4-1-1: Wedding Planning During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Weddings are stressful in general. But when it is interrupted by a GLOBAL PANDEMIC… that is when the stress really starts to pile on.
Whether your planning a destination wedding, your wedding has already been postponed, or your original wedding date falls during a time of uncertainty (May, June, or July), here are my recommendations…
U.S.A. Weddings in May, June, or July
If you are planning to get married in May, June, or July, I highly recommend you have a conversation with your fiance and closest friend and family members about the pro’s and con’s of travely safely for your wedding. [Note: at this time, the CDC has officially recommended the cancellation of weddings until Mid-May, while some states have already determined to do so longer). It is important that you chat with your vendors, look at contracts and come up with a Plan B. I have allowed my COVID-19 Brides that fall within these months to place a tentative hold on a later 2020 date since my weekend dates are already so limited.
Handling Postponement
Whether you’ve been forced to or decided to just to be safe, it’s important to know your options. Let your vendors know ASAP and then figure out what dates they are available. Please be understanding in this. For example, my calendar is typically already fully booked 12-18 months out, so my Saturday availability might be slim. Be aware that if you select a date that some of your vendors are NOT available for, they didn’t not decide not to do your wedding. Make sure if they are not available to ask for recommendations. You trusted these people enough to hire them first so you should trust them enough to value their opinions on this matter.
While I do not charge a postponement fee, some vendors do because they will be losing another date in which another wedding could’ve been booked. Please be kind and understanding in this and realize that we are just trying to provide for our families as well.
When it comes to informing your guests, check out THIS blog post.
If you are worried about your wedding details (colors, flowers, etc.) not matching your new date. Don’t worry. Just pick your date based on vendor availability, contracts, finances, and VIP guests and then deal with the details after.
If you’re waiting to postpone
Every situation is different. Every STATE is different. But try to make your decisions as soon as possible. Vendors are trying to work with LOTS of brides so we want to make sure we can try to accommodate you on your first choice date. If your wedding is in the summer, its in your best interest to have that plan B ready.
Make sure you recognize your priorities. Sometimes, postponing means that you won’t be able to transfer everything over. You might lose a vendor and have to replan flowers, colors, etc. But in general, your goal will be to aim for the least amount of changes and financial impact as possible.
U.S.A. Weddings after July
Right now, everything is a bit uncertain. It is best to try to create some sort of roadmap of options so that once more info comes in, you can make quick and informed decisions. Everything is a waiting game right now as things are changing day by day and new information comes in every single week.
If you have a wedding in August, I would postpone no later than June to make time for cancellations and vendor reschedules. If your wedding is in September or later, take a deep breath because you DO have time. Just be prepared.
How to cautiously prepare
1.) Talk to your venue
2.) Speak with Vendors
3.) Keep everyone informed
4.) Be considerate of your Guests
5.) Give yourself a deadline
Be transparent with all of your vendors so that you have the best support system and can be ready to make any changes if/when the time is right. Try to give yourself a deadline to make a decision that allows for comfort and peace of mind.
If you are planning to keep your original date
Whether your wedding is set for July or later or you are planning to elope in your back yard, take the following measures:
1.) Follow CDC Guidelines
2.) Expect a Smaller Guest Count
3.) Consider Food & Beverage Minimums that are enforced by most catering companies
4.) Account for Invitations or how you plan on notifying guests
5.) Decorate with what’s available and know it probably won’t look like the original vision
6.) Support Local Businesses by sourcing local goods for hair, makeup, food, etc.
7.) Practice Good Hygiene by having hand sanitizers at all the entrances, tables, and food stations.
8.) Consider doing a Live Stream for those unable to attend or who aren’t allowed to attend due to restrictions on number of individuals in one room
If you’re waiting on (or Shopping for) a Dress
Shopping for a wedding dress might look a little different right now but it is still important to get your dress ordered far enough in advance that it will have enough time to be made, altered, etc.
If you’ve already ordered a dress, stay in touch with our bridal shop and know that most designers are prioritizing brides that have weddings coming up which means that shipping dates will most likely be pushed back.
If you are just starting to shop, be aware that you can shop online, and even do a virtual try on! If you want to physically touch and try on your dress, some brands are even offering programs that ship wedding gowns and bridesmaids dress samples straight to your door. Remember, it’s best to double the lead time on purchasing gowns to allow for any uncertainty in the upcoming months. For example, if the average recommended lead time is 8 to 12 weeks before your wedding consider doing so between 16-24 weeks.
If you just started planning
I imagine a million “what if” questions are running through your mind. However, I’m hoping this portion of the blog post will provide some clarity.
1.) Get Started Now
TBH, don’t even consider 2020! It’s not worth taking on the uncertainty and amount of stress you will likely endure. Not to mention there is MAJOR competition with 2020 couples who are postponing.
2.) Hire your Important Vendors
Venues, Wedding Planner, Photographer, and Videographer
3.) Start Dreaming
Create a board on Pinterest or and make sure you check out my inspiration board for my brides HERE.
4.) Follow Helpful Accounts for Brides on Social Media
In such an uncertain time, make sure you are following really helping accounts that are going to keep you updated with important wedding-focused things in relation to your date and this pandemic. Places like The Knot, Brides, Wedding Pro, Etc.
