As the pandemic takes its new form, we are becoming accustomed to the ‘new normal’. Everything from businesses to schools and shopping malls has been affected by the pandemic. Weddings across the globe were hit hard by COVID-19, with many brides and grooms calling off their special days in 2020, including mine and my husband’s. Two weeks ago was our 5th date and we finally managed to tie the knot.
At this stage, the pandemic is far from over and is likely to gravely affect weddings. Couples are struggling with anxiety as uncertainty looms over their wedding plans. Apart from safety concerns, there are a number of other factors that you should consider when planning your pandemic wedding.
It would be best to be prepared for an unpredictable future, even in 2022, as who knows what the pandemic has in store for us! Even though you may need to cut down the number of wedding guests, you don’t necessarily need to tone down the celebrations.
The Challenge of Planning a Wedding during COVID
Before the new normal, we had the luxury of inviting hundreds of guests, booking resorts for destination weddings, planning lavish hen party games, and putting together spectacular events. However, things have changed… possibly forever.
The biggest obstacle when planning a wedding during a pandemic is the uncertainty of everything. Additionally, it can be challenging to maintain safety and proper distancing among your guests, who may or may not be able to fly in due to travel restrictions.
Moreover, let’s not overlook the endless postponing of the wedding dates and venues based on continually changing regulations. All these additional Covid factors have increased many couples’ stress, and planning a wedding has always been highly stressful even during the best of times.
With all these challenges, in the post-pandemic world you’re sure to still be apprehensive as you plan your wedding. Will people feel safe coming to the event? What safety measures should you implement? Even with vaccines in the picture, it’s important to have a Plan B, and probably a Plan C and Plan D as well!
If you’re planning a wedding with your special someone in the post-pandemic world, you may need to keep a few things in mind. However, don’t be overwhelmed! Here we have a few things to consider.
Hire a Wedding Planner
It is crucial to hire a wedding planner who will take the entire pandemic burden from your shoulders. They will assist you in planning everything from choosing a location to finalising the guest list. Professional wedding planners have adapted to the current pandemic and know how to navigate the today’s challenges.
Moreover, expert wedding planners have excellent relations with vendors, and so can handle booking and rebooking with ease if you have to change your dates. There’s no need to take on all this stress and anxiety – throw money at the situation instead!
Edit your Guest List
In the midst of deadly pandemic, you can’t go overboard with your guest list. Instead, keep it short and pare it back to only the most essential guests such as your closest friends and family. Your second cousin will understand why they didn’t get an invite to your pandemic wedding! This will help you comply with regulations, and make sure that your guests can properly distance at the venue. There are even upsides to having a smaller wedding.
Safety and Travel
While planning your dream wedding, it’s important to consider whether it’s safe (or possible) for you to travel to a different location. You may also need to consider if it’s safe for your relatives to fly to the venue. It’s safest to hold your wedding somewhere that involves minimal travel for everyone involved. Wherever you hold your wedding, it’s essential to check that the venue complies with health and safety protocols.
Communicate with your Vendors
Planning a pandemic wedding is full of ambiguous plans. So it’s critically important to keep in close and open communication with your vendors, from your caterers to your florist. Before confirming any bookings or paying any deposits, make sure that your booking is refundable. It’s also important to let your vendors know as soon as possible if things change, and keep in close contact with them to make sure you can rebook the event.
Have a Backup Plan
In these precarious times, you need to be on top of your game while planning your dream wedding. Make a list of your backup options for everything – from the wedding dress to photographers, venues, flowers, and your guest list. Having a backup plan will save you time and energy, and allow you to be as flexible as possible.
Don’t Panic
We know that’s easier said than done. However, staying calm is the most important thing of all, as this will help you to adapt as things change and plans need to be revised. You and your partner can help keep each other calm – take deep breaths and keep each other grounded. After all, panicking won’t help!
Even during a global pandemic, you can still marry the person you love. It may not look exactly like the wedding you imagined, but the most important thing is to stay safe and start a healthy new life with your new husband or wife!
You can see more of my wedding last month over on my Instagram.