(BPT) – The pandemic changed many couples’ approach to wedding planning. While some decided to delay their nuptials, many others looked to intimate alternatives for sharing their vows. Whether you had a microwedding, minimony or the two of you simply eloped, you now might be looking to the future to plan a bigger gathering with friends and family.
“Sequel weddings are trending because they are the perfect way to celebrate your love today if you had a smaller marriage ceremony during past COVID restrictions,” says Jonalee DeNoble, associate director of meetings and events from Destination Kohler. “These weddings are a second celebration that allow you to create any type of event you want, which means it can be a lot of fun for couples to plan.”
No matter what you did the first time around, a sequel wedding can be a wonderful way to gather with loved ones and honor your love in a way that is meaningful to you. DeNoble offers some smart tips for planning a sequel wedding:
1. Personalize to make it unique
Sequel weddings may reflect the tone of your first wedding or they may have an entirely different look and feel. Will you want a ceremony to exchange vows or simply focus on the party? You can adjust the level of formality and give yourself some creative freedom to plan a gathering that truly reflects you and your spouse.
2. Choose a thoughtful location
Many people choose locations within natural surroundings not only for their beauty, but also for the ample space that helps guests concerned with social distancing feel more comfortable. Straits Chapel at Destination Kohler is a great example. This secluded non-denominational venue is nestled in the woods on the edge of bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan. The design features a vaulted ceiling throughout, white steel exterior and interior, and six cascading bells above the entryway. Once inside, guests enjoy breathtaking views of the lake and natural landscape through a 22-foot center window framed by two 8-foot windows.
3. Communicate with guests
In times of frequent change, people appreciate plentiful communication. In addition to sending out invitations, consider maintaining a wedding website to keep guests apprised of developments while also building excitement for the event. Some important standards for wedding websites include contact info, date and location. You will also want to include expectations for the event like dress code and mask requirements. Many people choose to add photos and information about their love story and the bridal party for a personal touch.
4. Find comfortable accommodations
If people are traveling to your sequel wedding and need accommodations, consider options that support guests coming together yet provide distance for privacy and safety, such as the private cabins at Destination Kohler. The cabin experience is particularly appealing for wedding guests, featuring four one-of-a-kind lodging offerings which are thoughtfully located on the outskirts of the resort. Two of the newest cabins both feature two bedrooms and two baths for up to six guests: the Lake Cabin is a well-appointed cottage that offers inspiring view of Lake Michigan and the Pond Cabin is a comfortable private escape in a serene woodland location.
5. Have fun
With the nuptials out of the way, many couples find that a sequel wedding is more enjoyable because there is less stress and more focus on celebration. Keep an open mind and heart as you plan. Make adjustments as needed and be flexible with guests. Make the gathering your own and enjoy your time together as you create memories to last a lifetime.
