Planning A Wedding During Corona: A Guide

Planning a wedding can be stressful at the best of times, but the coronavirus pandemic has thrown a spanner in the works for many couples. While some have chosen to wait until the pandemic is over, others have decided to go ahead with their nuptials, albeit with some creative adjustments. If you're determined to tie the knot during the pandemic, you'll need to be prepared to adapt to the ever-changing environment and come up with a contingency plan or two.

Contingency planning

If you're determined to have your big day despite the pandemic, you can find ways to rework your celebration to make it both safe and sentimental. You can start by asking your venue some questions to make sure you're covering all your bases.

It can be emotionally overwhelming to plan a wedding during a pandemic, so it's important to take a step back, breathe, and meditate before reaching out to anyone. You'll likely have to go with the flow in this ever-changing environment.

• Recognise the situation, come up with a plan, and start working on it so that when the pandemic is over, you are ready to go.
• Be prepared to adapt to changing restrictions and guidelines.
• Find creative ways to make your wedding safe and sentimental.

Managing your emotions

Planning a wedding is stressful at the best of times, but during a global pandemic, it can be even more overwhelming. Emotions are running high, and you've probably spent a lot of time and money planning your big day. It's important to recognise that the situation is out of your control and come up with a plan to work around it.

Take a step back and try to gain some perspective. It's okay to cry, scream, and grieve for the wedding you had imagined. Be vulnerable and do what you need to do to let out those emotions. Then, try to move forward, one day at a time.

Meditation might help you to manage your emotions and gain some clarity. If that's not your thing, try taking a break from wedding planning and focusing on something else for a while. It's important to look after yourself and give yourself time to process your emotions.

Remember that you're not alone in this situation. Reach out to your partner, friends, and family for support. They can help you to manage your emotions and work through the challenges of planning a wedding during a pandemic.

Finally, try to stay flexible and go with the flow. The situation is ever-changing, and you may need to adapt your plans. Having a backup plan (or several) can help to reduce stress and give you something to fall back on if your original plans are affected by Covid-19 restrictions.

Dealing with restrictions

It's important to recognise the situation for what it is and come up with a plan. This might mean having a Plan B or even a Plan C. You could take inspiration from other couples who have found ways to rework their celebrations to make them both safe and sentimental.

It can be emotionally overwhelming to plan a wedding during a pandemic, so it's important to take care of yourself. Try to take a step back, breathe, and meditate if that's your thing. You'll likely have to go with the flow in this ever-changing environment.

• What are the venue's Covid-19 policies?
• What are the venue's cleaning and sanitisation procedures?
• What are the venue's social distancing guidelines?
• What are the venue's mask requirements?
• What is the venue's capacity with social distancing in place?
• Are there any restrictions on food and beverage services?
• What is the venue's cancellation or postponement policy?

Venue questions

Planning a wedding during a pandemic is complex, to say the least. If there was ever a time to hire a wedding planner, it would be now! However, if you're determined to go it alone, here are some venue questions you might want to ask:

What additional measures are being taken in the kitchen to ensure food safety? What are the sanitation practices for the service staff? Can we still have a buffet or food stations? If so, what modifications will be available? (e.g. plexiglass over food, disposable serving pieces, etc.) Are you still offering on-site tastings to help us choose the menu? Or is there an option to pick up some tasting samples?

Remember, these questions are meant to be a guide for your dialogue with the venue. Don't feel like you have to ask all 40! Do your research, ask the necessary questions, and keep your head up.

Creative ideas

Planning a wedding during the coronavirus pandemic is no easy feat. It can be emotionally overwhelming, and you may have to grieve the wedding you initially planned. However, there are ways to make your wedding day special and safe. Here are some creative ideas to get you started:

If you're determined to have your wedding in person, consider an outdoor venue with plenty of space for social distancing. You could ask your guests to wait in their cars in the parking lot and celebrate with signs, honking horns, and cheers as you walk outside after the ceremony. Alternatively, you could set up a "parade" route for your guests to drive by and celebrate from a safe distance.

If you're open to a virtual wedding, you could live stream your ceremony to your guests. Send them a link to a video conferencing service so they can tune in and be a part of your special day from the safety of their homes.

While it may not be ideal, having a small, intimate wedding with only your closest family and friends can also be a beautiful and meaningful option. Check the local guidelines, and if gatherings of less than ten people are allowed, you could have your nearest and dearest present for your ceremony.

Remember, this is an unprecedented time, and it's okay to feel a range of emotions. Take a step back, breathe, and meditate if that helps you process. Then, when you're ready, start planning with creativity and flexibility, and you'll be able to have a unique and memorable wedding day despite the challenges.

Frequently asked questions