Most of the weddings we run are segregated, and planning one as though it were a single event with a curtain down the middle is the most common mistake we are asked to repair.
Two functions means two of everything that matters: two schedules, two entrances, two serving arrangements, two sets of sound and two coordinators. The ladies function is run by a lady from this office, on the floor, for the whole evening. The mens function is run by another coordinator. They speak to each other by telephone and neither side is left waiting on somebody who is in the other room.
The details that decide whether it works are unglamorous. Where the two entrances are, so that arriving guests are not routed past the wrong function. Where the photographer stands, and who they are. Whether the route from the kitchen to the ladies side passes through the mens side. Whether there is a private space for the bride to sit when she is not on the stage, because six hours on a stage is six hours.
We will also plan a mixed function, which plenty of families here choose, and we plan it the same careful way. What we will not do is tell a family how their wedding should be arranged.