When it comes to preparing for the wedding day, there are so many scenarios that the couple and their vendors make contingency plans for, but 2020 delivered something that even the most experienced event pros couldn't have expected.
As a result of the global pandemic the event landscape is facing an unprecedented and rapidly changing time. If you have been planning your wedding, or recently got engaged, you may find yourself overwhelmed with doubts, fears and many questions - will our wedding be able to take place? Should we change our date? Should I even start/continue planning?
Rest assured that you are not alone and EVERYONE in the event industry cannot wait to make your event happen! Always remember - life is all about having to readjust the sails of our courses and knowing that every problem has a gift in its hands for us.
During these difficult times, teaching yourself to become adaptable is a great way to embrace change. By being flexible, patient and maybe with a little compromise, you can - and will - have your dream wedding! Allow yourself to be sad (and don’t be afraid to talk about it!) but also remind yourself why you are doing this - beyond all the carefully picked and curated details, your wedding day is all about a commitment and getting married to the one you LOVE and celebrate surrounded by family and friends.
What are your options? How to create your dream wedding even during Covid-19?
1. POSTPONING THE BIG DAY
Postponing your Wedding Day can prove a far better option than canceling the entire event. On the contrary to what you may have initially been thinking, rescheduling comes with some perks.
If you have already planned a few details and secured vendors, this means that you will only need to find a new date. Talk to your vendors and find the best solution for both parties, they are the ones with most insights in the event industry and they are closely monitoring the situation. The goal is to disturb as little of the pre-set wedding plans as possible.
For the smoothest transition to a new date, and likely the least financial impact, try to keep your original vendor team intact. You may need to be a bit flexible with the dates and consider also weekdays when possible (look at the positive - they are more budget friendly) - your guests will be understanding and will be looking forward to giving you the celebration you deserve!
If you have ordered some personalised details or invites - speak to your supplier and ask them to hold on production until all the details are confirmed. Most designers and stylists are currently supporting their clients by creating template “postponed” cards or e-cards, as the one in the image above created by the talented Sarah of State of Elliott - worth looking into this.
Let your guests know of the postponement. The sooner you do that, the better, so that your guests are in the know. You don’t need to have a new date [in order to let them know the wedding has been postponed.] You can either say that you will follow-up with an email or mailing with the updated date shortly, or you can request they reference your wedding website for evolving details. Once you do have the new date, we recommend mailing or sending via an online platform, such as Paperless post, a new save the date - this can be simple and to the point.
With regards to the attire, speak to the store you have purchased your outfit from. The ideal would be for the boutique to store it until your wedding day, but if this is not possible, ask them or your trusted dry-cleaner for recommendation. This article from Karen Willis Holmes gives some great storage tips.
Step by step, everything will take shape again. If you feel overwhelmed with the changes, I would recommend hiring a wedding planner who can keep track of all the details for you and coordinate with all the suppliers.
2. OPT FOR A MICROWEDDING
Another way to go is to plan a beautiful, meaningful micro wedding so that you can celebrate your postponed nuptials right now.
Micro weddings, also known as minimonies, are usually attended by anywhere from five to fifty guests; these smaller guest lists allow for proper social distancing protocols, top-notch hygiene standards, alternate seatings and layout arrangements but still allow a couple to celebrate with their nearest and dearest.
There are several reasons why this new trend appeals to many couples: they are less stressful to plan, you can spend wisely and opt for higher-end products, there are more venue and location options to accommodate a smaller crowd and last by not least, you’ll have the chance to connect with your guests on a deeper level.
What to keep in mind when planning a microwedding?
Think dinner party, not reception.
Make your decor impactful and personalize the styling. A small event gives you the ability to personalize the experience for our guests and make it extra special. Why not hire a stylist to help you bring your event to life!?
You can keep all the traditions of a larger wedding, or customize the event, doing only what's meaningful to you.
Don’t be afraid of disappointing people - friends and broader family will understand and be happy for you. Why not create a video to share with everyone after the big day?
3. ELOPE WITH YOUR LOVED ONE
If you want to keep the original date of the wedding, this one may be your best option.
It can be an incredibly romantic experience, a special time just for you and your partner, not to mention cheaper and less stressful to plan. You can exchange your vows anywhere, so why not go to your favourite spot or plan a romantic getaway? There are plenty of great tips and ideas in this article from BRIDE - And you could always elope first and celebrate later if you still want to have fun with family and friends! What about an amazing first anniversary party?
4. TIE THE KNOT NOW AND CELEBRATE WHEN ALLOWED
This is becoming increasingly popular in the last few months. It is a way to have the best of both worlds - couples are eloping or getting married now with a small group of guests, then celebrate with everyone they love at a larger wedding next year—which takes a little bit of the sting out of having to postpone the celebration you've spent months (or maybe even years) planning.
It's important to remember that the first date will be the actual wedding day, therefore make sure to include all the details and traditions you have always dreamed off for your wedding day.
If you go for this option, let your vendors and guests know as soon as possible, so everyone can plan ahead and secure dates. You may be able to negotiate new packages and discounts if you are going to use the vendors twice.
Use tips from Option 1 and Option 2 to plan and create a fabulous day.
EMBRACE THE CHANGE
Allow yourself to be sad that your wedding day cannot take place now as you originally planned it, but don’t let the change be a cloud over your happiest day. Your wedding experience should be incredible, and it still will.
Look at it this way: if you choose the last option, you can have 2 weddings and 2 celebrations! As long as you and your loved ones are safe - which is the priority right now - everything else can be planned for and rescheduled; we completely understand how it feels to plan for something and then be told to steer clear of your wonderful plans!
Event planning can be quite stressful, if you find yourself caught up in it all, take a step back, take a deep breath... and remind yourself what your event is all about, bringing people together and creating powerful experiences.
Remember that WE ARE HERE FOR YOU if you need our help or even a short consultation to answer your main questions - let’s create memories together!
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