Planning a wedding during a pandemic is no easy task. The rules are completely different and everything you once knew has most likely changed. Everything from choosing a venue to deciding on a caterer will take strategic and precise preparation. Keep reading for some tips to help you plan the perfect wedding despite the uncertain times.
RESEARCH BUSINESSES AND VENUES
The first thing you should do is figure out if the venues and businesses that you are interested in are open. Obviously, due to the pandemic, a lot of businesses are closed for the foreseeable future, and you don’t want to set your sights on a company only to find out that they are not currently conducting business. A quick Google search of a company’s website to find their hours of service is all you need to do.
Also, keep in mind that while some businesses are open they have alternate hours that can ultimately impact the timeline for your wedding. Since people are open fewer times during the week, be sure to plan your days accordingly to make sure you don't miss your window of opportunity.
If they are closed at the moment, don’t get discouraged. Although they are out of commission for the time being, businesses are slowly reopening every day. So don’t be afraid to reach out via email and ask them if they know when they expect to reopen. You never know what response you get as they could tell you that they are opening back up sooner rather than later.
BE READY FOR THE UNEXPECTED
COVID-19 is the curveball of the year and, honestly, the curveball of your wedding planning. You should be ready for anything out of the ordinary to happen as COVID-19 has a way of altering even the most concrete plans. When you prepare for the unexpected, those feelings of panic and anxiety that occur when something goes wrong lessens. Have a backup plan for almost everything.
That means the place you plan to get your bridal dress? There are many bridal sites that are still offering appointments that are taking precautions due to COVID-19, however, if you’re worried then plan ahead for the possibility of buying your dress online. Also, if that’s the case, then plan for shipping times and/or prices to be potentially astronomical. Whatever it may be, try to have a backup plan, so you can be prepared for anything the pandemic throws your way.
BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT
SET A STRICT BUDGET
Prices during a pandemic are not the most stable as they can fluctuate due to the times we’re in. Whether the prices are lower or higher than you expect, it’s smart to give yourself a budget, so you don’t overspend. Take note of all the essential services you need after doing your research, and start from there. Make a general list of the most important things you need for your wedding and slowly create your budget.
If budgets aren’t your strong suit, ask your partner for some help. They can assist you, and give you their opinion on what things to allocate your money towards. If you need additional help, you can always browse articles online that help engaged couples to determine the right budget for a wedding.
One thing to keep in mind is that some business prices may be high but it’s because they are providing services during a time of uncertainty. Your support can mean all the world to small local businesses, so take that into consideration when you’re deciding whether or not to utilize their services.
TAKE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES
While you’re planning your wedding, it’s only expected that you will be out and about. Cake samplings, dress fittings, and more are just a few of the reasons why you’ll potentially have to leave the safety of your home. With that being said make sure you are taking precautionary measures when you are outdoors. Most establishments that are conducting business have safety measures in place that you can follow, but it never hurts to be extra diligent.
For your own safety as well as the safety of the employees you encounter when making wedding arrangements, make sure you wear a mask at all times. Even if you are not around a lot of people, a reusable face mask that is breathable is important.
However, some activities like cake tasting will prevent you from wearing your mask. In situations like this, social distancing measures are crucial as they help protect you since your mask can’t. The CDC recommends that people distance themselves at least 6 feet from another person.
HAVE FUN AND RELAX
Planning a wedding can be extremely taxing and it’s easy to let stress and anxiety get the better of you. However, don’t let those negative emotions overshadow what’s really important– you getting married to the love of your life. While taking part in customary wedding activities like bachelorette and bachelor parties may not be on your horizon anytime soon, there are still some positives of your situation. To look on the bright side of planning a wedding during a pandemic is the additional prep time you have to get yourself in tip-top shape.
For the guys, it may mean taking care of a few issues that have been bothering you, but you haven’t had enough time to work on, like hair loss. This is the perfect time to start using a hair loss treatment, such as minoxidil, since you have more time to dedicate to using the product and achieving your desired look. Achieving max confidence is important so you can be the happiest version of yourself before your wedding.
For ladies, this may mean exercising to get to your goal weight or bulking up and adding some muscle to areas you think need it. Set a goal for yourself and start working on it until your wedding. When you finally meet your goal you’ll be appreciative of the extra time you got to spend working on yourself and building your confidence for your big day.