Planning A Wedding: Timing For A Safe Celebration

Planning a wedding during the COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for many couples. While some have postponed their weddings, others have chosen to adapt their plans to ensure safety. Couples have had to navigate various restrictions, including limited guest lists, social distancing, and travel concerns. To ensure safety, couples are encouraged to be flexible, prioritize their most important aspects, and implement creative solutions. Smaller weddings allow for more intimate celebrations with greater attention to detail, such as customized menus and higher-quality dining experiences. Outdoor ceremonies and spaced-out seating arrangements are recommended to maintain physical distance. Sanitizing stations and serving staff offering hand sanitizers are also suggested. Ultimately, the most important aspect of a wedding is the celebration of love and the commitment between two people.

Budgeting

Define Your Priorities

Before you start allocating funds, sit down with your partner and discuss what aspects of the wedding are most important to you both. Is it the catering, the venue, the entertainment, or something else? By identifying your priorities, you can allocate your budget accordingly and ensure that you're spending money on the things that matter most to you.

Be Mindful of Hidden Costs

When creating your budget, remember that small expenses can quickly add up. Things like stamps for RSVP cards, ribbons, marriage license fees, and vendor tips can increase your overall spending. Be sure to account for these costs in your initial budget to avoid going over budget.

Guest List Management

One of the most effective ways to control your wedding budget is to limit the number of guests. A smaller guest list can significantly reduce costs associated with catering, drinks, and venue size. If you're facing restrictions due to COVID-19, you may need to further adjust your guest list or consider having guests attend in shifts to comply with local guidelines.

Choose an Affordable Venue

The wedding venue can be one of the most significant expenses. To save money, consider alternative venues that hold special meaning for you. Public parks, libraries, or locations from your early dates can be unique and affordable options. Additionally, look for a venue that can accommodate both the ceremony and the reception to consolidate costs.

DIY and Resell

Where possible, opt for DIY options for items like invitations, decor, and favours. You can also save money by reselling or repurposing items after the wedding. For example, you can buy used fake flowers, which can be resold, or create your own centrepieces.

Adjustments Due to COVID-19

If you're planning a wedding during the COVID-19 pandemic, be prepared for potential changes. You may need to adjust your plans based on evolving guidelines and restrictions. Consider providing hand sanitiser for guests, spaced-out seating arrangements, and adhering to local rules regarding guest limits and face coverings.

Planning a wedding can be a challenging yet exciting endeavour. By setting a realistic budget and following these tips, you can create a memorable day without breaking the bank.

Guest list

Planning a wedding during the COVID-19 pandemic can be challenging, especially when it comes to deciding on the guest list. Here are some considerations and suggestions to help you navigate this process:

• Guest Count and Local Guidelines: The first step is to check the local guidelines and restrictions on gathering sizes. Different locations may have varying limits on the number of people allowed at events, so it's important to be aware of the specific rules in your area.
• Prioritize Close Friends and Family: Consider prioritizing your closest friends and family members. A smaller guest list allows for a more intimate celebration and can help you allocate more resources to other aspects of the wedding, such as food, drinks, or decorations.
• Guest Comfort and Safety: Keep in mind that some guests may have concerns about their safety or may not feel comfortable travelling or attending large gatherings. It's important to respect their decisions and be understanding of their concerns.
• Alternative Options: For guests who are unable or uncomfortable with attending in person, consider offering alternative options, such as providing a Zoom link for them to join virtually. This way, they can still be a part of your special day.
• Communicating with Guests: Be transparent and timely in your communication with guests. Let them know about any changes to your plans and keep them informed of the precautions you are taking to ensure their safety.

Seating Arrangements and Venue Setup:

• Outdoor Venues: Opt for an outdoor venue if possible, as it allows for better airflow and makes it easier to implement physical distancing measures.
• Seating Arrangements: Consider circular or semi-circular seating arrangements with spaced-out rows, allowing guests to be distributed around the edge while keeping the couple at the centre. This setup provides better views for everyone while maintaining a safe distance.
• Table Setup: Instead of large tables, opt for smaller, spread-out tables during the reception. This helps to reduce the number of people sitting together and facilitates physical distancing.
• Sanitization Stations: Place hand sanitizing stations throughout the event space, especially near the entrance and exit, to encourage guests to sanitize their hands frequently.

Remember, the most important aspect of your wedding is celebrating the love and commitment between you and your partner. Be flexible and adaptable, and don't let the challenges of the pandemic diminish the joy of your special day.

Venue and date

Planning a wedding can be an exciting but challenging task, and it's important to give yourself enough time to make the necessary arrangements. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to how long it takes to plan a wedding, most sources suggest that it typically takes around a year to plan a standard, local wedding.

The venue and date are two of the most critical aspects of wedding planning. It is recommended to start by determining your wedding vision, including the style, theme, and size of the wedding, as this will guide your venue selection. Do you prefer a formal and elegant wedding, or a fun, casual dance party? Do you envision a candlelit evening in a mansion or a barefoot ceremony on a tropical beach? These decisions will help narrow down your venue options and guide your planning process.

Once you have a clear vision, it's time to start researching and visiting potential venues. This can be a time-consuming task, as you'll want to consider factors such as capacity, location, and pricing. It's essential to start this process early, as the availability of your desired venue may impact your chosen wedding date.

When selecting a venue, trust your instincts and choose a place that resonates with you and your partner. Consider factors such as guest count, style, and budget. The location of the venue will also affect other aspects of your wedding, such as the number of guests you can invite and the type of decorations or flowers you choose.

After finalizing the venue, you can set your wedding date. This date will be the focal point of your planning, as it will determine when other essential tasks need to be completed. It's crucial to select your date early to ensure your desired venue is available and to allow your guests to block off their calendars, especially if they need to make travel arrangements.

To ensure you're on track with your planning, consider using a wedding planning app or creating a detailed spreadsheet to keep track of tasks and deadlines. Additionally, don't be afraid to ask for help from a wedding planner or a friend with planning expertise. They can provide valuable guidance and ensure that you're considering all the necessary details.

Theme and style

Planning a wedding can be an exciting but overwhelming task. It is recommended to give yourself 12 to 18 months to plan a wedding, especially if you're planning a full wedding with all the bells and whistles.

Now, onto the fun part: deciding on a theme and style for your wedding. This is best done early on, alongside budgeting and creating your guest list, as it will influence many other aspects of your big day, from the venue to the decorations and even the dress code.

Start by discussing with your partner the vision for your wedding. Do you want a formal and elegant affair or a fun, casual dance party? Would you prefer a candlelit evening in a mansion or a barefoot ceremony on a tropical beach? Do you want a big or small wedding, indoors or outdoors, at home or a special destination?

Once you've narrowed down the overall vibe, you can start thinking about specific themes and styles. Are you drawn to modern, classic, romantic, vintage, rustic, or all-out glam? Take a style quiz to help you identify your dream wedding vision and match you with venues and professionals that fit your style.

Pinterest, Instagram, magazines, and bridal websites are great sources of inspiration. However, be careful not to overwhelm yourself with too many ideas. Limit the amount of time you spend browsing in one sitting, and remember that your theme and style should ultimately reflect your unique personality and taste as a couple.

When it comes to creating a cohesive look and feel for your wedding, consistency is key. Carry your chosen theme and style throughout all aspects of your wedding, from the invitations and decor to the food, music, and even the small details like favours and table settings.

Finally, don't be afraid to think outside the box and get creative. If traditional gifts aren't your thing, consider more creative registry ideas, such as funding your honeymoon or asking for charitable contributions instead of presents.

By taking the time to carefully consider your theme and style, you'll be well on your way to planning a wedding that truly reflects who you are as a couple and creates lasting memories for you and your guests.

Timing and length of engagement

The length of your engagement will depend on how long you need to plan your wedding. Wedding planning timelines vary depending on the type of wedding you want, your budget, and your venue.

On average, it takes about one year to plan a wedding. However, some couples opt for shorter engagements of six months or less, while others spend two years or more preparing for their big day. If you're planning a destination wedding, it's recommended to allot 12 to 16 months, while a longer engagement of 18 months or more will give you a wider selection of venues and vendors to choose from.

One of the first steps in planning your wedding is to set your budget. This will help guide your decision-making and determine what you can afford for your venue, guest list, and other expenses. It's also important to consider who will be paying for what and to start allocating funds accordingly.

Another early task is to choose your wedding theme and style. This will influence many other aspects of your wedding, such as the venue, date, and vendors. Once you have your budget and theme in place, you can start visiting venues and deciding on a date. Keep in mind that popular venues and dates may book up quickly, so it's best to start looking early.

Other tasks to check off early include sending out save-the-dates, especially for out-of-town guests who need to make travel arrangements, and choosing your wedding party. If you're going on your honeymoon right after the wedding, it's recommended to start planning at least six months in advance to get good deals on flights and accommodations.

Frequently asked questions