Looking to Get Married in 2021? Here’s 3 Ways You Can Have Your Wedding Cake and Eat it too, While Keeping Safety a Priority!
Wedding planning is already a daunting process for most. The year 2020 was a year like no other. People everywhere had their lives turned upside down by COVID-19. One community that suffered a lot of disappointment over the past year was the wedding community. Brides and grooms everywhere found themselves having to make a lot of tough decisions when it came to whether or not they should, or could, still have their weddings. While some couples made the choice to go forth with their original plan, or even hosted a micro wedding for those closest to them, others were left with no choice in the matter and had to cancel their big day.
The good news is, we’ve made it to 2021 and there is plenty of hope on the horizon. If you’re a bride or groom planning to tie the knot this year, you may be feeling a mix of emotions and that is totally okay. Although many of the guidelines have loosened or been lifted, it’s not a bad idea to take the necessary precautions in order to play it safe on your big day. Below, we’re sharing a few ideas for couples who are looking to make their 2021 wedding the best, and safest, day ever.
Communicate With Your Venue
Keeping in constant communication with your venue allows you to stay up to date on anything and everything they’re doing in order to ensure your day runs smoothly and safely. Because each area of the country is in different phases when it comes to guidelines, you never know when things could change. If your venue has a wedding coordinator, be up front with them in terms of how you feel when it comes to the safety of you and your guests. You’ll also want to make sure that you and your partner are complying with the guidelines set in place by your venue.
For example, if you’re hoping to dance the night away with your guests, but your venue is only allowing a certain number of people on the dance floor at a time, you’ll need to shift your plan a bit. Communication with your venue is an important part of wedding planning in general, but with the addition of social distancing guidelines and other COVID-specific protocols into the mix, you’ll want to be especially on top of things!
Consider Your Guests
While this day is meant to be all about you and your significant other, your guest list should be taken into consideration throughout the planning process. This holds especially true in the world we’re living in currently. While you may have to face the fact that some of the people on your invite list won’t feel comfortable attending, you should have a plan for those who will be attending in person.
There are several things you’ll want to do to keep them safe on your big day. First, urge them to wear a mask, or at least bring one along with them, this way when they are within six feet of others, they’ll feel somewhat protected. Speaking of being close to others, be conscious of your seating arrangements and try your best to keep families who live in the same home together at a table, as they’ve been around each other all along. Other steps you can take include spacing tables out, serving meals family-style in order to avoid long lines, and even providing mini hand sanitizers for every guest as part of the wedding favor. Whatever measures of precaution you choose, know that your guests will appreciate you going the extra mile to put their safety first.
Guest Participation
It’s heartbreaking to think that some of your closest friends and family members will not be able to be there with you physically on this important day. However, with a little creativity, you can make sure they are just as much a part of the celebration as those who are there in person. When you send out your invitations, include a link so your guests who feel more comfortable at home can still witness you say “I do” via livestream. An app like Zoom allows you to create a conference room for up to 100 people.
If it’s not too stressful and the guest list isn’t too large, utilize an alcohol delivery service to bring those watching from home a bottle of bubbly, a craft beer pack, or a case of hard seltzer. Regardless of your drink choice, everyone can feel included and a virtual cheers is better than no cheers at all!
Take Care of You
Everyone is doing their best to navigate this new normal we’re living in. When it comes to planning for your big day, all you can do is stay positive and hope for the best. While 2020 left many brides and grooms in a situation they never could have imagined when they set their wedding date, the entire country seems to be heading in a positive direction and things are finally looking up.
Planning for a wedding is stressful no matter what, but there are several things you can do to keep those anxious feelings at bay. Exercise is a fantastic way to combat stress and release some of those happy endorphins to help you forget about any chaos that may be going on. If working up a sweat via exercise doesn’t appeal to you, consider visiting a sauna and relax while you release the toxins from your body. For more on how you can keep your wellness on track, check out these tips.
Love Doesn’t Stop
Separating yourself from the wedding planning, especially if things are uncertain, is a great way to recharge and keep a positive mindset. Allow others, whether it’s your wedding planner or bridal party to help out with small tasks in order to take some things off your plate. Although you may feel guilty, remember they are there to help you when you’re feeling overwhelmed. The last thing you want is to become so burnt out that you end up sick on your important day. Letting your body and mind rest will keep you in a good head space and help you maintain your sanity throughout the planning process.
Couples planning a 2021 wedding have every right to feel somewhat uneasy when they think about what they’re event will look like. However, with the right mindset and the proper safety precautions, they can rest assured that although their day may look different than they once imagined, it will still be equally as special. Did you just get engaged and are thinking about a 2021 wedding date? If so, check out this guide to help you navigate next steps!
