Weddings: A Safe Celebration Amidst Adversity

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on the wedding industry, with venues closing, vendors going out of business, and countless couples forced to cancel or postpone their nuptials. However, as vaccines become more widely available and restrictions ease, engaged couples are once again feeling confident about setting a date and planning their weddings. While there are still challenges and uncertainties, there are also many ways to safely have a wedding during the pandemic. This could include scaling back the guest list, opting for a micro wedding or a virtual ceremony, or choosing an outdoor setting to maximise social distancing. With careful planning and communication, couples can still celebrate their love and exchange their vows, even during these difficult times.

Invite people to a micro wedding

Micro weddings are typically small and intimate, involving no more than 50 guests, and often closer to 10-30 people. This naturally means that you will have to be very selective when it comes to your guest list.

When deciding who to invite to your micro wedding, it's important to consider your budget and the overall vision for your day. If you're working with a tight budget, you may want to prioritise immediate family members and your closest friends. This will also give you more time to interact with your guests and create a relaxed vibe.

If you're not too fussed about sticking to tradition, you could even ditch the idea of a bridal party altogether. This will give you more wiggle room in your budget for other things, like an open bar or a unique venue.

Once you've decided on your guest list, it's time to send out those save-the-dates and invitations. Even for a micro wedding, it's worth investing in this element of your planning. Shop around for invitations that reflect your style and personality, or design a custom suite with details like handwritten calligraphy or paper upgrades.

Remember, this is your day, so don't be afraid to make it your own!

Invite people to watch virtually via a livestream

If you're planning a wedding, you might be considering inviting guests to watch virtually via a livestream. This can be a great option if your guests are unable to attend in person due to distance, illness, or other circumstances. Here are some tips to help you plan and invite people to a virtual wedding:

• Choose a livestreaming platform: Select a reliable platform that allows livestreaming and has the features you need, such as chat, screen sharing, and privacy settings. Some popular options include Zoom, Skype, Facebook Live, and YouTube Live.
• Send out invitations: Create digital invitations that include the date, time, and instructions on how to join the livestream. You can use online invitation platforms or design your own invitations and send them via email or social media.
• Test your setup: Before the big day, test your audio, video, and internet connection to ensure everything works smoothly. Familiarize yourself with the livestreaming platform and its features so that you can troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
• Prepare your guests: Provide clear instructions to your guests on how to join the livestream. Let them know if they need to download any specific software or create an account beforehand. You can also share tips on how to optimize their viewing experience, such as using a stable internet connection and joining the livestream a few minutes early.
• Engage your virtual guests: Make your virtual guests feel included by encouraging them to participate. You can invite them to share their well-wishes in the chat, unmute themselves to speak at certain points during the ceremony, or even join you virtually for the reception celebrations.
• Consider time zones: If you have guests from different time zones, choose a time that works for most people. You can also record the livestream so that guests who couldn't attend at the scheduled time can watch it later.
• Add interactive elements: Make your virtual wedding interactive by incorporating elements such as polls, quizzes, or Q&A sessions. This can keep your guests engaged and create a more interactive experience.
• Provide a virtual guest book: Create an online guest book where your virtual guests can leave their names, messages, and well-wishes for the newlyweds. This can be a digital document, a dedicated website, or a platform where guests can upload photos and videos.
• Send thank-you notes: After the wedding, send personalized thank-you notes to your virtual guests to express your gratitude for their attendance and support. This can be done via email, social media, or even snail mail if you prefer a more traditional approach.

By following these tips, you can create a memorable virtual wedding experience for your guests and include them in your special day, even if they can't be there in person.

Let people know you got married

There are many ways to let people know you got married. Here are some ideas:

• Call your parents and closest friends to let them know.
• Post about it on social media, such as Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
• Send out physical announcements via snail mail.
• Wear clothing that announces your new marital status, such as coordinating t-shirts or a leather jacket.
• Use props in photos, such as "Just Married" tubes or Starbucks cups.
• Include your pet in photos, such as by having them wear a sign that says "My owners got married!".
• Change your name or add your spouse's last name to your social media profiles or email signature.
• Host a celebration or reception after the wedding and invite your friends and family.
• Update your relationship status on social media platforms that offer this feature.
• Get matching tattoos or wedding ring tattoos to show your commitment.
• Send out thank-you cards to those who attended your wedding, which will also serve as a marriage announcement to those who were not invited.

Save the date for next year

We're getting married!

After a small, intimate ceremony this year, we're excited to celebrate our marriage with you next year. We wanted to share this special moment with our loved ones, so we're hosting a sequel wedding—a trend that's becoming more and more popular, especially for couples with busy lives.

Our initial ceremony was a chance for us to legally tie the knot and focus on love. Now, we're ready to celebrate and have fun with our wider circle of friends and family. It will be a chance for our loved ones to see us as a married couple for the first time and to join us in marking this important milestone.

We're looking forward to sharing more details with you soon. In the meantime, please save the date for our wedding celebration on [date].

We can't wait to see you there!

Invite guests with an online invitation

When it comes to weddings, there are many factors to consider, from the venue to the guest list. One important aspect is the wedding invitation, which gives guests a glimpse into the style and tone of the upcoming nuptials. With the rise of digital communication, online invitations have become an increasingly popular option for couples. Here are some tips and ideas for creating elegant and informative online wedding invitations:

Choose a User-Friendly Platform

Select an online invitation platform that is easy to use and navigate, both for you and your guests. Look for a site that offers customizable templates, real-time previews, and a user-friendly interface. This will ensure that creating and sending your invitations is a smooth and stress-free process.

Consider Your Wedding Theme and Style

Your online invitation should reflect the overall style and theme of your wedding. Whether you're planning a rustic outdoor celebration or a formal black-tie event, incorporate design elements, colors, and fonts that align with your wedding vision. This will help set the tone for your big day and excite your guests about what's to come.

Include All the Necessary Details

Make sure your online invitation includes all the essential information your guests need to know. This includes the date, time, and location of the wedding, as well as dress code guidelines and a link to your wedding website or registry. Consider adding a short message or quote that reflects your personality as a couple.

Personalize Your Invitation with Photos

Add a personal touch to your online invitation by including photos of you and your partner. This could be a romantic engagement photo, a fun snapshot from your relationship, or even a creative illustration that represents your love story. Your guests will appreciate the glimpse into your journey together.

Manage RSVPs Efficiently

Online invitation platforms often offer RSVP tracking features, making it easy to manage guest responses. Include a clear deadline for RSVPs and consider adding a gentle reminder for guests to respond within a certain timeframe. This will help you stay organized and make informed decisions about seating arrangements, catering, and other wedding details.

Engage Your Guests with Interactive Elements

Today's online invitation platforms offer a range of interactive features to engage your guests. Consider adding a music playlist, a video message, or even a virtual tour of the wedding venue. These elements will enhance the guest experience and build excitement for your upcoming celebration.

By following these tips, you can create elegant and informative online wedding invitations that set the tone for your special day. Remember to choose a user-friendly platform, reflect your wedding style, include essential details, and personalize your invitation with creative elements. With a well-designed online invitation, you can effortlessly invite your loved ones to witness and celebrate this memorable milestone in your life.

Frequently asked questions