Sadly, many couples who were dreaming of a big white wedding this year may have had their plans scuppered because of the current pandemic. It’s been estimated that 64% of 2020 weddings have been impacted by coronavirus, either by postponements, cancellations or travel logistics. As you know, David and I’s wedding had to be postponed due to the pandemic. Restrictions are now beginning to improve (hopefully this continues), so i’ve got some alternative ideas to share with you to help you to still have your perfect wedding, but with a difference.

It’s easy to get hung up on the sadness of not having the big day you initially dreamed of, but there are plenty of reasons why having an alternative wedding could work out better – the overall cost of your wedding will be cheaper; you can spend more time with your loved ones that are there; you’re able to create a more intimate and personal day; and fewer guests mean less stress and family fall-outs. It may not be what you had originally planned, but you can still create a day to remember and cherish forever. You can always have that big party on your first anniversary!

Non-traditional wedding venues

If the traditional wedding venue you had in mind is more suitable to a guestlist of hundreds instead of tens, why not opt for a non-traditional wedding venue? An art-house cinema in your town can provide a cosy atmosphere – you can even put on your favourite romantic film for guests while you’re having your photos done. Or maybe your favourite indie cafe could be the perfect setting for your post-pandemic wedding?Make it a two-day event

Why not make a weekend of it? Instead of worrying about whittling down your guest list to the permitted thirty, you can invite your nearest and dearest to the ceremony, and the next day your friends can join you for a cocktail party. While traditional weddings face the juggling act of mingling with friends and family, this way you’ll get to spend more time with your loved ones – and you get to wear your wedding outfits more than once!

Read my post on why a smaller wedding might be better!

Change up the entertainment

Pre-pandemic, wedding entertainment comprised of a DJ or a band, and a photobooth. Now is the perfect time for you to put your own stamp on your wedding. Why not host an open-mic night and let your friends and family take centre stage? Whether they have a talent for singing, magic, or comedy; having your guests do the entertaining guarantees a unique wedding.

Covid-friendly favours

Party favours can cause untold confusion, so why not make light of the situation? Instead of traditional favours, you could give your guests personalised hand sanitizers and face masks. Hand sanitizers can have the date of your nuptials, while face masks could Maid of Honour or Bridesmaid embroidered on them.

While your alternative wedding is likely to be cheaper, it’s still easy to get carried away. So you’ll need to work out your budget and make sure you stick to it. Even if you are planning on utilising a wedding loan or a credit card, it’s important not to get carried away and only spend what you can afford to pay off. Try to make sure any credit card is a 0% interest one for 12 months too.

Whatever you decide to do, it’s sure to be memorable… so there’s no excuse to forget future anniversaries!

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