Weddings During Lockdown: What You Can And Cannot Do

Planning a wedding during a lockdown can be stressful, but it's not impossible. While pandemic-related restrictions may vary depending on your location, there are some general guidelines and tips to keep in mind when organizing your big day. It's important to stay informed about the rules and regulations in your area, as well as be prepared to make adjustments if needed. Here are some key considerations to help you plan a safe and memorable wedding during a lockdown:

Characteristics	Values
Number of people allowed	This varies depending on location and date. In England, under Tier 4 restrictions, no more than 6 people can be present at a Church of England wedding, excluding the officiating minister. In South Africa, under level 2, up to 50 people are allowed. In the UK, 30 people were allowed at ceremonies both indoors and outside since the changes in restrictions on May 17, 2021.
Face masks	In some locations, all attendees, including the couple, must wear masks covering their noses and mouths at all times unless they are eating or drinking.
Physical distancing	In some locations, venues must ensure physical distancing of at least one and a half metres between guests. Any enclosed or confined space must have markings on the floor to facilitate compliance with physical distance measures.
Screening	In some locations, screening stations must be set up at entrances to screen and sanitise guests and to stop those who are not wearing a mask from entering.
Hand sanitiser	In some locations, venues should supply hand sanitiser.
Microphones and podiums	In some locations, microphones and podiums must be sanitised after use by every person.
Alcohol	In some locations, alcohol sales and consumption are permitted, provided that the venue holds the applicable liquor licence.
Timing	In some locations, there is a curfew that must be adhered to.
Location	In some locations, weddings are only permitted in certain places, such as a church, hospital, hospice, or private home.
Special licences	In some locations, an Archbishop's Special Licence is required for weddings in hospitals, hospices, or private homes.
Circumstances	In some locations, weddings should only take place in exceptional circumstances, such as emergency marriages or where one party is to undergo debilitating treatment or life-changing surgery.

Guest lists and seating charts

Planning a wedding can be stressful, and the global pandemic has added a new layer of complexity to the process. One of the most important tasks for any wedding is finalising the guest list and composing the seating chart. Here are some tips to help you navigate this process during a lockdown:

Guest Lists:

Firstly, it is important to be mindful of the number of guests you can invite. Depending on the lockdown restrictions in your area, there may be limits on the number of people who can gather. Keep yourself informed about the latest guidelines to ensure your guest list complies with safety regulations.

Consider whether you want an intimate wedding with a small guest list or a larger celebration. If you opt for a more extensive guest list, be prepared to manage a more complex seating arrangement and ensure you have a suitable venue that can accommodate everyone comfortably.

Use a guest list management tool, such as Bridebook's Wedding Guest List Tool, to keep track of invites, RSVPs, and total attending guests. These tools can help you stay organised and make decisions about seating arrangements.

Seating Charts:

Seating charts are essential for ensuring your guests have a clear idea of their designated seats or tables. They also help with crowd control and can enhance the overall decor of your wedding. Here are some ideas to consider:

Unique Seating Charts: Think outside the box with acrylic seating charts, rustic oar displays, vintage hutch presentations, or abstract painted seating plans. These can showcase your wedding theme and add a creative touch to your decor.
Creative Seating Charts: Opt for a world map seating chart, a glass jar seating plan, gold frame seating signs, or even vinyl record seating charts. These ideas will delight your guests and make your wedding memorable.
Simple and Elegant Seating Charts: For a more understated approach, consider a refined linen seating chart, a metal-framed seating sign, or a tropical leaf-inspired display. These options provide a classic and stylish look while still being functional.
Modern Seating Charts: Embrace bold colours and shapes with geometric-inspired seating charts or ombré signs. Add a touch of magic with crystal ball seating assignments or incorporate neon signs for a custom, modern twist.

When creating your seating chart, consider grouping guests based on what they might enjoy during the reception. Some may prefer sitting with family or friend groups, while others might appreciate being paired with new people who share similar interests.

Use digital seating chart tools like WeddingWire, Wedding Planning Assistant, or AllSeated to streamline the process. These tools allow you to move guests around with ease and visualise the space digitally. Remember to include yourselves on the seating chart, as couples often forget this important detail!

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Wedding insurance

The exact areas of coverage depend on the specific policy, but in general, it covers the venue, vendors, wedding items, and sickness or injury. It can also cover:

Site: Cost arising from unavoidable cancellation, such as damage or inaccessibility to the ceremony site.
Weather: Extreme weather conditions and acts of God that prevent the couple, family, wedding party, or most guests from reaching the venue.
Vendor no-show: Cancellation or postponement due to essential vendors failing to show up, including deposits paid to vendors who don't fulfill their contractual obligations.
Sudden illness or injury: Sudden illness, injury, or death of the couple or immediate family members.
Wedding gifts: Damage or theft of wedding gifts up to a certain value.

In most cases, you won't be reimbursed if you call off the wedding due to a change of heart. Additionally, pre-existing medical conditions are typically not covered, and engagement rings may not be covered under the same policy as wedding rings.

Types of wedding insurance:

There are two main types of wedding insurance:

Wedding Liability Insurance: This protects you against financial liability arising from your wedding, such as guest injuries, venue damage, or alcohol-related incidents.
Wedding Cancellation Insurance: This protects your financial investment in case of cancellation or postponement, lost deposits, and more. It can reimburse you for costs due to severe weather, venue closure, or illness of a key person.

Cost of wedding insurance:

The cost of wedding insurance varies depending on the provider, location, and desired coverage level. Basic policies typically range from $75 to $550, while general liability insurance can cost around $185 for up to $1 million in coverage.

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Wedding themes

While government restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic may have made it difficult to plan a wedding, some couples decided to go ahead with their celebrations, albeit with a limited number of guests. If you're planning a wedding during lockdown, here are some unique themes to consider:

Rustic

A rustic wedding theme focuses on connecting the celebration to nature. This could take the form of a farm-to-table garden dinner, a ceremony in a wildflower field, or an intimate exchange of vows in a mountain chalet. Warmth and hospitality guide this casual aesthetic, with a colour palette of neutral and soft tones, and natural elements like organic fabrics, wooden details, lace, foliage, and burlap. While barns are a popular choice for rustic weddings, you could also opt for a modern space and bring the rustic environment inside.

Bohemian

A bohemian wedding is perfect for cool and carefree couples who want a free-spirited aesthetic. This theme is all about achieving an inviting, cool vibe, with a focus on natural details. Rattan, grass cloth, macramé, pottery, leather, and dried grasses are key elements for creating a bohemian atmosphere. For the venue, consider an all-inclusive resort, botanical garden, forest, or desert—anywhere that exudes a calming and relaxing atmosphere.

Romantic

Romantic weddings are all about creating a dreamlike setting, with a warm colour palette, lush flowers, and soft fabrics. Think layers of lighting, such as candlelight and string lights, to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere. Outdoor venues like a sailcloth tent along the coast or a garden or vineyard are ideal for embracing a refined and romantic ambiance.

Modern

A modern wedding embraces exquisite simplicity and a minimalist mindset to make a maximum impact. This theme is characterised by meticulous attention to detail, clean lines, and sleek, avant-garde design elements. Look for venues that offer a blank canvas, such as art museums, wine bars, lofts, and industrial warehouses. Prioritise sophisticated decor and fashion choices, anchored by a meticulous colour palette.

Glamorous

If you want to create a once-in-a-lifetime, lavish experience for your guests, a glamorous wedding theme is the way to go. Think crystal chandeliers, elaborate floral arrangements, silk linens, and gold details. A ball gown or crystal-studded dress for the bride will complete the look. Enhance the experience with a multi-course dinner, wine pairings, a Champagne tower, and a tiered cake.

Whimsical

A whimsical wedding is perfect for hopeless romantics and kids at heart. This theme is all about having fun and creating an uplifting atmosphere. Think of it as a playful twist on a garden wedding, with bright splashes of colour, quirky components, and mismatched bridal party dresses. Deck out your space with multicoloured balloons, punchy floral arrangements, and mismatched chairs for a truly whimsical celebration.

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Hair and makeup trials

Wedding hair and makeup trials are a must-do before your big day. Here are some tips to make the most of these important planning steps:

Choose your stylists wisely

Start by shopping around for beauty professionals by browsing their portfolios, social media accounts, and reviews. Picking a great stylist is the most important step in achieving a wedding look you'll love. Once you've picked your stylist, feel free to get in touch with them before your trial—send mood boards, like their posts, or just say hi!

Figure out what you want

Show up to your trial with some ideas of what you want for your hair and makeup. There are infinite beautiful wedding hair and makeup pins on Pinterest. It's a good idea to narrow down your inspiration to a few key looks that you love. You can also ask your stylist to recreate a look from their portfolio.

Figure out what you don't want

It can be helpful to share looks that you absolutely despise. Sharing these could help define your look even better than sharing a mood board full of stuff you like.

Have the rest of your look planned

By the time you go to your wedding hair and makeup trial, your outfit and accessories plan should be set in stone. Your bridal hair and makeup should complement your dress, and your accessories should complement everything else. Your stylists will work with your accessories and dress lines as tools of their trade.

Don't be afraid to get what you want

Once your stylist has finished your look, don't hesitate to speak up if it's not what you were hoping for, or if you want changes made. Remember, the goal of this appointment is to lock in your wedding day look exactly as you want it.

Schedule another trial if you weren't happy with the first

Many people will only need one beauty run-through to nail down their look. However, if you weren't completely pleased with your look after your trial, schedule another one.

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Wedding venues

When considering a venue, it is important to keep in mind the impact of the pandemic and the possibility of changing restrictions. It is recommended to have a backup plan and book a backup date for the venue. This provides more flexibility and reduces uncertainty. By securing a later date, couples can monitor the situation and make a decision closer to their original date. It is also important to be mindful of the time of year for the backup date, as different seasons may impact catering options and daylight availability.

In terms of guest lists, there may be restrictions on the number of people that can be invited. Creating multiple guest lists is a good idea, including a smaller list for a more intimate wedding and a larger list in case restrictions are lifted. It is also essential to communicate any changes or updates to guests, so they can also plan and make arrangements.

When booking a venue, it is crucial to consider the potential risks and have a backup plan in case of cancellations or changes. Working with suppliers and vendors who can accommodate both the original and backup dates is beneficial. Additionally, couples should review contracts carefully and ensure they include Covid clauses, which outline the terms for postponement or cancellation without incurring additional costs.

Overall, while the pandemic has created challenges for wedding planning, there are still opportunities to find and book venues. Flexibility, backup plans, and clear communication with venues, suppliers, and guests are key to navigating the uncertainties of the pandemic.