Planning A Wedding During Covid: Timing And Tips

Planning a wedding is stressful, and the COVID-19 pandemic has added a host of new challenges for couples to navigate. From ever-changing mandates and guidelines to health and safety concerns, couples have had to adapt their dream weddings to the new reality of social distancing and limited gatherings. However, with some flexibility, creativity, and careful planning, it is still possible to have a safe and memorable wedding during the pandemic. This involves making adjustments, such as reducing guest lists, opting for outdoor venues, providing masks and other protective equipment, and leveraging digital tools for everything from invitations to meetings with vendors and venues.

Guest expectations: Invite only your nearest and dearest, and consider live-streaming the wedding for others

Planning a wedding during the COVID-19 pandemic can be challenging, but it also gives you the opportunity to focus on your nearest and dearest. Wedding planner and bride-to-be, Steph Slater, suggests that COVID-19 has turned traditional expectations on their head, giving you the freedom to invite only those closest to you.

This is also a chance to be creative and consider live-streaming your wedding for other guests. This way, you can still include those you wish to share your day with, without compromising on safety. Live-streaming can give you the elopement vibe, while still providing an intimate experience for those joining you virtually.

If you are planning to have guests physically present, it is important to keep their safety in mind. Dr Englund recommends that you consider seating your most vulnerable family members, such as older guests, at their own table, with six feet of spacing as recommended by the CDC. You should also consider asking guests to wear masks, particularly if your wedding is indoors. It is a good idea to have fun with this and provide masks as a favour for your guests to take home.

To avoid any conflict on the day, it is recommended that you give your guests a heads-up in advance about any safety measures you will be taking. You can do this via your wedding invitations or website, or by reaching out with a personal message. This way, if guests are not comfortable with the arrangements, they can decide not to attend. It is also a good idea to set up a private group on social media to keep your guests updated with any changes.

Finally, be prepared for last-minute changes. Speak with your suppliers and find out what will happen if they are off sick or have to isolate. It is also a good idea to have a back-up plan and decide what your limits are. For example, you might decide to reschedule if you can't have a dance floor or if guests are unable to travel.

Wedding suppliers: Ask suppliers about their COVID-19 contingency plans, and be aware of their financial situation

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a stressful time for couples and wedding suppliers alike. As a couple, you may have to make hard decisions and adapt to the changing situation. It is important to keep communication lines open with your wedding suppliers and ask about their COVID-19 contingency plans.

Firstly, create a list of all your wedding suppliers with their contact information. Then, reach out to each supplier to discuss the current COVID-19 situation and ask about their contingency plans. Some questions you may want to ask include:

• Do you have any contingencies in place if my wedding date cannot go ahead due to venue closure or illness?
• Do you have any backup plans if you cannot fulfil your product/service due to illness?
• How are you set up to cater to a socially distanced wedding?

Additionally, be mindful of your suppliers' financial situation. Wedding suppliers often rely on non-refundable deposits to cover their working capital and operational costs. With many couples cancelling their contracts and requesting refunds, some suppliers may be facing financial difficulties. If you need to cancel or postpone your wedding, have an honest and respectful conversation with your suppliers, and try to work together to find a solution. Remember that you are both on the same side and showing kindness and sympathy can go a long way.

Guest health: Guests should not attend if they are feeling unwell, and consider asking guests to take a COVID-19 test before the wedding

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a lot of anxiety for couples who have had to cancel or postpone their weddings. Wedding vendors and venues are no longer as lenient as they once were with cancellations and postponements, and they expect to retain about 10-15% of their projected revenue for 2020.

To ensure the safety of all guests, guests should not attend if they are feeling unwell, and it is worth considering asking guests to take a COVID-19 test before the wedding. If a guest is feeling unwell, they should not attend the wedding, even if they have mild symptoms. Guests who are considered high-risk, such as those aged 70 or older, should take extra precautions and may want to consider not attending the wedding.

If a guest is feeling unwell, it is important to have a plan in place to mitigate the risk of infection. One option is to ask guests to take a COVID-19 test before the wedding. This can help identify any potential cases before the event and allow guests to make an informed decision about whether or not to attend. It is important to keep in mind that testing may not always be accurate, and there is still a risk of infection even with negative test results. Guests who test positive should not attend the wedding and should follow the recommended isolation guidelines.

If a guest is feeling unwell and unable to attend the wedding, it is important to have a backup plan in place. This could include live-streaming the wedding so that they can still participate virtually or arranging for a safe way for them to attend while maintaining a distance from other guests. For example, they could wear a mask, stay outdoors, and leave after the key moments of the wedding, such as the ceremony and first dance.

It is also important to follow other safety guidelines at the wedding, such as social distancing, wearing masks, and avoiding activities that increase the risk of transmission, such as dancing, singing, or shouting. By taking these precautions, couples can help ensure the safety of their guests and make informed decisions about their wedding plans during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Local guidelines: Research the local guidelines for weddings, including the maximum number of guests allowed

Planning a wedding during the COVID-19 pandemic can be challenging, and it's essential to stay informed about the latest local guidelines and restrictions. The rules for weddings vary depending on your location, and they may change over time as the situation evolves. Here are some things to keep in mind regarding local guidelines and the maximum number of guests allowed:

Researching Local Guidelines:

• Familiarize yourself with the guidelines provided by your local government or health authorities. These guidelines usually cover various aspects of weddings, including guest limits, social distancing, mask-wearing, and other safety protocols.
• Stay up to date with any changes or revisions to the guidelines. The restrictions may ease or tighten up as the pandemic situation in your area fluctuates. Subscribe to relevant local government websites or follow official social media accounts to receive timely updates.
• Understand the specific rules for weddings in your area. In some places, there may be different sets of guidelines for indoor and outdoor weddings, or varying restrictions based on the venue or gathering size.

Maximum Number of Guests:

• Determine the maximum number of guests allowed under the current local guidelines. This number can vary significantly depending on your location and the timing of your wedding. For example, during certain periods of the pandemic, some places allowed up to 30 guests, while others restricted weddings to 15 attendees.
• Prioritize your guest list: Given the potentially limited number of guests, creating a prioritized list can help you decide who to invite. Consider immediate family, close friends, and those who play a significant role in your lives.
• Consider live-streaming: To include those who cannot be physically present due to guest restrictions, you can opt for live-streaming your wedding. This way, everyone can still feel involved and share your special day with you.
• Communicate any changes: If you need to adjust your guest list due to local guidelines, be transparent with your guests. Let them know about the situation and that you would have loved to invite more people if not for the restrictions. Most guests will understand the unprecedented nature of the circumstances.

Remember, the well-being and safety of you, your partner, and your guests are of utmost importance. By following local guidelines and being adaptable, you can still have a meaningful and memorable wedding celebration during these challenging times.

Decision-making: Be prepared to postpone, but don't cancel. Make decisions closer to the wedding date to avoid regret

Planning a wedding during the pandemic can be stressful, and it's important to be prepared to postpone your wedding plans. However, it's best not to cancel your wedding altogether. Wedding vendors and planners have been hit hard by the pandemic, and it's important to remember that you're not alone in this challenging time. Many couples are facing similar issues, and most guests will understand if you need to change your wedding plans.

It's a good idea to make decisions about your wedding as late as possible to avoid regret. Things are changing quickly, and a decision made today might not hold true in a few weeks or months. Guests will likely be anticipating changes, and it's better to wait and make a decision that you're sure about. You can add a statement to your wedding website letting guests know that you're closely monitoring the situation and will inform them of any changes by a specific date.

It's also essential to be flexible and adapt to the changing circumstances. You might need to consider a smaller guest list, social distancing, or even a virtual wedding. Decide what is most important to you and communicate this with your suppliers so they can work with you to make your day special. For example, some couples may decide that having a dance floor is a priority, while others may focus on the ability of interstate travel for family members.

Finally, it's crucial to have a backup plan. Speak with your suppliers and find out their procedures if they are unavailable due to illness or isolation. Having a backup plan will give you peace of mind and ensure that you're prepared for any last-minute changes. Remember, marriage is ultimately about the commitment between two people, and that can't be cancelled!

Frequently asked questions