Here you are, planning a wedding in the middle of COVID-19. I know, planning a wedding during a worldwide pandemic is NOT what you dreamed of when you envisioned your engaged season of life. Well guess what? I really believe that despite COVID-19 affecting your wedding plans, it can still be a DREAMY & JOYFUL day of celebrating your new marriage!

If you’re engaged right now and you’re trying to figure out how in the world you plan a wedding during this time, I’m here to help! I think weddings moving forward can be just as amazing, if not even better than weddings that were not affected by the pandemic. So if you take anything away from this blog post, please take away the hope that while you’re on the front edge of a new normal in wedding planning, your celebration of marriage will be no less special due to COVID-19 and how it has changed (and will continue to change) our world.

Ready for my tips?! Here we go!

1. Stay up to date on local and CDC guidelines and restrictions. I’m sure you’ve realized by now that every state, county, and city is handling this situation differently. While some states are already back up and running, some still have months to go before life can begin to return to “normal.” The more you know about what is permitted and what is prohibited, the more you will be able to make an informed decision on how to move forward with your wedding day plans!
2. Be flexible and think outside the box. It seems like every day things are changing, so having a mindset of flexibility is key. Continue to plan and prepare for your day, but realize that your day might look a little different than you originally planned. You don’t have to follow all of the traditional wedding day etiquette, do what is right for you two! I know this is SO hard, but if you are forced to change your plan, having a mindset of flexibility will go a long way. At the end of the day, you will be married and isn’t that what it’s all about?!
3. Consider going intimate. You can still have a beautiful wedding full of celebration with just your nearest and dearest there. Whether it be a micro wedding or an elopement, this allows you to prioritize what is most important to you. A smaller guest count can allow you to make your day about spending quality time with those most important to you and the day will have a much more relaxed feel overall. This will also allow your budget flexibility to really spend money on beautiful details! If you’re interested in learning more about transitioning your wedding plans to a more intimate version, check out my new sister company, Petite Fête!
4. Communicate with your vendors. We are in this with you! There’s nothing I wouldn’t do to make sure my couples get the day they have always dreamed of! If you have questions or want to brainstorm ways to fulfill your vision for your wedding in this new world of COVID-19, talk to your vendors about your timeline and creative ways to make your wedding day super special.
5. Hire a wedding planner. You’ve already been planning your wedding day for months, and I’m sure the thought of redoing all of that work is incredibly stressful. Planners are able to help couples navigate the sudden and unpredictable changes caused by COVID-19 and help you handle all of the details so that you don’t have to. I have watched planners bend over backwards for couples navigating COVID-19 and it’s amazing to see how much they can do to help relieve stress!
6. Keep your guests updated. Consider adding a “COVID-19” update page to your wedding website where you can keep your guests updated on any changes. You can also give them information on how you plan to follow local protocols and keep everyone safe and healthy at your celebration!
7. If you postponed your wedding, plan something special on your original date. Many couples are choosing to still get married on their original date, and are postponing their big celebration to a later time when it will be safe for all of their friends and family to be there. Whether you go this route or decide to postpone altogether, you can still make your original wedding date special! Plan a fun date night, a Zoom party with your friends and family, or even a photoshoot with your wedding photographer. It’s a great reason to get off of the couch and out of your quarantine sweats. After all, you have come so far and still have so much to celebrate!
8. Give yourself grace. Wedding planning is stressful enough on its own, but when you’re dealing with a global pandemic that takes the stress to a whole new level. It’s okay to feel stressed and worried. It’s okay to have break downs. But remember that at the end of the day it’s about your marriage. It’s always been about your marriage! And like I said before, just because things are different now, I TRULY believe that they can be EVEN BETTER than before! So give yourself some grace and allow yourself to feel all the feels!

I hope these wedding planning tips helped you as you navigate COVID-19! If you’re looking to downsize your wedding day to a more intimate version, check out Petite Fête – my new sister company in partnership with Sara Elizabeth Weddings! Petite Fête was inspired by our couples who are making the tough decision to change their wedding plans in light of COVID-19. We realized that there is a such a need for something like this…an experience that allows you to still have the wedding of your dreams, but on a smaller scale. If you want to get married now and throw your big party later, or are looking to downsize your current wedding day to a more intimate version, we would love to help you! We believe every couple deserves a magical wedding day, no matter the size! Learn more here.