Guide to Planning a Wedding During a Pandemic
Of all the blog topics I could write about, I never would have guessed I’d be writing about wedding planning during a global pandemic. It seems like the words Covid-19, Corona, and Pandemic have quickly become a part of everyday conversations. I can also imagine that couples who are planning their weddings right now are worried and afraid of how unpredictable the world is and how the Pandemic will affect their big day.
My hope is to share insight into how to move forward as you or someone you love may be navigating planning a wedding during this season. Over the past several months as Covid-19 has impacted the world, I’ve also watched it impact the wedding industry. Specifically, I’ve watched my couples make unbelievably difficult decisions as they maneuver through this global crisis. As I’ve been a part of the process, I hope I can provide guidance and wisdom from my perspective. Here’s what I’m seeing from my couples as they navigate wedding planning right now and a guide for planning a wedding during a Pandemic.
1. Take Time to Process
With the Pandemic moving through the world quickly, it may feel like every decision is urgent and must be made right now. And while yes, some decisions may need to be made quickly, I believe taking a few days to process the info you’ve been given will be helpful in the bigger picture.
It may even be helpful to step away from the decision you’re facing and spend time with your partner, play a board game, practice yoga, or anything else that feels routine to give you some peace. Then when you and your partner discuss the particular decision you’re making, hopefully, you’ll have clarity on how to move forward.
2. Values & Nonnegotiables
I’m no wedding planner, but as I watch and guide my couples through this process, I truly believe it’s important to write down (or at least verbally list out) you and your partners values and nonnegotaibles for your wedding.
Many couples are facing the reality of potentially changing their guest count to accommodate a micro-wedding or elopement or postponing their celebration to a future date. This is where it’s important to know your values and nonnegotiables. If having your extended family and friends physically present for the big day is a huge priority and hard to let go of, then postponing may be the best option. If you have been secretly hoping to elope anyways, then maybe head in that direction? Or maybe even do something in between, host a micro wedding with 10-15 guests and then have a big party later? There are lots of options and I recommend taking the time to think through what’s the best one for you and your partner.
3. Logistics
The logistics can be the trickiest part of wedding planning during a Pandemic. Do we send invitations? Do we pay deposits for our vendors? Do we plan our honeymoon? I can imagine the questions are endless.
There’s so much out of our control right now, so I suggest finding small ways to give you peace of mind. Connecting with all of your vendors is one way to do this. It’s never too early to send an email and hear their Covid policy for cancelations and postponements. Knowing your options may help guide your decisions. Most vendors I’ve worked with this year have been very accommodating when it comes to postponing to a future date.
I also recommend adding a line of copy to your save the dates, invitations, or wedding website that conveys you’re aware of what’s happening and taking the safety of your guests into the highest consideration. Here are a few example options for what to say:
“Covid willing, we’ll be gettin’ hitched on May 25, 2021!”
“We’re excited to celebrate with our friends and family on May 25, 2021! If Covid continues to affect the surrounding area of Phoenix, we plan to offer a zoom option for guests or will postpone our celebration if needed.”
“We’re excited to celebrate with our friends and family on May 25, 2021! We’re keeping a close eye on Covid and if our wedding plans change, you’ll be the first to know!”
My friends over at Basic Invite have given us a rad hookup for 20% off any printed goodies like invitations, save the dates or date change announcements. Use the code below and you’ll be all set! Who doesn’t love a discount?!
I hope these tips for wedding planning during a Pandemic have been helpful! If you have any suggestions for additional tips, please shoot me an email at suzy@suzygoodrick.com or dm me on Instagram! This blog post will continue to be updated as needed. 🙂
If you’re on the hunt for general wedding planning advice, take a peek at these posts!
Wedding Planning Advice From Real Couples
What to Include in Wedding Detail Photos
5 Tips for Creating a Wedding Day Timeline
Bonus Post: 10 Date Night Ideas During Quarantine
Guide to Planning a Wedding During a Pandemic
Of all the blog topics I could write about, I never would have guessed I’d be writing about wedding planning during a global pandemic. It seems like the words Covid-19, Corona, and Pandemic have quickly become a part of everyday conversations. I can also imagine that couples who are planning their weddings right now are worried and afraid of how unpredictable the world is and how the Pandemic will affect their big day.
My hope is to share insight into how to move forward as you or someone you love may be navigating planning a wedding during this season. Over the past several months as Covid-19 has impacted the world, I’ve also watched it impact the wedding industry. Specifically, I’ve watched my couples make unbelievably difficult decisions as they maneuver through this global crisis. As I’ve been a part of the process, I hope I can provide guidance and wisdom from my perspective. Here’s what I’m seeing from my couples as they navigate wedding planning right now and a guide for planning a wedding during a Pandemic.
1. Take Time to Process
With the Pandemic moving through the world quickly, it may feel like every decision is urgent and must be made right now. And while yes, some decisions may need to be made quickly, I believe taking a few days to process the info you’ve been given will be helpful in the bigger picture.
It may even be helpful to step away from the decision you’re facing and spend time with your partner, play a board game, practice yoga, or anything else that feels routine to give you some peace. Then when you and your partner discuss the particular decision you’re making, hopefully, you’ll have clarity on how to move forward.
2. Values & Nonnegotiables
I’m no wedding planner, but as I watch and guide my couples through this process, I truly believe it’s important to write down (or at least verbally list out) you and your partners values and nonnegotaibles for your wedding.
Many couples are facing the reality of potentially changing their guest count to accommodate a micro-wedding or elopement or postponing their celebration to a future date. This is where it’s important to know your values and nonnegotiables. If having your extended family and friends physically present for the big day is a huge priority and hard to let go of, then postponing may be the best option. If you have been secretly hoping to elope anyways, then maybe head in that direction? Or maybe even do something in between, host a micro wedding with 10-15 guests and then have a big party later? There are lots of options and I recommend taking the time to think through what’s the best one for you and your partner.
3. Logistics
The logistics can be the trickiest part of wedding planning during a Pandemic. Do we send invitations? Do we pay deposits for our vendors? Do we plan our honeymoon? I can imagine the questions are endless.
There’s so much out of our control right now, so I suggest finding small ways to give you peace of mind. Connecting with all of your vendors is one way to do this. It’s never too early to send an email and hear their Covid policy for cancelations and postponements. Knowing your options may help guide your decisions. Most vendors I’ve worked with this year have been very accommodating when it comes to postponing to a future date.
I also recommend adding a line of copy to your save the dates, invitations, or wedding website that conveys you’re aware of what’s happening and taking the safety of your guests into the highest consideration. Here are a few example options for what to say:
“Covid willing, we’ll be gettin’ hitched on May 25, 2021!”
“We’re excited to celebrate with our friends and family on May 25, 2021! If Covid continues to affect the surrounding area of Phoenix, we plan to offer a zoom option for guests or will postpone our celebration if needed.”
“We’re excited to celebrate with our friends and family on May 25, 2021! We’re keeping a close eye on Covid and if our wedding plans change, you’ll be the first to know!”
My friends over at Basic Invite have given us a rad hookup for 20% off any printed goodies like invitations, save the dates or date change announcements. Use the code below and you’ll be all set! Who doesn’t love a discount?!
I hope these tips for wedding planning during a Pandemic have been helpful! If you have any suggestions for additional tips, please shoot me an email at suzy@suzygoodrick.com or dm me on Instagram! This blog post will continue to be updated as needed. 🙂
If you’re on the hunt for general wedding planning advice, take a peek at these posts!
Wedding Planning Advice From Real Couples
What to Include in Wedding Detail Photos
5 Tips for Creating a Wedding Day Timeline
Bonus Post: 10 Date Night Ideas During Quarantine
