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With the cost of weddings being what they are, planning and paying for two weddings at the same time is more than most families can manage. Inevitably, someone will suggest, Hey – why not make it a double wedding? Depending on the people involved, this can either be a winning idea or a total disaster in the making. These are the pros and cons of double weddings.

There can be several significant advantages to shared weddings. The first is certainly cost. Rather than pay to entertain the same family members twice, why not save money by doing it all at once? Do not, however, expect that you can throw a wedding for two couples for the same price as a celebration for one couple. You will definitely need a larger venue, and while you will only have food and drink costs for the bride’s family one time, there will be a guest list for each groom’s family as well. And of course a larger venue means more flowers, more linen rentals, and possibly even a bigger band or more powerful sound system. Naturally, there will be two wedding gowns and bridal jewelry sets as well. While a shared reception will not be half the price of two solo parties, you can still realistically save around 1/4 to 1/3 over two separate events, which will add up to thousands of dollars.

It is not only the parents of the brides-to-be who can find a double wedding to be a better value. For out of town family members who would have been invited to both events, their costs will be cut in half (except for the wedding gifts). Not only will your family save money, but also time. When two sisters are planning weddings which are close together, it is not only the expense of travel that can become difficult, but making the time for two separate trips. Having an all-in-one affair will definitely make it easier for your loved ones to attend. It will also avoid the possibility of hurt feelings when guests accept for one sister’s wedding but decline the other because it is not feasible for them to attend both.

Of course, there can be some pretty serious cons to a double wedding. Before committing to the concept of planning a joint wedding, carefully consider how you and your sister see the world. The biggest issue is when the pair of sisters does not share the same vision of the perfect wedding. Do you both tend to like the same styles of clothing, similar colors, the same types of places? Do you work well together, with a good balance of give and take, or is there one sister who always has to get her way? If you are both now pointing at your sister, saying, “Her!”, you are likely to find agreeing on wedding plans to be a rocky road! Also, do be honest with yourself; if you really long to be the center of attention on your wedding day, how will you feel about sharing the spotlight?

For those sisters who do ultimately decide to have a double wedding, there are a few things which may help it go more smoothly. Agree on a unified vision for the decorations and meal, but each sister can still show her individuality when it comes to the bridal gowns, jewelry sets, and her bridesmaid attire. Think coordinated, but not matching. To head off any arguments, the older sister’s name goes first on the invitation and she exchanges her vows first. Work with your officiant to weave the two sets of vows into one ceremony to spare your guests having to endure two full ceremonies back-to-back. Once you get to the reception, a double wedding can result in one huge and wonderful party, so be sure to enjoy it to the fullest!

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Source by Laura Firenze