Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, engaged couples have to face the reality that their dream weddings will need to be put on hold or cancelled altogether.
But some couples are also coming up with creative ways to make it happen while observing health safety protocols and practicing social distancing.
While these quarantine or lockdown weddings are far from the wedding you have been planning for months, they are still a great option.
Especially if you just want to celebrate your love and get married to the person you want to spend your life with.
So if you’re thinking of getting married during this pandemic, here are some things you need to know.
Virtual wedding planning
Before the Covid-19 pandemic, brides and grooms will often meet with wedding planners and suppliers face-to-face to discuss and finalize wedding details.
Now, with quarantine restrictions and social distancing measures, wedding planning has been relegated to phone calls and video meetings.
It does not limit what you can accomplish, though. You can plan an entire wedding through SMS, voice and video calls, and email.
If you need to sign contracts or approve certain looks or designs, there are so many apps for file sharing and document signing as well.
Mini wedding ceremonies
Expect smaller and more intimate wedding ceremonies, with only a small group of family or friends in attendance physically or virtually.
These mini wedding ceremonies can replace the traditional wedding ceremony, or they can be a sneak peek of the ‘sequel wedding ceremony’ that couples will have at a later date when the pandemic is over.
A whole new guest experience
As of this writing, large public events are still a no-no even on a more relaxed community quarantine in NCR and nearby provinces.
This means that you will need to substantially decrease the number of your wedding guests.
The Archdiocese of Manila has recently announced that only immediate family members of the bride and groom and one set of sponsors will be allowed to witness the wedding ceremony.
Sanitizing products instead of flowers
There will be stringent health and safety measures in place, so expect sanitizing products to be incorporated into your wedding.
Staff who will be working or officiating at your wedding will also be wearing personal protective equipment.
There will be no wedding buffets, so plated food will be the option.
As for live bands, DJs, and string quartets, it’s also a no. You will need to play your cousin’s Spotify wedding playlist for now.
Large or open air venues will also be recommended to give more room for guests and to observe social distancing.
Live streaming for friends and family
Thanks to technology, you can still share your big day with the people you love, even if they cannot be physically present for it.
For friends or family members who cannot be there because of travel restrictions or health issues, they can simply go online and click on your wedding’s live streaming link.
There are many live streaming apps available, depending on the number of people who will be watching and how long you will be live streaming your wedding.
Facebook is free, and there’s no limit on the number of people you can invite to watch. It’s also the easiest to use because you only need a Facebook account.
Zoom has a free version that can accommodate as many as 100 people. However, it has a time limit of 40 minutes.
It has a premium version, though, with a 24-hour limit on calls and as many as 500 people. You can rest assured that the live stream will not end just when you’re about to exchange vows!
If you want to invite just a few people, you can also stream via FaceTime with up to 32 people or via Google Hangouts with up to 25 people.
If your wedding was affected by the pandemic, here are some reminders
- A wedding planner can help you talk to your suppliers and review your contracts regarding cancelations or postponements, as well as non-refundable deposits.
- If you did not hire a wedding planner, you can do the renegotiating yourself. Start with the most expensive wedding suppliers or vendors. The response will vary, but they will assist you with rescheduling and honor what’s stated in the contract.
- Don’t be surprised if suppliers charge additional fees or if you don’t get your full payment back. Cancellation policies vary, so it’s best to check your contracts to manage your expectations.
- Now is not the time to dilly dally or be fickle minded. Other couples will also be postponing their weddings. Decide when you will be holding yours ASAP if you want to block out the date and reserve the venue.
- You’re not the only couple who’s had to make this tough decision. All over the world, millions of couples had to cancel their weddings, too. Don’t take things personally, and don’t let your emotions affect your decision-making.
The Bottom Line
There are bigger, more important issues affecting the world, but it’s perfectly okay to feel sad and disappointed that you’re not going to have your dream wedding today.
Acknowledge your feelings because they are real and they are valid.
Allow yourself to grieve for the dream wedding that you have to put on hold, and then focus on your next steps.
Thankfully, easy and creative solutions are available. As long as you’re willing to adjust and make flexible arrangements, you can still have a beautiful and meaningful wedding.
Order your favorite takeout and open a bottle of wine. Exchange anecdotes and take lots of photos (or screenshots if you’re on a group call).
Celebrate your special day with your loved ones. Your wedding will still hold a lot of significance, pandemic or not!