Weddings for many years have evolved to what could be considered as a contemporary type, which offers and meets the interests of the bride and groom. One trend that is slowly emerging is the so called ‘split wedding.
This is a departure from the one day non-stop whirlwind usually associated with weddings and opens up the wedding ceremony to spreading across several days or stages. For whatever reasons, whether logistical, financial or just plain want for something different, the split wedding trend is giving couples more leeway than they can ever imagined.
But what is a split wedding like, and why do potential marriage mates increasingly want it? Now let’s go a little deeper into what this kind of celebration is, why it’s growing in popularity, and how you could plan the perfect one for you.
Understanding Split Wedding
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A split wedding is an idea that means that the ceremony can be held on that special day and split into some other parts or can be split into several days or even months. A split wedding is different from a dual event where every event in a wedding such as the actual ceremony, and the reception is conducted on a single day.
For instance, a couple may decide to pay for a small wedding that only involves a lawyer, on one particular day and then they opt for the reception where all their close friends and relatives are invited on another day.
This option has come about due to some reasons such as flexibility in time where the guests may be busy, splitting of cost, or where couples want to have a stress-free wedding. Such splitting allows the couples to concentrate on planning each segment separately, without much pressure on the need to include all the outstanding events in a single day.
Also Check: What Is Micro Wedding?
Why Choose a Split Wedding?
There are a number of reasons why couples might decide to split their wedding. While each couple’s motivations are personal, here are some of the most common factors driving this choice:
1. Financial Flexibility
As a rule, weddings are very costly – this is an open secret nowadays. A split wedding makes it possible for the couples to divide their expenditures to different times. To manage the latter, they can use money to different areas of the wedding event at times when they can comfortably afford the payment.
For instance, a bride and a groom may set down for a ring and cake cutting ceremony and then wait and save money to hire a big venue for the party a few months later. It also allows them to finance special interest areas that they consider important for instance a luxurious honey moon or a lavish reception without having to pay through the nose.
2. Accommodating Guest Schedules
In the modern world, not all people can attend a wedding ceremony at a particular date and time. This problem grew especially acute during the COVID-19 crisis when travel limitations and health considerations made it impossible for many of them.
The flexibility of the split ceremony makes it possible to accommodate the guests and gives them a unique ability to feature in any part of the wedding they choose.
3. A More Intimate Ceremony
Some couples prefer a more intimate setting for their wedding ceremony. A split wedding gives them the option to have a private, meaningful ceremony with just close family and friends, without the distractions of a large event.
Later on, they can throw a bigger celebration with a wider guest list. This way, they can fully savour the emotional significance of their vows while still celebrating with everyone they love.
4. Destination Wedding Dreams
There are always those brides and grooms who want to get married in a particular beautiful place but have a hard time getting all the guests to this location. A split wedding will allow them have a small, intimate wedding away from the many people and then come back home to have the reception with all the many people.
It is the dream – a small wedding with just the two of you in the most beautiful scenery, and then an extravagant celebration with friends and parents, in a year or two.
How to Plan a Split Wedding?
Planning a split wedding can be an exciting but sometimes complex process. With multiple events to consider, it’s important to ensure everything flows smoothly and feels cohesive. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:
1. Decide What to Split
The first step is figuring out which parts of the wedding you want to separate. The most common approach is to hold the ceremony on one day and the reception on another. However, you could also split the legal ceremony from the religious ceremony or host smaller pre-wedding events like engagement parties or dinners on separate days.
Think about what makes sense for your lifestyle and vision. Do you want a quiet, intimate ceremony followed by a big bash? Or would you prefer to split the events by location—one part at a destination, the other closer to home?
2. Create a Timeline
Once you’ve decided how to divide your wedding, it’s time to create a timeline. Some couples might choose to have their ceremony and reception within the same week, while others could spread events out over several months. There’s no right or wrong answer here—it’s all about what works best for you.
Be sure to communicate your plans clearly to your guests, especially if there’s a significant gap between the events. Send out save-the-dates and invitations with all the necessary information so guests know when and where to show up.
3. Set a Budget
As you have discovered, having a split wedding can seem to be more financially beneficial, however, one has to keep abreast with the budget. Several activities may require different locations, suppliers and days of operations, all which may prove costly. Ensure that you do this well and focus your money on what you consider to be important in your wedding whether it is the venue, the photographer or the food.
4. Choose Your Venues
The beauty of a split wedding is that you have more freedom when it comes to choosing venues. You might want a serene outdoor spot for the ceremony and a more lavish ballroom for the reception. Or perhaps you’ll opt for a destination ceremony, followed by a reception back home.
When choosing venues, make sure they align with your overall vision and budget. Keep in mind that popular venues may book up quickly, so it’s best to secure your dates as early as possible.
5. Manage Your Guest List
The best thing here is that with a split wedding, different groups of guests can be invited for the two different ceremonies. For the ceremony, you may decide to let only the immediate family members partake and for the reception, you will invite all your friends and other relatives. It can also make things remain close when the need arises and then open up the dancing for more persons when required.
But a special word has to be said about expectation management which is how to keep it under control. Ensure your guests are clear on the goal and type of events in order that none of them may feel excluded or lost.
6. Coordinate Catering and Vendors
When planning a split wedding, you have the option to get creative with your catering and vendor choices. You might choose a formal dinner for the ceremony and a more casual buffet for the reception. Or perhaps you’ll hire a live band for one event and a DJ for the other. The beauty of this approach is that you can mix and match according to your preferences and budget.
Pros and Cons of a Split Wedding
Like any wedding style, a split wedding comes with its own set of pros and cons. Here’s a quick rundown:
Pros:
- More Flexibility: You can spread out the events, giving yourself more time to plan and save.
- Intimacy: A smaller, more focused ceremony allows you to experience the emotional moments without distractions.
- Customization: You have the freedom to tailor each event to your personal taste and style.
- Guest Accommodation: A split wedding allows you to work around the schedules and availability of your guests.
Cons:
- Potentially Higher Costs: Multiple events can mean higher costs for venues, vendors, and services.
- Logistical Complexity: Organizing more than one event requires careful planning and coordination.
- Guest Confusion: Some guests may not fully understand why they’re invited to only one part of the wedding.
Conclusion
A split wedding is a rather useful concept which appears to be different from the typical one-day wedding. If you need to cut costs, manage different timing of guests or just to make your day easier, a split wedding may be what you need. In simple terms, it is only possible if you desire a multi-event wedding that all fits into your story and allows you to relish each moment as it unwinds.
If you choose to have your wedding ceremony at a specific place and have a party in another or if you decide to have a small ceremony and a large celebration later, everything is possible with a split wedding.
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