Not Your Average Wedding Planning

The COVID-19 pandemic has altered the world as we know it, cancelling and delaying big-life events for many people. While we have high hopes of returning to some sort of normalcy in 2021, larger events like concerts, festivals, and weddings may require a “new normal.” The wedding industry in particular has taken a beating between vendors closing their doors, vendors going out of business, and couples scrambling to figure out their new plan for holy matrimony.

So that brings us to the million dollar question: how do I plan my wedding during a pandemic?

It is important to remember, you are not alone right now. Countless couples have had to make the heartbreaking decision to postpone their ceremonies or make changes to their special day to abide by CDC guidelines. The good news is, love is certainly not cancelled in 2021; that includes the joyful journey of planning, or replanning, your wedding.

Postpone Instead of Cancel

Coronavirus doesn’t call the shots, you do! This is YOUR day.

Smaller Guest List

While you may not have all the faces you originally wanted to see on your wedding day, a smaller guest list creates a sense of intimacy. With less, you are able to focus your time and attention on your wedding guests to thank them for coming, make conversation, and maybe even snap a memorable photo. A smaller guest list allows your guests to also feel comfortable given the current state of affairs. You can still live stream your big day for the rest of the family to enjoy from home.

You can start this challenging process by inviting those who you cannot imagine your wedding day without, such as the first people you told about your engagement. Trimming your guest list can and will be difficult. The most cut-and-dry elimination tactic is to cut anyone you don’t talk to on a regular basis. You can incorporate these people through a virtual livestream of your wedding, and once the madness is over, throw a big party in a more fun and relaxed setting rather than dealing with the formalities of a wedding.

Supporting Small Business

By postponing your wedding instead of cancelling, you are still supporting the small business of many mom-and-pop vendors which will help keep them in business.

If you are planning a wedding, consider small business vendors. Many offer unique features you won’t be able to find through a larger all-in-one inclusive wedding package.

Virtually Plan (And Livestream!)

If there’s anything the pandemic has taught us (other than hand hygiene), it’s the power of technology. We are lucky to live in an era where we can get information any time we need it, watch and create live videos on our phone screens, and wedding planning is possible from the couch.

Virtual Venue Tours

Virtual tours have been around for a long time and quite frankly, are not going away anytime soon. However, many venues are now offering personalized virtual tours via Facetime! This way, you are able to virtually “walk” through the venue and ask detailed questions in live time, rather than struggle through an online chat. Live virtual tours give couples a chance to get to know the venue coordinator and discuss details. Virtual tours are expected to be treated like a normal tour, so don’t be shy; take as many screenshots and ask as many questions as you would like!

Virtual Vendor Consultations

Of course, you can’t virtually get your hair done or sample food and cake, but you can, however, get to know some of your other vendors! By setting up virtual appointments with photographers, videographers, floral designers, DJs, and coordinators, they can show you samples of their best work along with their packages and contracts from the comfort of your own home.

Livestream Your Wedding

Couples who are ready to get married now, despite what’s going on in the world, can still share their special day with their loved ones using a live stream on Facebook or any other streaming platform. Technology has truly connected us more than ever during this pandemic. You could even throw a virtual after-party through Google Hangouts or Zoom! Remember, even if you have a digital ceremony now, you can still have your dream wedding later!

Plus, how many couples get two excuses every year to pop champagne and have a fancy “anniversary” dinner?

So, as you’re planning your wedding in 2021, know that we’re here for you. While planning may be different now than it was for couples before you, we won’t let a global pandemic or social distancing get in the way of celebrating marriage, because love always wins.