So, you said, “Yes!” and then the world completely changed and you are left wondering what do I do? You’re not alone. All over the world, brides-to-be are in the middle of planning a wedding during a pandemic and frankly? OVERWHELMED! So, just how DO you go about planning a wedding during a pandemic? We’ve got some tips to help keep you sane.
Spring Into Summer
Right now? If you’re planning your wedding for any time between now and this summer? Experts advise that you just take very small, cautious steps in doing anything. The CDC has officially made the recommendation to postpone weddings until mid-May, and that is subject to change. Obviously, the COVID-19 pandemic has turned everything in the wedding world upside down.
Planning between now and the summer may mean that you need to be prepared. Watch the news, follow all the recommendations of health experts and stay in touch with your vendors as they’ll be doing the same and wanting to make everything they can happen to the best of their ability. The most important thing is to try and be calm in all of this. The stress of the situation can make it even harder as you’re planning or changing plans.
What’s On The Horizon?
If you are planning your wedding for mid-late summer or beyond, experts advise that you might be in the clear, but situations can change. Again, the whole world is in a waiting game, so it’s important that you pay attention to what state and federal recommendations are before you make any firm or drastic plans.
If you’re looking at June or later, don’t necessarily plan to postpone yet, but be prepared. If you have wedding insurance, look into what it covers. Talk with your vendors about policies and things that are due 30- and 60-days before your event. Be informed and know what each contract says so you and your vendors can make the best plans. Trust that your vendors want to do what they can to help, keep your business and keep their good name, so they want to work with you. It’s key that you know what’s in your contract and try to stop emotion from getting the best of you.
Protect Yourself And Your Guests
The bottom line, no matter the date of your wedding, is that you and your friends and family feel safe. If you don’t have a wedding website, it’s a GREAT TIME to get one. Use it to keep your guests in the know, and we recommend you keep the most current CDC information right there so that your guests can know where you’re coming from.
Weddings are events where everyone is greeting each other with hugs, handshakes, and affection. That’s not necessarily the best way to go about things these days. You’re going to want to maintain distances that are safe and make sure there are lots of ways to keep things clean and sanitized. This is the time that you’ll probably be seeing some creativity in favors and hygiene products, so don’t be afraid to go with it. No one will consider your extra precautions as over the top.
Finally, don’t rule out live streaming your wedding. Some of your friends and family may decide not to travel, take advantage of the technology we have available to us and include them through a live stream. It’s a way for people to attend and be safe at the same time.
If you’re planning a wedding during a pandemic, the most important thing to remember is that the end result is you marrying the person of your dreams. Take small, cautious and OPTIMISTIC steps, and know that you still will have happily ever after!
Please note that this post was written in April 2020, in this everchanging situation new guidelines may be in place. Please check all local and national rules and mandates in terms of holding your wedding.
