There’s already so much to think about when planning your wedding, but if it has fallen in the midst of the coronavirus frenzy, you might be wondering what to do. It’s such a crazy time right now, especially since there’s so much uncertainty, but I’m here to tell you that it will be okay. We will work through this together and I will try my best to make it less sucky for you, during this extremely difficult time in the world. You’re probably going through every emotion right now because you went from planning the most magical day of your life, to worrying about if the day will even take place.

Over the last few days, I’ve been researching options, listening to webinars and talking with others in the industry to determine the best way to move forward with a positive attitude. Today, I want to share my insight with you to hopefully help calm your nerves and give you direction to plan accordingly, so you start to fall back in love with your wedding!

Be Flexible

You’re feeling overwhelmed with all these changes happening, and that’s valid. However, if you can be flexible and work with your vendors, including your venue to come up with the best plan to make it work for everyone, it will help alleviate the added stress that you just don’t need right now.

Get Intimate

Consider lowering your guest count and having an intimate ceremony in your backyard with your closest family and friends. You can always celebrate later down the road, once the dust settles. Live-stream it. With the technology we have today, you can live-stream your wedding so the older guests that aren’t able to attend anymore or those travelling abroad for your wedding can join you in the celebration without being at risk.‍

Skip the Hugs

Have signs displayed to encourage guests to “bump elbows” instead of hugging or shaking hands. Do have sanitizer readily available as well, so all those attending feel at ease knowing you covered all your bases.

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Plated Dinner Service

Consider serving plated meals rather than a buffet or family style to avoid spreading germs. You can even have white-glove service which goes that extra mile that guests are sure to notice and greatly appreciate.

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Sanitize the Mic

If you have speeches or performances happening at your wedding, then the microphone should be sanitized after every use, or you can purchase disposable mic covers. Photo booth props are also something to constantly sanitize. Maybe you can even purchase new ones that can be disposed of after the wedding.

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Buy Off The Rack

Still need a wedding dress? Consider buying off the rack since expected lead times have doubled. This goes for your wedding party attire as well.

‍Shop Local

If you’re worried about bringing all the details together (maybe you bought favours coming from abroad) you can always shop locally. Just to name a few of our faves (Market Candle Company, Karamella Designs, Pupoco Arts, Pine Flora). ‍There’s no better time than now to support the small businesses in your community.

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Postpone Your Wedding

Find another date that works for you, so you can get the wedding you want and deserve. This is when flexibility comes into play, especially since some of your vendors may not be available for your new date and that’s ok. They will be able to suggest other professionals that will be the perfect fit for you.

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Understand Cancellation Policies

Every vendor has different policies, so be sure to read all your contracts to determine what the best way to move forward is. You may be able to postpone and carry over your deposit to a new date (usually within the same year without any added fees). Other vendors may have additional charges to change the date or cancel their services. Just be aware of all your options when making your final decision.

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If the show must go on, then be sure to stay informed with all guidelines to host an event during this time, have open and honest conversations with your vendors to determine the best way to all move forward, keep your guests informed, practice extra hygiene and just keep smiling! Your wedding is one of the biggest days of your life, so you’re allowed to be feeling every emotion right now.

Just remember in the end, it’s about marrying your other half and the love you have for one another. There’s always later to celebrate your love with everyone else.

If you have any questions about your upcoming wedding, need a little more insight on moving forward or just need someone to help a couple out, get in touch with me today. I’d be more than happy to help in any way I can. This is a very tough time for everyone, so we must all work together to help #flattenthecurve.

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Hugs on Hugs (Virtual hugs of course)

XO Claudia