The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown the world into disarray, and just like every other industry, the wedding industry has also been hit incredibly hard. Venue owners are struggling to redesign their spaces to adapt to the new rules, vendors have experienced a lull in their businesses and couples are hesitantly cancelling their weddings without a fresh blueprint in sight.
When planning a wedding, there is always a long list of matters to consider, especially when planning one during COVID-19 when the situation is fluid, unpredictable and incalculable. That being said, the show must go on, no matter how different it looks or feels. Even if your plans have changed, here’s how you can navigate through these uncertain times while still keeping your eyes on the goal… that is getting married to the love of your life.
If you are determined to go through with your wedding…
You could always consider micro-weddings, also known as ‘minimonials’ or ‘minimonies’ wherein you can celebrate your big day with a maximum of 50 guests. Along with trimming your guest list, micro-weddings will also involve you and your partner having to rethink various aspects of the wedding. For one, working with your venue to follow their rules regarding social distancing and the use of masks or switching to an outdoor venue in case you had picked the indoors. When it comes to catering, you might have to let go of the idea of a grand buffet and settle for plated meals.
Even traditions might look different right now. Instead of the usual meet and greet for pictures, your guests might have to leave you cards. It is also advisable to provide your guests with protective gear like masks, sanitisers, gloves or any other equipment that might make them feel safe. You could also consider having a provision for rapid tests.
While getting married during a pandemic will force you to have only the 50 closest people around you, you could live-stream it for the rest of your guest list. Another option is to go through with the wedding ceremonies and plan your big fat reception for next year, depending on when it is safe to do so.
Consult your wedding planner to get an idea of alternate dates and a potential back-up plan. If you don’t have a wedding planner, make sure to pick out a few estimated dates and speak to the vendors and venue to make sure they can accommodate the new date. If you have signed contracts with your vendors revisit these contracts to check their policies about cancellation or postponement as well as the fees or deposits that you might need to pay.
With the plethora of weddings being pushed, it may be easier for you to hire a wedding planner to sort out your dates, venue and vendors. A wedding planner will be able to chalk out a plan for your wedding without having you sweat over it. Lastly, remember to be flexible!
If you are planning a wedding in 2021…
It is imperative that you get started immediately because of the number of weddings that have been pushed. It is also advisable to hire a wedding planner to help you negotiate prices as well as plan around COVID-19 policies. An experienced wedding planner with strong vendor connections will be ideal for a stress-free wedding planning experience. Make sure to consider a small guest count to begin with, and keep them informed on your plans so that they are prepared well in advance. Also, make it a point to stay on top of CDC guidelines to note any changes in what’s allowed or still prohibited in the months to come.
All in all, it is important to remember that everything will work out for the best. The wedding you have may not look very similar to the wedding of your dreams, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of the situation. Just think of the fun tale you will get to tell your grandchildren!
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