Weddings Amidst Covid-19: Making Your Special Day Unique

Planning a wedding is challenging, and a global pandemic only makes things more difficult. However, it is still possible to have a special and memorable wedding during COVID-19. This may involve adapting to new safety measures, such as opting for outdoor settings, reducing guest lists, and incorporating virtual elements. With the right precautions and creativity, couples can navigate this uncharted territory and celebrate their love safely and joyfully.

Choose an outdoor setting

Opting for an outdoor setting for your wedding is a great way to make your special day memorable during the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only will you be following a long-standing tradition of exchanging vows in nature, but you'll also be able to maximise social distancing and minimise the risk of virus transmission.

When choosing an outdoor venue, look for a location that offers plenty of open space. This will allow your guests to spread out and maintain a safe distance from one another. Additionally, being outdoors in the fresh air will help to create a low-risk environment for everyone in attendance. If you're concerned about the comfort of your guests, you can provide them with coloured wristbands to indicate their preferred level of physical contact. This way, everyone can feel respected and safe.

To make your outdoor wedding extra special, consider selecting a venue with a breathtaking view. For example, you could choose a location with a backdrop of mountain foothills or a picturesque garden. This will not only create a memorable experience for you and your partner but will also provide a stunning setting for your wedding photos.

When planning an outdoor wedding during COVID-19, it's important to be mindful of the comfort and safety of your guests. You can provide cute masks and hand sanitiser as favours, and even include some practical mementos in their gift bags, such as personalised masks or mini hand sanitizers. Additionally, consider placing sanitising stations throughout the venue to encourage good hygiene practices.

Remember, by choosing an outdoor setting for your wedding during COVID-19, you're not only prioritising the health and safety of your guests but also creating a unique and memorable experience that everyone will cherish.

Opt for plated food services

Planning a wedding during a global pandemic can be challenging, but it is possible to adapt and create a memorable occasion. One important aspect to consider is the food service, and opting for plated food services is a safe and elegant choice.

Plated food services eliminate the risks associated with buffets, where guests would be touching communal utensils and potentially spreading the virus. By choosing plated food, you ensure that only the catering staff handle the serving utensils, reducing the number of touchpoints and lowering the risk of contamination. This option also allows for more creative and thoughtful menus, tailored to your guest list.

For a unique touch, you can offer guests pre-prepared appetizer plates and single-serve drinks during cocktail hour. This not only ensures a delicious experience but also minimises the number of people coming into contact with food and beverages. With a smaller guest list, you can even opt for more courses with higher-quality ingredients, elevating the dining experience for your guests.

If you had your heart set on a buffet, you could incorporate a late-night food station where catering attendants plate the food for your guests. This way, you still get the variety and interactivity of a buffet while maintaining a safe and sanitary environment.

To ensure the safety of your guests and catering staff, it is important to communicate and plan meticulously with your chosen caterer. Discuss their COVID-19 protocols, including mask and glove requirements, and ensure they have experience providing plated food services for weddings during the pandemic.

By opting for plated food services, you can create a safe, elegant, and memorable dining experience for your wedding guests, even amidst the challenges of COVID-19.

Go virtual

If you're planning a wedding during the pandemic, you can still make the day special by going virtual. Here are some ideas to make your virtual wedding memorable:

Planning and Preparation

The pandemic has made it challenging to meet with vendors and venues in person. However, you can take advantage of virtual appointments via video conferencing platforms like Skype, Zoom, Google Hangouts, or FaceTime. Schedule meetings with vendors and ask them to provide live examples of their work. For venues, request a virtual walk-through of their facilities to help you decide if it's the right fit for your wedding.

Live Streaming the Ceremony

Livestreaming your wedding is an excellent way to include everyone who can't be there in person. You can invite as many guests as you want virtually, allowing them to witness your special day in real-time. Consider hiring a professional photographer and videographer to capture high-quality photos and videos to share with those who can't attend.

Virtual Guestbook

Instead of a traditional guestbook, opt for a virtual guestbook where friends and family can upload photos, write messages, and share their well-wishes for the newlyweds. You can later print out a physical copy of the virtual guestbook as a keepsake.

Virtual Bachelorette Party

If the bride-to-be is disappointed about not having her bachelorette party, you can organize a virtual one! Schedule a virtual bachelorette party with interactive games and prizes to create a fun and memorable experience for the bride and her friends.

"Change the Date" Announcements

If you decide to postpone your wedding, you can send out "Change the Date" digital cards to your guests until you are certain of the new date. This approach avoids constantly messaging guests with new date announcements and gives flying guests sufficient advance notice.

Virtual Wedding Coordination

Several companies now offer virtual wedding coordination packages to make the process seamless and special. These services incorporate various wedding vendors, allowing couples to treat themselves to cake, champagne, flowers, and food, while also supporting small businesses.

By embracing virtual options, you can still have a memorable and unique wedding during the pandemic, ensuring that your special day is shared and celebrated with your loved ones, near and far.

Take advantage of your space

When it comes to making your wedding venue Covid-safe, it's important to take advantage of your space. If you're getting married outdoors, you have a blank canvas to work with. Get creative with a physically distanced seating arrangement, allowing for fresh airflow and maximised social distancing. You could hang fabric from the ceiling to the walls to create a unique atmosphere, or use cushions and borrowed chairs to create a circle on the floor for an intimate ceremony.

If you're getting married indoors, avoid high-traffic areas by placing seating charts and itineraries in multiple locations to prevent crowding. For the reception, opt for smaller, spread-out tables instead of large table options. You could also provide cute masks and hand sanitiser as topical favours, and place sanitising stations throughout the event space.

If your venue has multiple spaces, consider reconfiguring your wedding set-up to allow for more space. For example, instead of a crowded guest book, you could prepare each place setting with a 'wedding wishes' card and pen, and collect these to be framed later. Alternatively, you could have a virtual guest book where friends and family can upload photos and messages.

Shift your plans to a micro-wedding

If you're planning a wedding during the COVID-19 pandemic, you may want to consider shifting your plans to a micro-wedding. A micro-wedding is a small-scale wedding celebration that typically includes 20 to 50 guests, allowing you to create a more intimate and personalized experience. Here are some tips to help you plan your micro-wedding:

Define Your Vision and Priorities:

Discuss with your partner the kind of atmosphere you want for your wedding and what elements are most important to you, such as the venue, food, or photography. Determine your budget and allocate funds accordingly.

Choose a Unique Venue:

One of the advantages of a micro-wedding is the abundance of venue options available. Consider unique and intimate locations such as private gardens, boutique hotels, restaurants, cafes, or even your own home.

Create Your Guest List:

Keep your guest list small, typically between 20 to 50 people, and focus on inviting your closest friends and family members. This allows for a more intimate and meaningful celebration.

Plan the Ceremony:

Decide on the type of ceremony you want, whether it's a traditional religious ceremony, a civil ceremony, or something more unconventional. With a smaller group, you can incorporate personalized vows, readings, and rituals that reflect your relationship.

Design the Reception:

Plan a reception that suits your style and preferences, including food and drink, entertainment, and decor. With a smaller guest list, you can opt for a gourmet dining experience, personalized menus, or even a food truck. Choose entertainment that fits the intimate setting, such as a live acoustic musician, a DJ, or curated playlists.

Embrace Personalization:

With a smaller group, you can add thoughtful touches such as handwritten invitations, calligraphy place cards, or arrangements of hand-picked wildflowers.

Hire a Photographer:

Even with a small wedding, it's important to capture the momentous occasion with professional photography. Take your time to find the right photographer whose style and personality mesh with yours.

Opt for DIY Floral Displays or a Florist:

Creating your own floral centerpieces and displays can be a fun DIY project for a micro-wedding. Alternatively, you can work with a florist to develop a concept that matches your vision.

Remember, a micro-wedding allows you to enhance intimacy, reduce costs, and be more creative with your wedding plans. By following these tips, you can create a memorable and special celebration with your closest loved ones.

Frequently asked questions