What a time to be living! Never in our wildest dreams did we think there would be a day without access to childcare, housebound, & unable to work on wedding days. I think back at the beginning of the year we would have laughed at the thought but here we are. We are affected. Our brides are affected. The entire wedding industry is at the lowest low it has experienced probably ever. Even the recession of 2008/09 didn’t hit the industry this hard and we are all feeling for each other but mostly for our couples.
So if you are a couple trying to make a big decision about your wedding day right now – take a breather. We are here to help! I think the grief that goes along with the change is probably one of the most painful things with the entire process. We want to ease that stress for you and walk you through some great options like we discussed on this episode of The Married Podcast.
Your Wedding Day Options for COVID Pandemic
Ceremony Now, Reception Later
We think this is a very viable option. You get to get married on the day you always dreamed but it just looks different. Surrounded by the select few closest to you while you say your vows and then choose to party on a later day with everyone that was originally planned for the big day. Regardless, through this process, there are going to be people who just won’t be able to attend. Whether that’s due to prior commitments or the continued stress of COVID – prepared yourself that not everyone will be there & that’s going to be okay.
Wedding Stays – Lower Guest Count
Keep everything on the same day. Not a very popular option but we do have some couples who are just deciding that this is how it was meant to be all along. They plan to celebrate with the 10 people closest to them and move on with the year. It’s not a bad option and honestly one we would have personally swayed to. We know so many of these people have been a part of your lives and you want to celebrate with them all but in a real thought – no one knows how long this could last. So many brides are opting to just celebrate small and think of a larger party in the future when the whole thing is the ghost of the past.
Postpone Wedding
One of the most popular options our early Spring brides have done. Just simply move forward to a later date at the end of 2020. It’s quite possible they will have their cake and eat it too with this option. More time for planning is never the worst thing! We are still excited to celebrate our Spring brides at their Summer & Fall wedding dates! If you choose this option make sure to prioritize your vendors because it’s very likely you won’t be able to have everyone you originally had. As photographers, we would like to think we are at the top of that list but not everyone feels the same. Whoever those must-have people are keep them on your mind and work with their dates first. It will be highly likely to need to select a Friday or Sunday moving forward with a postponement. It’s unlikely at this point that Saturdays will be widely available. Start preplanning sooner than later and know that many vendors are fine holding a date for you before you make the final decision to postpone. Having this certainty in the final phases of planning will ease the stress of moving your wedding.
Cancellation
For some brides, they have exhausted all the previous options and have decided to opt for nothing at all. This pains us. We encourage you to not allow this pandemic to steal the joy of your wedding. It has already taken so much and I think allowing it to hurt you in this way is a decision that will be regretted as the years of your marriage past. The wedding isn’t everything but doing nothing at all will certainly way on your heart. Marriage should be celebrated which is why we think weddings are so incredible. Surrounded by all the people who love you most whether that’s 10, 50, 100, 200, etc. you are celebrated for this life long commitment.
Some Tips Moving Forward with a Wedding During COVID
Check Your Contracts
Prepare yourself for the understanding of your financial responsibility moving forward. All vendors are going to be different based on their business. For example, Florists have to order in advance – if you take too long to choose to move forward or postpone your wedding day then it’s likely you will still be required to pay for the costs of the flowers ordered. It seems that everyone during this time is trying to add special help to their clients dealing with this; however, please keep in mind we are all businesses supporting families so we can do the best we can but it’s certainly not a personal hit against you. So many couples are dealing with the same struggle. We are trying to make it through together hand in hand!
Stay Calm & Choose JOY!
This isn’t your fault. You aren’t alone. It’s not fair. We are so sorry for you! We couldn’t imagine dealing with this on our own wedding day and we are determined that the couples of 2020 will be extra special in their own way. Stronger marriages and more faith that sometimes things go unplanned but there are better days ahead.
Never forget to choose joy just you choose each other each and every day. It’s not easy and it won’t be fun but looking towards the silver lining in all of this will keep you way more peppy than glum. The world needs more smiling faces these days against all uncertainty and stress choose to find the good & have faith that this isn’t forever. Who knows how long it will last but it will end we know that!
Choose to celebrate even bigger when the time comes. Whether that means adding a bit more money to the floral budget because you are OBSESSED WITH FLOWERS or maybe just add that butler to your honeymoon suite. Add a couple of days to your honeymoon vacation. Find a way to “treat yo’self” during all of this because if anyone deserves it then it is certainly you!
If you would like to hear all the fun behind this topic head over to our YouTube channel or listen to the Podcast! We would love for you to come by and subscribe and follow along on the fun journey that is being Married! Can’t wait to see you with us!
