{"id":18016,"date":"2021-05-06T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-05-06T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/?p=18016"},"modified":"2021-12-21T18:54:47","modified_gmt":"2021-12-21T23:54:47","slug":"weddings-during-covid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/weddings-during-covid","title":{"rendered":"Planning a Wedding During COVID? Tips for Success"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n<p>Navigating the current pandemic and all of its rules and regulations can be difficult for anyone to face \u2014 but it can be particularly frustrating for couples who had plans to get married. If you are currently planning your wedding during COVID, there are some essential things to keep in mind while finding the responsible way to host an event during an uncertain time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From how best to keep yourself and your guests safe to real-life examples from brides who have gone through their big day during the coronavirus pandemic, we&#8217;re here to help you go forward with your dream wedding in the most appropriate way possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"<strong&gt;how-can-you-throw-a-safe-wedding-during-a-global-pandemic?<\/strong&gt;\"><strong>How Can You Throw a Safe Wedding During a Global Pandemic?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"841\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/weddings-will-increase-significantly-in-2021-1-1024x841.png\" alt=\"Wedding increase during pandemic\" class=\"wp-image-18018\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>According to statistics from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wedinsights.com\/report\/weddingwire-newlywed-report-covid\">2021 WeddingWire Newlywed Report<\/a>, 53% of couples had already come close to planning their entire event before they had to modify or postpone their 2020 wedding day.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For those who continued with their big day, 45% went as far as changing their wedding venue. Outdoor weddings saw an increase, with nearly 60% of receptions fully or partially outside, compared to 43% in 2019.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For that reason, it&#8217;s important to note that your initial wedding plans may take some significant change to ensure you are staying safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-follow-the-appropriate-restrictions-and-guidelines\"><strong>Follow the Appropriate Restrictions and Guidelines<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The first thing to consider while planning a wedding during COVID is to follow all appropriate restrictions and guidelines. You should be aware of all case numbers and current restrictions in your city leading up to your wedding day.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Two recommendations from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/emergencies\/diseases\/novel-coronavirus-2019\/advice-for-public\">World Health Organization<\/a> (WHO) include&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Keeping one metre of distance between yourself and others while outdoors and further while indoors<\/li><li>Highly encourage mask-wearing as a regular part of being around others<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For that reason, it may be best to find a large enough venue outdoors and encourage your guests to wear masks while in attendance.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If it seems like planning a wedding during COVID might not work for what you had initially planned for your big day, it&#8217;s okay to postpone your wedding. Find out whether you can rearrange guests and vendors. If you&#8217;d prefer, perhaps it&#8217;s good to get legally hitched as a pair but celebrate with loved ones at a later date.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-find-appropriate-vendors-and-venues\"><strong>Find Appropriate Vendors and Venues<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>According to WeddingWire, the average number of vendors that couples hired was 12. From photographers to hairstylists, many people can help make your wedding day a lot less stressful. The question is, what changes do you have to make to ensure that all guidelines are being followed and that everyone, vendors included, is comfortable? The same survey found that there were many changes to vendor teams and the overall scope of work to accomplish this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some considerations for couples and their vendors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>How vendors will serve food to guests<\/li><li>Seating arrangements that allow for appropriate spacing between guests<\/li><li>The process for cleaning and disinfection of utensils and high-touch surfaces<\/li><li>Ensure there is suitable ventilation indoors or outdoors under a tent<\/li><li>Know who is responsible for physical barriers and guidelines for guests<\/li><li>Avoid the use of communal spaces&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s important to ask as many questions as you can to feel comfortable with the vendors you are hiring. This is especially important given you may not meet your vendors in person before the wedding day.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although it may feel like a lot to remember, 78% of couples felt the vendors they worked with did well to accommodate their clients.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-be-open-with-your-guests-and-set-boundaries\"><strong>Be Open With Your Guests and Set Boundaries<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Your guest list may be much smaller than you originally anticipated, but that doesn&#8217;t mean you don&#8217;t need to do any less communicating. Keep in mind that although you may still want to forge ahead with your wedding planning during COVID, many others may not feel comfortable attending any events during the pandemic.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s imperative to allow a judgment-free zone in both directions so that both you and your guests feel free to make the best decisions for them, so long as everyone is following the proper guidelines.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To make this idea feel like more of a reality, here are some ways to set boundaries:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Remind guests to remember their masks leading up to the big day<\/li><li>Encourage frequent hand-washing, and have hand sanitizer available<\/li><li>Socially-distance as much as you can leading up to the wedding<\/li><li>Monitor symptoms and be forgiving of last-minute cancellations<\/li><li>Remind guests to respect all guidelines and the vendors<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>It might be helpful to include a list of precautions and safety recommendations along with your wedding invitations. You can never be too prepared while planning a wedding during a pandemic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-carry-more-than-enough-personal-protective-equipment-for-you-and-your-guests\"><strong>Carry More Than Enough Personal Protective Equipment for You and Your Guests<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Another great way to ensure that boundaries are set is to provide all of your guests with personal protective equipment (PPE) on the day of your wedding. Having disposable masks and hand sanitizer can be especially helpful and may also be a great favour option if you are still looking for appropriate ideas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"3500\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/plan-you-wedding-step-by-step-1-1024x3500.png\" alt=\"How to plan a wedding during the pandemic\" class=\"wp-image-18019\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"<strong&gt;how-two-women-managed-to-have-successful-and-safe-covid-19-wedding-days<\/strong&gt;\"><strong>How Two Women Managed to Have Successful and Safe COVID-19 Wedding Days<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re still not sure whether a COVID wedding is for you, here are a couple of stories that may change your mind or help you with the decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-an-intimate-forest-fairytale\"><strong>An Intimate Forest Fairytale<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Alice Jennings and her partner had their COVID wedding on September 12, 2020. The pair were married at an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/ottawa-real-estate\">Ottawa<\/a> venue called Le Manoir de la For\u00eat. Their small guest list of 12 of their closest friends and family made the day feel exceptional \u2014 and safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They spent the entire day outside, and all venue activities included social distancing. You were to sit with your own household and wear a mask when standing.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Our wedding cost about 13,000,&#8221; says Jennings. &#8220;That includes everything from rings to drinks.&#8221; With an original wedding budget of $20,000, Jennings felt they did a great job to save money and still have the day they wanted. However \u2014 that doesn&#8217;t mean this was exactly what they had planned.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;My family is from Europe. I am the only one living in Canada,&#8221; says Jennings. &#8220;We had planned for 75 guests or so with my family members flying in and my husband&#8217;s large family from Ottawa, but due to COVID-19, none of my family members were (physically) present, and only my husband&#8217;s close family attended.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead, Jennings had a live feed going that was available to the missing guests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her advice? Determine how strict you want to be regarding taking health precautions and communicate that with your guests. &#8220;We were very clear about what we were comfortable with ahead of time so that we didn&#8217;t have to do that the day of,&#8221; says Jennings. &#8220;There was no confusion for the guests.&#8221;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although she was so happy with her wedding, Jennings says she, of course, would have loved to have her family and more guests attend. &#8220;We wanted to get married in 2020 and didn&#8217;t feel like postponing for years,&#8221; says Jennings. &#8220;In a way, COVID-19 allowed us to scrap all preconceptions of what a wedding looks like and make it our own thing.&#8221;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-avoiding-another-reschedule-in-the-name-of-love\"><strong>Avoiding Another Reschedule in the Name of Love<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Covid-friendly-wedding-couple-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Wedding during the covid-19 epidemic\" class=\"wp-image-18023\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>On February 27, 2021, Erin Fitzpatrick of Ottawa, Ontario, married her now-husband after postponing once already. &#8220;There were 20 people in attendance for both the ceremony and dinner,&#8221; says Fitzpatrick. The wedding guests included both immediate families and our small friend group. For remaining guests, there was a live stream of the ceremony portion of the evening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The day itself cost Fitzpatrick and her partner $8,000, not including some lost deposits or expenses they had previously paid for their first wedding date, like invitations.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;All in all, the wedding day itself felt much less impacted than the entire process of wedding planning during COVID,&#8221; says Fitzpatrick. &#8220;Maybe it was us being resigned to the fact that this would just be something we had to account for in our day, but I don&#8217;t think we felt a lot of negativity about it at the time, nor did the few guests we had.&#8221;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The hardest part for the couple was giving up the special day they would have otherwise celebrated with all of their extended family. They also couldn&#8217;t leave out the more traditional wedding events that they missed, such as pre-wedding parties, a honeymoon, and of course, a dance floor.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her advice? Find people in the same situation as you are. &#8220;Talking things out with people that understood, and were in the trenches changing plans last minute or waiting on more information like us, made a huge difference,&#8221; says Fitzpatrick. &#8220;Listening to how other people were planning and navigating helped us plan for our day.&#8221;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Even though vendors and the industry as a whole have been hit hard, they want to work with you and help you if they can.&#8221;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Safety should be your top priority during the big day<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":22,"featured_media":18017,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"guide":[],"class_list":["post-18016","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lifestyle"],"acf":[],"zolo_excerpt":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18016","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/22"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18016"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18016\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19930,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18016\/revisions\/19930"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18017"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18016"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18016"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18016"},{"taxonomy":"guide","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/guide?post=18016"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}