There is no doubt that the COVID-19 epidemic has made a huge impact on the world at large. Here in Washington State, people are working from home if they can, restaurants are closed, and more and more events and gatherings are being shut down every day—and yes, that includes weddings, too.
Neal Buckles on March 16, 2020 No Comments
And while these steps are necessary to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities from the virus, it can be discouraging to plan for your big day with so much uncertainty.
There is still a lot you can do to plan, though, and Bridesclub is here to help! Here are a few ways to ensure that COVID-19 does not take control of your wedding day.
Remember, Weddings are Supposed to Be Fun
And that means wedding planning, too! And though it may not seem very fun at times, especially given the current circumstances, take time to find joy in the journey and enjoy the wedding planning process.
You Don’t Have to Rush
Planning an event can be hard in times of uncertainty. Even if your wedding day isn’t for a while, getting details during a crisis can sometimes be challenging at best. At times like this, keep in mind that you don’t have to get all the details figured out months in advance. There will still be time to plan your event later on.
Know Your City and County Restrictions
Certain cities and counties will be imposing restrictions to crowd control and requiring certain types of cleanliness at events. When planning for an event, or determining if you need to postpone your wedding or reception, it is crucial to know what the current restrictions are.
It’s Okay to Be Flexible
When my wife and I were married, it was during a winter snowpocalypse. I’m talking negative 30 degree weather. As a result, my wife an I decided to do two separate receptions: one with our families who were in town, and another later on with our friends and family out of state who couldn’t make it initially because of the weather. At times like this, don’t be afraid to change your plan to accommodate city restrictions or the needs of your loved ones.
Know Your Non-Negotiables
While it’s good to be flexible, it also helps knowing what you don’t want to give up. This could be the honeymoon, caterer, or any other myriad wedding details that are affected by the virus. If you have always wanted a destination wedding, for example, it may be best to hold off on any further planning until you know it is safe to travel again.
Communicate, Communicate, Communicate!
As any wedding professional will tell you, the key to a successful day is 1) planning, and 2) communication. If you have not already, it might be a good idea to create a Facebook event or an online group page where you can share information and updates with invited friends and family.
Trust Your Wedding Professionals
Your hired professionals are a great source of local wedding information. They have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you navigate and plan your big day. Let your wedding professionals give you accurate and experienced advice on what to expect when planning your wedding during these trying times.
Ask for Frequent Venue Updates
This is an important one. In times of crisis, when many people are canceling events, venue schedules are constantly shifting. It could be that someone’s cancelation affects your date or vice versa like a big domino effect. This can often be avoided if you occasionally contact the venue and other key professionals and ask for updates.
Don’t Panic
Even though it can be stressful, know that this time will pass. It’s more important that you and your loved ones are safe and healthy than to get ahead of all the wedding planning. Sooner or later, the virus scare will pass and you and your loved ones will all be able to celebrate your big day together.
Congratulation!