SEQUEL WEDDING TRENDS: HOW TO PLAN, WHAT TO WEAR & MORE

Sequel weddings are additional wedding ceremonies or celebrations couples plan if they decide—or end up needing—to have more than one ceremony. According to Brides, a sequel wedding is “essentially a second ceremony and wedding celebration that takes place after a much smaller or micro wedding on or close to a couple’s originally intended wedding date.” 

There are many reasons people choose to have multiple ceremonies: some plan one after eloping or having a destination wedding, some prefer to have their first ceremony be more intimate, and others choose to have a second wedding if their original plans were derailed.

When the coronavirus pandemic hit, many couples had to throw their original plans out the window. The pandemic shifted and altered so many plans for newly engaged couples and undoubtedly skewed the wedding world itself. 

Normally, having a second wedding could sound extra, but for those couples whose plans suddenly changed, it’s a great alternative option. 

Who Should Consider Having A Sequel Wedding? 

As noted above, some couples prefer an elopement or a smaller ceremony first that only includes immediate family members and close friends. This type of gathering can have a very intimate feel, and the big celebration can be planned on a different date where more guests will be invited. 

A sequel event is also an option for those planning a small destination wedding. It’s common for couples to have the first event in a destination location that requires travel, then throw another ceremony or reception after they return so they can celebrate with additional family members and friends. 

In addition, sequel celebrations have become common for couples that had to postpone their wedding date for whatever reason and must now decide if they should tie the knot sooner rather than later. A common approach is to plan a micro wedding now and a sequel wedding later on. Whether you’re celebrating your special moment virtually or planning an intimate ceremony with just close loved ones, this approach can take off some stress of being able to marry your soul mate as originally planned. And on the plus side, planning for a future event will give you something to look forward to. 

Sequel Wedding Ideas & Planning

If you’re currently dealing with the stress of postponing your celebration due to the pandemic, you’re not alone. If you’ve already booked vendors, paid deposits, or even hired a wedding planner, it’s more than likely that they’ll understand the circumstances of the situation. Here are a few steps to consider when postponing and planning a sequel event. 

Reach Out To Your Vendors 

Begin planning your sequel wedding by connecting with your vendors and seeing if it’s possible to postpone your rentals to a future date. They’re more than likely to be flexible during this time as you’re probably not the only one experiencing a change in plans. 

Be sure to ask about any postponement policies or if you’re able to transfer deposits to a later date, that way you won’t have to worry about losing any money you’ve already put down. We advise you to get in touch with the most essential and expensive vendors first, such as your planner, venue, photographer and band. If you use any of these vendors for your micro wedding, see if they’re also able to give you a better price or deal for your future celebration. 

Let Your Guests Know 

Once you’ve gotten your vendors organized, it’s time to notify your guests. This is a crucial step in planning your sequel wedding. Your new guest list may include those that are attending or attended your micro wedding, along with extended family and friends. Deciding who is going to be in attendance is important as some family members may be wary of attending multiple events. That’s why it’s important to notify your guests as soon as you commit to a future date. 

Keep your guests in the loop so there is clear communication on timeline and expectations for your special day. A great way to notify them could be a save the date card. It could feel uncomfortable sending multiple invitations, but your guests are more than likely to understand. It’s also a good idea to create a wedding website they can visit for any further updates. 

If you’re looking for ideas on how to announce your sequel wedding, consider witty phrases such as “We Will Party Harder Once This Quarantine Ends” or “OK, New Plan” or “We Can’t Say ‘I do’ 6 Feet Apart!” These catchy save the date card ideas will not only look great, but also add a touch of light-heartedness, making you and your guests feel a little more at ease during this time. 

Decide How the Sequel Will Differ 

It’s important to distinguish what will be different at your sequel wedding compared to your first event. Will you be reciting your vows? Will you be using a different officiant? Will there be a theme? These are some things to consider when planning. 

Your ceremony is one of the more important factors to decide on first. Think about if you and your partner are planning on reciting your vows or if you’ll be writing new ones. Re-writing your vows could be fun and fresh, but there’s also nothing wrong with reciting your previous vows as well. After all, who wouldn’t want to relive the moment they got to marry their soulmate? 

If you want to keep the memory of your micro wedding ceremony private and intimate, we recommend only hosting a reception. This will take off some pressure of re-planning an entire wedding day, allowing you to just focus on celebrating your love.

This second wedding event might just be what you need after all the stress of planning, rescheduling or postponing. Whether you are planning a backyard bash or throwing an epic dance party, your sequel wedding can be as simple or extravagant as you’d like. 

Sequel Wedding Dresses 

Whether you hosted an intimate ceremony or a virtual zoom celebration, it’s possible you didn’t pick a grand dress for the small event. Now that a sequel wedding is in the works, thinking about what you’ll wear is likely top of mind. Do you go with the gown you purchased months ago or splurge on a new, lavish wedding dress?

Glamorous Styles 

The pandemic resulted in many brides opting for casual or simple pieces, which allowed them to save for a more extravagant gown. Although you are dressing for a second occasion, it doesn’t mean you need to be casual. 

Val Stefani Style Carmen is an ornate floral lace mermaid bridal gown with swag sleeves that makes for a glamorous look. Brides that had to opt for a more casual style for their minimony will love this gown's decadent re-embroidered lace appliques with sequins and crystal specialty beading details. Not to mention, the dramatic illusion semi-cathedral train that flows effortlessly behind each step you take. This gown will undoubtedly make you feel just as special as your intimate micro ceremony did. (IMAGE)

If you’re looking for something with a little more flow and room, Val Stefani Style Violetta is a match made in heaven. This full A-line wedding dress features a shimmering sparkle tulle cascade skirt and re-embroidered beaded lace appliques with sequins. For the bride planning an outdoor event, the shimmering details will sparkle indefinitely, making you the star of the night.  (IMAGE)

Minimalist Bridal Gowns

Want something a little more minimal? Style Zelda from Simply Val Stefani is a sequin beaded mermaid wedding dress that features a square neckline with straps and a deep illusion scoop back. Decorated along the gown are romantic embroidered net details with sequins. The short chapel train finish perfectly matches an outdoor casual wedding. Brides planning for a more laidback celebration will love how this gown includes traditional bridal detailing while maintaining a relaxed vibe.  (IMAGE)

For our brides planning an epic dance party, consider something with a little more flow. Simply Val Stefani Style Odella is a romantic A-line wedding dress with a tulle skirt that was made for dancing. This twirl worthy gown includes a chantilly lace underlay, making it both elegant and romantic. The lightweight skirt and sleeveless style is comfortable and allows for mingling and dancing without any restrictions.  (IMAGE)

Next Steps

The most important step is to remember that your sequel wedding is also your special day!

If you had to deal with the stress of planning, postponing and all the above, remember that marrying your soulmate is the most important thing. Ready to find your sequel wedding dress? Find your local Val Stefani retailer and get ready to celebrate.