Love In The Time Of COVID-19

We don’t have to tell you that the COVID-19 pandemic has flipped everything upside down this year. Thousands of people have lost their jobs. Many schools across the country are opting for remote learning. And, unfortunately, several states are starting to see major surges of the virus once again.

But, if you were planning on getting married this year, the pandemic has undoubtedly changed your wedding plans, too. In a survey conducted by The Knot in March 2020, 96% of couples said they were planning to postpone their wedding. But, it’s unlikely that anyone expected the pandemic to last this long.

So, some couples have had to get creative to get married this year. If you’re engaged and you’ve had to “call off” your traditional ceremony and wedding reception, you can still get married and live your life happily ever after, even in the time of COVID-19. Let’s look at a few ways to make that happen, so you can say “I do” to a lifetime of love.

Pre-Wedding Traditions

Some of the biggest wedding traditions actually take place before the big day, including everything from saying “yes” to the dress to finding the perfect rings. While you might not be able to go to a jeweler in person right now, you can find beautiful rings online, and determine your ring size accurately by taking a few measurements.

If you don’t want to miss out on other traditions that take place before the wedding, you might consider modifying them. Don’t be afraid to get creative with things like:

• Ordering a few small cakes from your favorite bakery to “sample”.

• Foregoing a DJ or band and creating a playlist online of the songs you want to be playing on your big day.

• Considering having your wedding meal delivered to your home using apps like Postmates or Grubhub.

This year requires some flexibility when it comes to traditions. But, by allowing yourself to be creative and making the most of the situation, you can look back on your special day years from now and know just how unique it was. You’ll have some great stories to tell even when it comes to how creative you had to be to plan for the day.

Getting Your Guests Involved

One of the biggest challenges you’ll face on your virtual wedding day is making your guests feel like they’re still a part of everything.

Many couples have already gotten creative when it comes to giving their guests an active role. Most of their ideas stem from getting attendees involved long before the big day. Try sending your guests a “gift” early on that can be used for the wedding ceremony, no matter where they are. For example, you might send them a shot glass or champagne flute to toast with you on the big day.

You could even set up a digital guest book for your attendees to leave their names and a few well wishes, right from the comfort of their home. No matter what you do, your guests will appreciate being included, and you will feel more comfortable knowing people you love got to partake in your big day.

How to Celebrate Safely

With COVID-19 showing no signs of slowing down any time soon, the best way to celebrate your big day safely is to go virtual. While it might not seem as personal or nearly as large, it’s the safest way to include people you love.

Wherever you’re planning on “hosting” your special event, make sure you’re up-to-date with WiFi connections. You want a strong connection so your big day doesn’t get cut off! It might even be worth it to make some upgrades around your home or whatever virtual venue you’ve chosen, like changing the electrical outlets for more efficiency (and safety!).

Once you know your wedding won’t be interrupted by technical difficulties, you can take the following steps to plan accordingly:

1. Choose your virtual platform. Some of the most popular options are Zoom or Skype.

2. Coordinate with any vendors you still plan on using for the day.

3. Invite your guests and try to make things as clear as possible without confusing them.

4. Talk to your bridal party about outfits to wear so they will all match, even through a screen.

5. Make sure you have the right tech setup for the big day, which could include multiple cameras or a 360-degree option so your guests can feel as though they’re right there.

Weddings have, and will continue to look different this year. While postponing is always an option, it’s understandable if you still want to get married to the person you love as soon as possible. You will certainly have many memories to look back on when it comes to your special day, which will make every anniversary even more memorable.

Let your creativity shine when you’re planning a safe, COVID-friendly wedding. Remember, the wedding itself is only the beginning. It’s the marriage that follows that should get more of your focus.