, you’ll want a photographer at this ceremony as well so that you can get photos of special, intimate moments between you and your loved ones as you celebrate! This is also the perfect opportunity to choose a fancier dress or tux and really get glammed up for that moment when you stand in front of friends and family to say your vows. You’ll also want to make sure you arrange for nice music, beautiful decor, delicious food, and a spacious venue for your guests at this second ceremony. In fact, some couples decide to forego the ceremony the second time around and hold just a reception. The most important thing is that you and your guests can relax, celebrate this milestone together, and party the night away, which is what this second ceremony is all about!

Photo by the Atlanta Wedding Photographers at AtlantaArtisticWeddings

No matter the reason, having a Sequel Wedding can be smart, efficient, and fun! Whether you want to have a chance to experience the different feel and styles of two ceremonies, or if the decision is one of circumstance, as in the current pandemic, the Sequel wedding can be a great and helpful option for couples planning their wedding.

Thanks so much for visiting this blog! I hope you enjoyed it and come back to see what else Atlanta Artistic Weddings is up to. If you have any questions or if you’d like to drop us a line, feel free to contact us on our website here: https://www.atlantaartisticweddings.com/contact-atlanta-wedding-photographer. We’d love to hear from you!

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