How to organise a double wedding without losing track
A double wedding needs one shared plan, but also clear decisions for two couples. Start by confirming the date, location and guest list, then work through registrations, dietary requirements and supplier bookings before designing the day. Ceremony details, transport, photography, hair and makeup need careful timing because delays affect both couples. Leave the final weeks for deliveries, printed materials, seating, decorations and a detailed run sheet rather than major decisions.
The full checklist for this plan is being updated. The tips and answers below still apply.
Tips
- Set a firm planning order: confirm the date and location first, then the guest list and invitations, followed by catering, photography, music, flowers and transport. Do not book suppliers until the ceremony timing and guest numbers are stable.
- Build one master guest list with separate records for each couple. Send invitations early enough to allow time for registrations and dietary requirements, then give the caterer one final headcount and meal summary before the event.
- Create a shared ceremony schedule with separate preparation times for both couples. Allow extra time for hair, makeup, transport and photographs, because one late arrival can delay the entire ceremony.
- Plan the venue in zones: ceremony seating, dining tables, buffet and bar, changing area, and a clear welcome point. Confirm the number of chairs, tables, place settings and glasses against the final guest count rather than estimating from room size.
- Print the run sheet and check every delivery several days before the wedding. Keep menus, table numbers, name badges, ceremony booklets and the welcome sign together so the setup team can place them without asking either couple for instructions.
Frequently asked questions
- How early should you start planning a double wedding?
- Start at least 9 to 12 months before the date if you need to coordinate a venue, catering, photographer, flowers, music and transport. Use the first month to confirm the date, location, guest list and responsibilities between the two couples.
- How do you organise seating for a double wedding?
- Finalise the ceremony and reception seating after registrations close, usually 2 to 3 weeks before the wedding. Account for both couples, family groups, dietary needs and accessibility, then print table numbers and a seating plan from the same final list.
- When should wedding invitations be sent for a double wedding?
- Send invitations around 10 to 12 weeks before the event, or earlier if guests need to travel. Set the registration deadline at least 4 weeks before the wedding so dietary requirements and catering numbers can be confirmed.
- How much setup time does a double wedding need?
- Allow at least 4 to 6 hours for a full setup when the venue needs ceremony chairs, dining tables, linen, tableware, decorations, signage and a bar. Confirm deliveries several days beforehand and assign one person to check the setup against the run sheet.