How to Handle Two Family Weddings in One Year & Getting Married the Same Year as Your Sibling

With varying lengths of engagements, proposals that are nine months apart could lead to weddings only a week apart, which is something most families would probably prefer to avoid – especially in the case of a destination wedding for one of the events. In some cultures, it’s actually considered bad luck for two sisters to get married in the same calendar year and called "sukob" – meaning the superstition that advises against siblings getting married in the same year. However, if that’s not your experience or the case for you, read on to discover the break down of how to deal with two weddings in one family.

What to Do If Most of the People Attending Will Overlap...

If there is going to be a large overlap of guests attending each wedding – or even part of the wedding party, it would be kind to make sure the two wedding events are at least two to three months apart. Keep in mind that people going to each ceremony and reception have to consider the spending implications for buying each wedding gift, as well as travel and taking time off work for the out-of-town guests. Be careful not to assume anything regarding the financial situation of everyone you will be inviting. However, if most of those who would attend both weddings are local to each celebration, this particular detail is less of an issue.

What to Do If Parents Are Contributing to Both Weddings...

If you or your fiancé’s parents are paying for – or contributing – to both weddings, ask them their opinion before you and the other couple book your dates and other wedding planning information. Be respectful of what the parents say! If paying for two summer wedding dates isn’t feasible, perhaps a compromise with one late spring and one early fall celebration of love will help ease any financial stress.

There are of course more aspects of the wedding than the date to keep in mind – a seemingly simple thing like planning a wedding in the same season, with a similar theme, or even at a wedding venue they couldn't secure can cause more than enough problems and the etiquette on the subject isn't incredibly clear.

Our best advice is to try to take the high road when you can, and remember: as important as your wedding day is, it’s probably not worth ruining familial relationships because your brother-in-law wants to book the same band that you did. If you're especially close, make sure you have honest conversations with the other bride – have good family etiquette, wedding or not! Only you know the best way to deal with a familial situation, so stay calm, be understanding, and talk it through to make sure you can both have the time of your lives on the best day of your life! Also, to ensure your guests will be able to attend both events in one year, be sure to send a save the date well ahead of the celebration!