Weddings: Happening, But How?

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the wedding industry, with many couples forced to postpone or cancel their weddings. However, as restrictions have eased in various parts of the world, weddings are gradually returning to normal. As of July 19, 2021, there were no longer any limits on the number of guests allowed at weddings in England, and social distancing and mask requirements were relaxed. Despite this, the pandemic continues to cause uncertainty and disruption for couples planning their weddings, with some choosing to downsize or postpone their celebrations to ensure the safety of their guests. The wedding industry is expected to be extremely busy in the coming years as postponed weddings are rescheduled and new engagements take place.

Wedding guest numbers

• Budget Constraints: The number of guests invited can significantly impact the wedding budget. Feeding a large number of people, ordering place settings and centerpieces, and booking a venue that accommodates everyone can be costly. Therefore, it is essential to set a realistic budget and decide on the number of invites accordingly.
• Venue Capacity: The chosen venue's capacity will play a crucial role in determining guest numbers. Creating a draft guest list before visiting venues is advisable, as the venue's capacity will dictate the size of the wedding.
• Intimacy and Interaction: Smaller weddings with fewer guests allow for a more intimate and personal atmosphere, providing the couple with significant time to spend with each attendee. On the other hand, larger weddings can be a grand celebration but may limit the couple's ability to interact with every guest.
• Family Dynamics: Combining two families and honouring the "must-invite" guests from both sides can quickly increase the guest list. It is essential to consider the size of both families and decide on a fair distribution of invitations.
• Plus-Ones and Children: Deciding whether to allow plus-ones and invite children will impact the guest count. Some couples choose to limit plus-ones to only engaged or married partners, while others may opt for a broader definition. Inviting children can add to the guest numbers, and it is essential to consider family dynamics and budget constraints when making this decision.
• B-List Guests: Creating a B-list of guests is a common practice in wedding planning. It is advisable to send B-list invitations at least four months in advance to ensure a timely and considerate approach.
• Travel Requirements: Considering the travel requirements for guests, especially for destination weddings, is essential. Accessibility, visa rules, and convenient flight options should be kept in mind when curating the guest list.
• Budgeting Strategies: To manage the budget, some couples may opt for strategies such as skipping the cocktail hour, hosting a brunch reception instead of dinner, or choosing less expensive menu options.
• Pre-Wedding Events: It is worth noting that the guest count for pre-wedding events, such as the rehearsal dinner, should also be considered. The number of guests invited to these events can vary and may include only the wedding party, immediate family, or a broader group of attendees.
• Post-Pandemic Considerations: In the post-pandemic era, some couples have faced the challenge of reshaping their guest lists due to changing dynamics with friends and family. It is essential to be mindful of these shifts and have honest conversations when necessary.

Determining wedding guest numbers can be a complex task, and it is essential to consider various factors, including budget, venue capacity, family dynamics, and the couple's vision for their special day.

Wedding postponements

Postponing a wedding is never ideal, but sometimes it is necessary. There are many valid reasons why a couple may choose to postpone their wedding, from public health concerns to personal or family emergencies.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many couples had to make the difficult decision to postpone their wedding plans, especially if their event involved large gatherings or included elderly guests or those travelling from out of town. In such uncertain times, it is important to maintain open communication with your wedding planner, vendor team, and wedding guests.

If you are considering postponing your wedding, it is advisable to talk to your vendors and check your contracts to see what is possible in terms of moving products or services to a different date. It is also recommended to consult a professional, such as a wedding planner or a venue coordinator, to help you process your options and make an informed decision.

When postponing a wedding, there are several steps you can take to manage the process effectively:

• Check your insurance policy to understand what is covered and how it affects your vendor relationships.
• Understand the financial implications, including potential losses on prepaid fees and additional costs associated with changing the date.
• Inform your guests as soon as possible, especially if they have already made travel arrangements. You can send an email announcement or a digital postponement card.
• Discuss the new date with your hired vendors and be understanding of their availability.
• Update your wedding website and inform your wedding party and close family members.
• If you have already sent out invitations, you may not need to send a new set. Instead, you can send a digital announcement in the same design style.

It is important to remember that wedding postponements can be emotionally challenging. It is helpful to keep a calm and level-headed approach and focus on why you chose to get married in the first place.

Templates for Announcing a Wedding Postponement

"We hope your dancing shoes can wait a little longer; we're postponing our wedding. We're still utterly in love, but we're waiting to celebrate. Stay tuned for more news soon!"

"We're rescheduling our wedding. We'll let you know when we'll be celebrating soon, but for now, please join us in prioritizing love."

"We've decided to postpone our wedding. We love you and want to see you, and all our family and friends when the time is right. We'll send you our new date soon. Thank you for understanding."

"We’ve made a difficult decision to postpone our wedding. This was a heartbreaking decision, but the right choice for us. When it comes right down to it, a marriage is a commitment between two people, and a wedding is a party that can be rescheduled, so that is the route we have decided to take. We will be reaching out as soon as we know more. In the meantime, be safe and be well."

Wedding insurance

• Venue closure or vendor no-shows
• Extreme weather events
• Damaged gifts
• Sickness or injury
• Damage to property
• Liquor liability
• Lost or damaged wedding attire and jewellery
• Additional or unexpected expenses, such as replacing a damaged wedding cake or spoiled food
• Cancellation or postponement due to illness, extreme weather, or other unexpected events
• Lost security deposits if a vendor goes out of business or fails to show up

The cost of wedding insurance varies, with some providers offering coverage starting at $105, while others offer it from $160 with no deductible. It's important to note that wedding insurance typically does not cover a change of heart; it is designed to protect against unforeseen issues and mishaps.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many couples faced challenges and uncertainties when planning their weddings. Some insurance companies did not accept new applications for wedding insurance due to the outbreak. It is recommended to carefully review the specific coverage offered by your wedding insurance policy and consult legal advice if needed.

Wedding venues

Religious Venues

Many religious institutions, such as churches, synagogues, mosques, or temples, are authorised to perform weddings. For example, in Christianity, a church wedding is considered ideal as it is where many Christians start their faith journey through baptism. Similarly, in Islam, while not necessary, many couples choose to have an Imam preside over their wedding ceremony.

Civil Wedding Venues

Civil weddings are presided over by a local civil authority, such as a judge or mayor, and typically take place in town halls, courthouses, attorneys' offices, or governor's offices. These types of weddings are often chosen by interfaith couples as they allow partners from different faiths to marry without requiring one partner to convert.

Outdoor Wedding Venues

Outdoor weddings can be held in a variety of locations, including beaches, former warships, football grounds, hotels, stately homes, and gardens. In the United States, outdoor weddings have gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic as they allowed couples to host events while complying with public health restrictions.

Destination Weddings

Destination weddings are typically held in vacation-like settings, such as beaches, metropolitan resorts, hotels, or banquet halls. They usually involve a smaller number of guests and can be more cost-effective than traditional weddings.

Micro-Weddings or Mini-Mony

A microwedding or minimony is a smaller-scale wedding with a limited number of guests, usually no more than 10 to 15 people. They are often planned and announced in advance and can include traditional wedding elements such as a wedding cake, photographs, or religious ceremonies.

Unique and Themed Wedding Venues

Some couples opt for unique or themed venues that reflect their personalities or interests. For example, The Springs Event Venues in Texas offers a variety of settings, including ranches, manors, and lodges, while The Cinnamon Barn near McKinney, Texas, provides an elegant, all-white interior decor.

With the variety of wedding venue options available, couples can choose the location that best suits their preferences, cultural traditions, and local regulations to create their dream wedding.

Wedding celebrations

The wedding boom brings joy to couples, caterers, DJs, photographers, and more. However, it also brings new challenges. Couples are facing stiff competition for vendors and are pressured to book on the spot to secure their services. Inflation and supply chain issues have also made budgeting difficult, with prices subject to change.

Despite the challenges, many couples are planning bashes bigger than ever. The average cost of a wedding in the US was $29,858 in 2013, but extravagant spending on weddings is associated with debt stress and short-lived marriages that end in divorce. Couples who spent less than $10,000 on all wedding-related expenses and who went on a honeymoon trip were the least likely to divorce.

To save money, couples can consider a microwedding or minimony, which typically has no more than 15 guests. Another option is a destination wedding, which is often held in a vacation-like setting and results in lower costs due to the smaller size.

For those who want a larger celebration, there are ways to make it special. Elevating the design details, adding personalized touches, and choosing unique favours can make a wedding memorable. For example, couples can opt for embroidered napkins, personalized place settings, and illustrated menus.

When it comes to timing, the fall season has been the most popular since 2015, with the cooler weather and fall foliage providing an appealing backdrop for outdoor weddings. Saturday is the most popular day of the week to get married.

To ensure the celebration goes smoothly, it's essential to book vendors and send out invitations early. It's also important to be flexible and open to alternatives, such as choosing a different day of the week or season for the wedding.

Finally, to manage expectations, couples may want to consider a variation clause in their contracts, which allows for changes to be made in writing and signed by both parties. This can help avoid last-minute surprises and give everyone peace of mind.

Frequently asked questions