The Covid-19 Coronavirus has brought many wedding plans to a screeching halt. The emergency laws about social gatherings in various states have thrown a wrench into nuptial ceremony and reception plans. Couples have had to reevaluate their goals and priorities as they navigate these stormy times.
According to the Center for Disease Control,
“Large events and mass gatherings can contribute to the spread of COVID-19 in the United States via travelers who attend these events and introduce the virus to new communities. Examples of large events and mass gatherings include conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and other types of assemblies. These events can be planned not only by organizations and communities but also by individuals.”
If you find yourself in that boat, here are some tips that may help.
Step 1: Reevaluate your priorities
There’s a lot to consider right now. This crisis is definitely making people think through their priorities, especially when it comes to weddings.
- Is it more important for you to get married as soon as possible, even if you have to reduce the guest list, change to a smaller venue, and simplify the details?
- Or would you rather wait a year or more in order to have the same venue and the same number of guests and all the details you originally planned?
- Have your finances been affected by this disaster? Do you need to make changes
toyour planned expenses in order to stay afloat? - Would going forward with your wedding plans put older guests at risk?
I know, evaluating your priorities is like starting the wedding plans all over again. But unfortunately, it’s necessary right now. It’s okay. We will get through it. And your wedding will be even more memorable because of it.
As much as it is painful to reschedule an event that you have been planning for months, and possibly dreaming about for years, it may be necessary to move it to a different date for the safety of your guests. If you find yourself in this situation, the following steps will help.
Step 2: Check Venue Availability
Before rescheduling your event, be sure to check the cancellation policy of your venue.
- Will they allow your deposit to roll over to another date?
- Is there a rescheduling fee?
- If your guest number changes, will that affect things?
If they have their availability calendar online, check to see what dates are still open. With many events being rescheduled right now, things are filling up quickly. If the wait will be too long to get the same venue, you may need to hunt for a different one.
Step 3: Consider reducing the size of your wedding
We don’t really know when this pandemic is going to be over, so In order to keep your guests safe, you may want to consider having a smaller in-person wedding with just close family and friends and live streaming it so that other guests can watch if from the safety of their homes. This will be especially appreciated by high-risk guests such as the elderly or immune-suppressed.
If you have decided to reduce the size of your wedding, consider looking for smaller venues, churches, or having a backyard wedding. Having a wedding outside will make social distancing easier.
Step 4: Consult your wedding team
While you are considering a new wedding date, you must also keep in mind how this will affect the other services you have hired for your wedding, as well as the members of your wedding party.
- Parents
- Wedding Attendants
- Wedding coordinator
- Officiant
- Musicians
- Decorator
- Caterer
- Cake baker
- Florist
- Photographer
- Videographer
- DJ or band
Are they available on the alternate date? Be prepared to pay some rescheduling or cancelation fees. You also may need to change some vendors based on availability. You may also want to consider simplifying and doing some things yourself instead of hiring a vendor.
Step 5: Look at what you can simplify
If the lock-downs caused by Coronavirus have affected your finances, you may want to examine what areas you can simplify in order to reduce your wedding costs.
- Make your own bouquets from flowers from the grocery store or wholesale florist.
- Several roses wrapped in ribbon are simple and elegant.
- A bunch of baby’s breath tied with a bow is easy and cute.
- Alternatively, make your own silk flower bouquets.
- Look on Pinterest for simple ideas for making decorations and favors.
- Watch for a sale on wedding supplies at Michaels or Hobby Lobby.
- Order ready-made silk boutonnieres and corsages or make your own.
- Make simple bows to decorate chairs.
- Consider doing a simple cake reception instead of a sit-down dinner.
- Make your own playlist on an iPad connected to speakers instead of hiring a DJ or band.
Step 6: Notify your guests of the change
Mail out a Change-the-Date notice to all of your guests. You may be able to order one that matches your invitations, or you could design and print it yourself. Give guests at least 8 weeks’ notice before the new date is preferred so they can adjust their travel plans if needed. Ask guests to include their email addresses with the RSVP so you can stay in touch about any last-minute changes.
Update your wedding website with the new information. If you have your guests’ email addresses, send them a message to inform them of the changes.
Step 7: Keep your guests safe
Whether you are going forward with your original date, or have rescheduled it to the future, you need to consider the safety of your guests. If the coronavirus is still at large at the time of your wedding, the following suggestions are highly recommended.
- Be sure to check the guidelines provided by the Center for Disease control.
- Be aware of state regulations about social distancing.
- Space the seating for your guests so you can have 6 feet apart between family groups if possible.
- Provide masks for your guests to wear.
- Provide hand sanitizer stations and soap for washing up.
- Be sure your venue is cleaned before, during, and after your event.
- Hire an attendant to clean the restroom after each use.
- If doing a buffet, have attendants serve the food so guests do not touch serving utensils.
- Arrange to have your wedding live-streamed so guests who cannot attend can still participate.
