Newly engaged couples and those struggling with the disappointment of postponement and uncertainty need to be encouraged, bolstered and supported during these unprecented times.
Wedding celebrants, by nature, are happy and positive people and of all the suppliers, they have the very real ability to offer a lifeline and hope to couples caught up in this mire of doom and gloom.
They really can offer positive and realistic opportunities that will bring so much joy to couples and families alike who are dreaming of their perfect wedding celebration.
'How?' I hear you ask. I shall tell you how. But first I must clear up the ongoing confusion between marriage and a wedding, as there is a significant and important difference...
What's the difference between a marriage and a wedding?
A marriage is the legal contract and the enduring relationship between a couple long after their wedding day.
A wedding is a celebration of that marriage. And this is the relevant bit. There is absolutely no necessity for the legalities to be carried out at the same time. This enables total flexibility which - in these Covid times - is more essential than ever.
This celebration is being called many things. A wedding ceremony, a commitment ceremony, a sequel wedding - even a renewal of vows. In essence, however, it is a wedding: the party that includes the ceremony, reception and all the other shenanigans you might be planning.
What I am calling, a 'sequel wedding'.
Venetia Norrington
What is a sequel wedding?
So let me explain the concept. It's a two part wedding. The first part is when the couple legalise their marriage. The second part is at a later date when they have a wedding ceremony to celebrate that marriage: the fun part!
This is when you need a wedding celebrant who aligns with your style, fits in with your vision and with whom you have a connection.
With no legal restrictions, your sequel wedding ceremony can be tailor-made and completely personalised to reflect your values and beliefs; with bags of warmth and humour to boot!
The ceremony will have all the similarities of a traditional wedding and with the added bonus that there is no need to follow a conventional format. It can include readings, poems, involvement of family, personal vows, ring exchange and bridal parties.
Who would have a sequel wedding?
Many celebrities have cottoned on to this idea. For some, one day simply isn't enough and have taken it upon themselves to have elaborate wedding celebrations lasting several days or weekends. Many cultures, such as Indian, have multiple ceremonies for their wedding.
There is absolutely no reason why us mere mortals cannot take a leaf out of these celebrities' book. Indeed ,already here in the UK more and more couples have been opting for the multi day celebration as they realise that it allows for so much more flexibility and is well suited to the increasingly popular 'weekend' wedding i.e. get the legals done on the Friday and have the wedding on the Saturday.
So you see, the sequel wedding is not a new concept. Wedding celebrants have been promoting it for some time and is their niche, but in these coronavirus times they are more relevant than ever. The role of the celebrant and the service they provide is coming into its own.
What can be included in a sequel wedding?
Whatever your style, be it high end, relaxed boho, large scale or intimate, licensed venue or unlicensed subject to availability, you can have your sequel wedding where and when you want it.
No event is more positive or celebratory than a wedding. There is no greater formula for a happy occasion than reuniting family and friends across generations and witnessing a couple whom they love commit to one another.
The ceremony is the key ingredient to all this. Without it will be a party not a wedding.
When this is over, we are all going to want, more than ever, occasions to unite and celebrate. Sequel weddings make it possible.
fanfareceremonies.co.uk
Main image: Story and Colour Photography
