Just after the world shut down, I wrote a blog about how to plan during a pandemic (that was April 2020), and I thought for sure we would be done with this topic by spring 2021. But we’re still here. Still navigating how to celebrate amidst mask mandates, limited guest counts, closed venues, and more.

Because it’s still an uncertain time, I’ve gathered up some Q&A for our brides who are planning right now!

What should I do if we’ve decided to postpone?

Let your vendors know first and go ahead and pick a few new dates, with the assistance of your planner, so you can figure out which date all of your vendors can move to.
Let your guests know second. I know it’s important to let them know asap, but getting your investments situated first will make it easier to tell your guests. If you feel comfortable doing so, go ahead and tell them to save the new date!
Consider getting married anyways! Especially if you already have your attire, have a quick ceremony at the courthouse or in your backyard.
While a marriage starts with love and companionship, there is also a lot of practical things tied to your commitment that you do not need to put off just because you’re delaying a large gathering of family and friends. Maybe you’re purchasing a home, moving in together, ready to change your name, or want to join financial accounts or insurance - practicality is important and part of doing life together.
Your commitment might only be witnessed by the officials present, but your marriage is rooted in just the two of you, no matter what your ceremony consists of. A pandemic definitely falls into the “in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer” category.

What do I do if the restrictions change in my county?

Be prepared for this to be a possibility. Until the vaccine is more widely circulated, there may be more periods of social distancing and isolation.

Part of being a planner is preparing for the worst, so that is my advice: prepare for the worst. How? For starters, instead of having an “a and b list” of guests to invite, extend that list so the “a” list is 25 people, the “b” list is 50, and increase until you reach your full guest list. We may not return to small gatherings in some counties, but it is better to be prepared from the beginning as to how you can cut your list down, rather than to be surprised and have to scramble to reduce.

We can’t have a dance floor, what else can we do?

Be creative!
Can you set up a mini dancing area so each table can dance together? Is there space for yard games? What about karaoke or trivia?

Try to think outside the box to find a way for your guests to enjoy the evening. And guess what?! If you hate to dance, you don’t have to have dancing at your wedding - whether it’s a pandemic or not!

I’ve had many brides that just want to do the traditional dances for photos and move on to something else for the evening. One had friends play music in a round, outside under the stars, it was magical.

Others have done extended cocktail hours with mingling. We really did do karaoke at one reception - and it was a huge hit. No dancing also makes way for more toasts, a bigger focus on the dinner, and can be an altogether more relaxed vibe.

How can I make my guests feel comfortable when they do attend my wedding?

Think of your wedding like a restaurant (we tell this to our clients during non-pandemic times, so they can understand the level of service to provide!) and ask your guests to wear a mask except when sitting at their dinner table. Have masks and hand sanitizer available at the sign-in table.
If you haven’t selected a venue yet, choose one with indoor/outdoor options. The ceremony and cocktail hour can be outside, and guests who don’t want to stay for dinner can exit. Or set up a few tables outside! A tent is also a great way to have that outdoor feel while protecting from the elements.
Colorful wristbands have become popular. These can also be at your sign-in table for guests to take and wear. Green means they’re ok with hugging; yellow means they’re ok with socializing, but no touching; and red asks others to keep a 6-foot distance. (I could use these for everyday life!)
Incorporate virtual attendance! Honestly, I hope this continues post-pandemic. I love having the option for friends overseas, grandparents who can’t travel, military family members, or the new parents at home to view the wedding via a livecast.
You can ask your guests to quarantine, social distance, or even get tested before attending.
However… you cannot require anyone to get vaccinated. I know, it sounds like an awesome fix! But it’s not legal, and it’s not possible - not everyone will be able to take the vaccine and overall, it’s not likely that it will have widespread availability until 2022.
Ensure that all of your vendors are masked and observing all COVID precautions! (Or you can ask your planner to do this! Hey-o!)

My Last Words of Advice…
Enjoy the Planning Process & Have a Backup Plan

Just like we encourage our brides to have a rain plan for their outdoor weddings, you should definitely have a backup plan for your wedding. We hope and pray you do not contract Covid-19, but… It could happen. Or your loved ones could get sick. Or.. Or… Or… Have a backup plan.

Plan for the worst, hope for the best.

And enjoy the planning process. Which most definitely means you should hire a planner. Obviously, a planner is telling you to hire a planner, but it’s hard enough to plan a wedding without expert advice when we’re not in a pandemic! Have someone on your team who is there to support you, who will help you create that backup plan, who knows how to pivot, and who can relieve a lot of your stress. A planner will not take away the fun part of choosing the decor, the flowers, tasting the cake and catering; they will just be there to guide you!

Pop the champagne! That’s part of the process! It’s time to celebrate because YOU ARE GETTING MARRIED! Woohoo!