I have two daughters getting married and we talked about doing a double ceremony. That is off, but now we are talking about doing them the same day 30 minutes to an hour apart and then have one big reception afterwards. Any suggestions on coordinating back to back weddings?

Wow, this will be a big day for you! Are they getting married in the same place? How many people will be attending, and are most of the guest be attending both ceremonies, or will they be private ceremonies. Could you provide a little more info for us please?

We think we have it all figured out now, but they are getting married at the same place and there will be anywhere between 300-500 people. All guest will be attending both, but there will be two separate ceremonies. Again, we think we have it figured out, but still are looking for suggestions.

Please keep the ceremonies SHORT SHORT SHORT.

As a guest that has to SIT through that, in an often too-warm and overcrowded place---two long, elaborate ceremonies is too much.

The church is big and air conditioned, but even at that the ceremonies will not last long. Thanks for the advice.

What will the guests do between the two ceremonies?

I agree that you will have to find some kind of entertainment for the guests between ceremonies. Also, weddings never start on time. So what will the plan of action be if the first wedding starts 30 minutes late? Will the time between be cut down to 30 minutes? Or does your second daughter need a full hour to get ready? Just something to think about.

How about having a double wedding service, with separate vows. Each bride and groom choose one reading and one song to be played just prior to their vows. So you do a processional, reading, a song, vows of first couple - homily for both couples - reading, song, vows of second couple, recessional. Each couple could light a unity candle during their chosen song, and each could also have slides shown of themselves growing up and coming together as a couple, also during their song. The first couple to exchange vows would choose the processional. The second couple to exchange vows would choose the recessional. The two ceremonies would be linked by the homily (if your faith doesn't call it that, it's the remarks made by the officiant).

The thinking is that two ceremonies with a long break between with nothing to do would be kind of a bore for the guests. And if the day is shared, might as well share it just a bit more!