Having to plan a wedding during crazy times can be stressful and time-consuming. You need to think of the venue, invitations, guest lists, and many more. And if having your ceremony and reception at the same time might seem like a good idea, maybe you should think twice. Many couples are now choosing to have the two events on separate dates. Yes, it may appear that you will have more work to do, but there are several benefits to having a separate ceremony and reception. Furthermore, times have changed, and most weddings no longer follow the traditional format. Therefore, if you ever thought of having your ceremony and reception on different days, we can tell you why it might be a great idea. 

Continue reading to learn about all the benefits of having two separate events.

Having your ceremony and reception on different days can help you save money 

Because a wedding ceremony lasts shorter than a reception, you can rent the venue for a shorter period. Or, if you want a small and intimate wedding, you can choose to have it at home. It will be less expensive, and you will be surrounded only by your closest friends and family. 

And although it technically isn't "saving" money, you get the chance to wear your wedding dress twice! Your dress was probably costly, so wearing it more than once is a great way to make the most of it.

You will have more time to plan the events… 

When you decide to have your ceremony and reception on different days, you are actually giving yourself more time. Organizing two events at the same time may be very stressful and hectic. For instance, you may need to find two different venues and plan transportation from one to the other. Of course, this only applies if you want each event to take place in a different, specific setting.

For example, you can have the ceremony in a church and the reception at a restaurant. Not to mention that, if there is a time gap between the same-day events, you must plan how your guests will spend it. That means more time spent on planning. As a result, you can save time by scheduling the two events on different days. This way, you'll have enough time to plan each detail carefully and without stress.

…and more time to enjoy yourself

If you have the ceremony and reception on the same day, you might have less time to enjoy your special day and be more focused on everything going according to plan. Furthermore, you might not have enough time to spend with each guest. Or, to put it another way, to breathe. As a result, scheduling your ceremony and reception on different days will reduce your stress levels.

At the ceremony, you can spend quality time with your family, and at the reception, you can spend more time with your friends. Also, you can take more time for the photo session. You won't have to worry about the reception following the ceremony, so you can schedule the photo session immediately after. Or at sunset, if that is what you want. You will have enough time to think about it and enjoy it as you should.

You will have two special days instead of one 

One of the best advantages of having separate days for your ceremony and reception might be just this. You can have two special days instead of one. You have the opportunity to wear your wedding dress twice. Or even better, to have two outfits for each of the events. Also, you can have two different venues and two different invitations. If you find it hard to choose between your dreams of having a wedding on a beach or in a forest, now you can have both. Furthermore, if you are into such things, you can have different themes for each event. One can be with fairytale inspiration, and one inspired by the '50s. Finally, one event can be private and modest, and the other can be large and glamorous.

Start enjoying your life together 

Holding the reception on a different day might be a good alternative if you want to be married as quickly as possible and have a small ceremony. Between the two dates, you will have more time for yourselves, and you can even move into a shared home and start living together. Then, you and your better half can begin organizing the reception with more ease. The main event has already happened, you are now married, so there is no rush anymore.

Getting the chance to be eco-friendly

Two events mean that you order flowers two times, napkins, ornaments, and so on. You may, however, reduce waste from both events by recycling or reusing some of the materials. For instance, you can repurpose the flowers from the ceremony and use them to make potpourri ornaments for the reception. 

Or, you can press them and make the invitations for the following event. In addition, you can donate the extra food, gift the decorations to your guests, or use the candles to decorate your home. In a word, you can find a new purpose for anything you use at your ceremony and reception, thus giving a hand in saving the environment.

Having your ceremony and reception on different days might be a great idea. You can save money, time, and, most importantly, nerves. In addition, you will be able to enjoy every moment of your wedding. Good luck with planning your special day(s)!

This is a guest post. Risa James Events has no financial relationship with any companies that may be linked within the post.