Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Not one but two wedding ceremonies

Some of my blogging friends (thanx Dollface) have been asking about wedding updates and we some big ones have been happening. Ah yes drum roll please...we will be having not one, but two wedding ceremonies. That's right! Two...one Hindu and one Jewish.

And I'd love your advice on how to handle everything.

Over the last years, I have thought a lot about what our wedding could be like. I also understood that we come from two different backgrounds, cultures and beliefs. So Honey and I decided that a combined wedding would be a wonderful way to bring everyone together.

After we got engaged I even wrote in one of my posts...so funny to be quoting myself:

"I’m about to go through planning a Hindu and Jewish wedding. We fondly call Hinjew
. We’re not the first or the last couple to attempt this, but going outside of the box is never easy. I hope we can have a combination wedding and have a lot of warmth and loads of love on our big day."

I know the idea was a bit idealistic. Then we started to realize that a wedding is bigger then the two of you. Weddings are about family and giving them the pleasure of supporting you.

Recently we had a huge turn around of support. And instead of one family we now have two. With this comes my Honey's family offering to give us a traditional Hindu ceremony along with the other wedding ceremony we have been planning in late May.

Honestly, I do feel the added stress of double weddings. I feel a little lost in the whole process. There's so much good that can come from families blending and supporting.

Then the smaller details seep into my head like two wedding dresses, invitations etc. We should take double honeymoons! Ah I wish.

So how am I going to deal with having not one, but two wedding ceremonies? Well I'm going to remember the wise words of a friend of mine who said, "It could have been four ceremonies!" What's your advice for this double blushing bride?

17 comments:

Dollface said...

wow!! 2 ceremonies... you are going to be such a good bride. Thank you for the shoutout!! I think that you make sure to have fun at both, no matter what. Im sure all of the details will be perfect and you will make this an amazing double wedding... xxxooo

Joanie said...

How far apart are you planning these 2 ceremonies?

My friend married a man from India. When his parents came to visit (and to meet Joann) from India (they had 3 children by then!), they "got married" in a Hindu ceremony, with his mother officiating. It was a lovely ceremony.

Brandi said...

I've never had to plan one ceremony, let alone two. But having planned other types of events in the past, the best advice I can give you is stay organized. Perhaps a binder divided in two. And definitely ask for help when you need it. I'm sure both families would be happy to help out and give you some guidance.

Angela Tolsma said...

That is sooo exciting!! I don't really have suggestions as I have never planned a wedding. I guess just be sure to take a day or two off from all wedding planning, so it doesn't seem as overwhelming

Meagan said...

My advice would be to stay organized and delegate a lot! Don't sweat the small details either. Focus on the aspects you truly care about and let someone else make the decisions on things you don't.

Working Mommy said...

While that is going to be a bit more work...you should be fine!! I am a wedding planner - one of my many jobs - so please feel free to email if you have any specific questions regarding time lines or details!! Congrats!!

~WM

Unknown said...

First, Congratulations!

I don't have any advice for you, but I laughed when I saw the "Hinjew". Part of my family is from India and I also happen to be Jewish, so when I met a friend of mine he started calling me a Hinjew. Maybe I have some advice afterall: there's a large and vibrant community of Jews in Mumbai (or there used to be), mayeb they have a ceremony of their own that is a combination of the two?

Laura said...

Dollface: Ah thanx honey and and thank you for all of your support! How are your plans coming along?

Laura said...

Joanie M: I'm sure it's lovely and warm and I'm staying open as much as I can. Thanx for your comment sweetie!

Laura said...

Brandi: Great advice and I am SO a binder girl! I think letting go is also a wonderful thing. Have a great day!

Laura said...

Namine: Great advice and I'll keep planning a getaway soon. Oh wow maybe I'll have to go into wedding planning soon.

Laura said...

Meagan@Megs7827: Great advice and yet fight the things that are important. To me it's all about bonding and warmth. :)

Laura said...

Working Mommy: I might have to take you up on that wonderful offer. Thanx honey!

Laura said...

Alianna: Wonderful advice and I will have to take a look into this :) I'm glad I got to make you laugh today!

Anonymous said...

Relax....keep it as simple and yet as lovely as possible. Make it reflect who the two of you are and nothing more. Breathe!

Di
The Blue Ridge Gal

Laura said...

Snappy Di: Wonderful advice sweetie. Thank you!

Lyssabeth's Wedding Officiants said...

I think it will be simpler to plan two separate ceremonies than to try and blend your "Hinjew" traditions into one. I know that two sounds more complex than one--on the surface--but in this case, you can revel in your individual traditions without compromise. And how many people can say that about their "Interfaith" weddings?

Advice? Hmmmm.... make sure your groom is heavily involved in the wedding day planning--especially for "his" ceremony so he gets an equal say (and you don[t get totally overwhelmed).