So this year is not quite what anyone was planning for. With a global pandemic, gathering and travel restrictions and new terms like “ quarantine”, “Social Distance” and trying to remain positive in the midst of all of the uncertainty can seem impossible at times. With so many weddings being postponed, canceled or TBD how do you even begin to plan in a pandemic one of the biggest days of your life? The answer might surprise you coming from someone who makes a career of planning, the answer is, I am not sure. Now hold on I am not saying that I don’t have a few ideas and ways to problem solve and work around this. What I am saying is though that there are no wrong answers when it comes to how to move forward. You are in charge of your own destiny even when it feels like the majority of everything in today’s world isn’t you still get to be in the driver’s seat and call the shots with what makes you and your fiance comfortable. The following are a few tips and tricks to help you navigate this uncharted territory.

1. You Still Call The Shots:

First and foremost though take a deep breath, pour yourself a glass of wine, and know that I am sending you the biggest virtual hug. This year has hit us all like a ton of bricks. From engaged couples to wedding vendors, guests, and the world as a whole. I am in no means playing down the seriousness of Covid-19 or the importance of staying safe and keeping others safe as well. But what I want you to know as a bride or groom to be is that your wedding day is still YOURS. No matter what the media says, the state mandates your guests or even your family. This day is a sacred special day that is set aside for you and your partner. It is important that whatever you decide to do about your wedding plans that they are 100% what you both want and that you are not allowing anyone else to force you into a decision that makes you ultimately regret the plan in place or how the day went. When I say this I totally know that for many of you the original plans will change, guest size, the way your day in your head was supposed to go might look different. But at the end of the day, it is important to remember that marrying your best friend is what this day is all about. So together let’s create a plan B, C, D whatever makes you comfortable and make it happen!

2. Safety First:

When news broke about the virus I knew that weddings especially would get hit very hard. As a wedding planner and empath keeping my guests and couple happy and safe have never been more on my mind. Luckily several other amazing vendors have put a lot of thought and careful consideration into the details that matter most for safety and stopping the spread of the virus if you do decide to keep your wedding plans intact. One new trend that I love is the Quest Event Party Rentals new external safety measures which can be linked here. Another amazing resource for you when moving forward with your plans is setting up temperature checks, sign-ins, and guest mapping to have an idea of who all was at the event to keep everyone informed if anyone is exposed. Seating charts and setting up tables 6 feet apart are all precautions that are being implemented by our company as well as others.

3. Virtual Reality:

In this strange time we are all just trying to survive, we have resorted to virtual EVERYTHING! Virtual school, virtual meetings and even virtual happy hours. The latest trend has now shifted to virtual weddings for any guest who cannot or does not feel safe attending the wedding in person. This can be broadcast live in so many different ways. There are lots of videography companies adding this to there menu. Zoom has taken over the world and even when it comes to wedding planning. Meeting up with your vendors virtually not only limits exposure to possible COVID-19 germs. It also can save gas, time and make it easier for everyone involved to carve out time no matter the distance. Another amazing option for wedding showers or bachlorette parties are virtual cocktail making courses that can allow all your girls to meet up across the globe to teach everyone to make there favorite mixed drink. With necessity being the mother of invention the options are limitless when it comes to virtual planning. Even Memory Lane Events offers full scale virtual planning.

4. Making the Call:

A big shift with so many government mandates and regulations around large gatherings it has started to really shape the wedding industry. Many of the mandates have happened quickly with little warning and the “phases to reopen” are hard to plan around. This can make postponing the wedding a good option for many. As a wedding planner facing these difficult decisions I have had a few postponements already and my advice for couples faced with this decision I offer you this piece of advise. Do what you know will make you the happiest in the long run. There are positives and negatives to postponing and options for something in the middle as well. I think in that same accord putting together a pro and con’s list is very helpful to help you and your partner decide. Things to think about before making the decision is touching base with your vendors to see if your deposit is transferable to a different day. Reaching out to bridal party and close family to see if the same day might work. Another important factor is realistically can you wait to be married to your fiance. Listing the three most important aspects of your wedding day will help you see what might make the most sense for you. Another great option is having a very intimate ceremony and then opening the reception up to a larger guest count in the future when it is safer for everyone. But most importantly what is best for the both of you.

While these times can be incredibly challenging for wedding planning, or even just everyday life try to remember that this is only temporary. The wedding as amazing as that day will be is only the beginning of your story as a married couple. You get to spend the rest of your lives together and of course your wedding will be amazing, but so will your marriage. Do your best not to lose sight of the end goal of spending your life with your “quarantine partner” which in and of itself overpowers any tough situations the planning process throws your way.

If you find yourself needing more in depth tips or planning recommendations please send me a message. Lets grab a glass of wine ( virtually) and take some stress off your plate.