Joan Green, 97, believes that couples should consider having a double wedding like she and her sister Monica did in 1949. On the same day, Joan and her husband William and Monica and her husband got married in the traditional ceremony held at their village church. The two brides shared two cakes and had two separate best men, but only one meal was served.
Joan believes that having a joint ceremony benefits couples in a number of ways; it can help split the cost of the day, provide emotional support, and could be a way to save money. This sentiment is echoed by Carolyn Bain, who, in her 14 years working as a registrar, has only arranged two double weddings, emphasizing that it can be a “lovely thing to do” under the right circumstances.
Joan and Monica had always done things together, and with both of them planning weddings at the same time, they decided to combine their big day. They were so close that they even slept in the same bed growing up. Joan recalls how happy it made her and how much she cherished the memories of her double wedding day. After being married for 33 years, she recommends it to couples who want to share their wedding day with another couple.
As the cost of weddings doubles over the past decade, more people are getting married midweek to cut costs. A double wedding would be a great way to split the bill between two couples, but as wedding planner Lucy Meehan points out, communication is key. Spouses considering double weddings need to be clear with each other about what they want for their big day. Her advice is to share the “momentous” moments of the day and to ensure that both couples get their time to shine.
The Church of England does not prohibit double weddings, but they are “exceptionally rare.” Carolyn Bain explains that to make it work, the couples need to “see eye to eye.” As long as the couples are in agreement, a double wedding can add a unique touch to their special day.
Joan Green’s experience of a double wedding testifies to the benefits of sharing a wedding with family or friends. While not everyone’s cup of tea, it is a lovely option for couples looking to cut the cost of a wedding and share the day with loved ones
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More