The pandemic had a marked effect on the wedding industry. The events of the past two years have forced everyone to re-evaluate the way we approach these special events. From suppliers to engaged couples there have been many learnings that are still relevant even as the industry returns to normal. From what constitutes a suitable venue to how we plan and adapt to unforeseen circumstances, there is so much Covid-19 has taught us, and while there have been many challenges, we see this as an opportunity to take stock of how we approach things. This article explores some of these learnings, both positive and negative and we hope that it can help you get the most out of your special day.
Number 1: Bigger Isn’t Always Better
One of the most stressful aspects of wedding planning is deciding on the guest list. Who makes the cut, and who gets cut? Do you invite that aunt you met once when you were five years old, and never saw again? The weddings that did take place during the pandemic often featured greatly reduced guest lists, with just the most essential people present. While there is a lot to be said for large-scale weddings, a smaller wedding also has its advantages. They are more affordable, more intimate, and far easier to plan.
Number 2: Second Time Around
The wedding dress is one of the most archetypal aspects of any wedding ceremony, and finding the right one that fits your body, and your budget can be one of the most challenging parts of wedding planning. With smaller weddings becoming the norm in the pandemic, more brides than ever are choosing pre-loved wedding dresses. Because it is an item you wear once, there are many boutiques who specialise in this, and the large variety means you can still find one that matches your vision.
Number 3: Read The Fine Print
While there shouldn’t be anymore Covid restrictions in the immediate future, one very expensive lesson many couples were forced to learn related to cancellations. Not just for venues, but for honeymoons and other forms of wedding-related travel. While everyone wants their wedding to be a perfect day, free of stress and worry, this is seldom the case, and it really pays to look into the policies of your venue and suppliers to make sure you have security if something unforeseen happens.
Number 4: Marriage Is A Journey, Not A Destination
Probably the biggest lesson to come out of the pandemic for couples was the need for compromise. It is one thing to have a clear vision for your perfect day and something completely different to refuse to take reality into account. While the nature of compromises may be different now, the principles of listening to your partner and taking their opinions and feelings into account are universal and are good preparation for life after your big day.
Number 5: There Are Only Two People Who Are Essential
At the end of the day a wedding is about the union of two people who love each other and have chosen to spend the rest of their lives together. Everything else is gravy. It doesn’t matter if it is over zoom, or in a church with 500 guests, the meaning of the day for those two people is not diminished.
Number 6: Start Early
Like many of the things on this list this was born of necessity but will probably become a feature of many weddings going forward. Traditional weddings start in the afternoon and last late into the evening. And while this time frame allows for attendees to experience a ceremony followed by a night of food, wine, and dance, it does mean that only certain venues can accommodate you and that costs can quickly ramp up. During the pandemic, many couples chose to have their wedding earlier in the day and have a more relaxed after-party with close friends and family. Not only does this keep costs down, but also prevents your drunk uncle from trying to keep the dance floor open when the venue is ready to close. Be sure to stay on top of your wedding planning with our Wedding Planner Notebook.
Number 7: Perfect Venue
Following on from the point above, the pandemic also allowed many couples to consider alternative venues. With churches and wine farms being off-limits and many traditional venues shutting down temporarily, many couples started looking for alternative venues. Places like restaurants, gardens of friends and even the beach became the new go-to venues and allowed for weddings that were unique and memorable.
Number 8: Don’t Compromise On Your Photographer
This article is largely about deciding what is essential and what is nice to have. However, one service provider you shouldn’t compromise on is the photographer. No matter the scale, venue, time, or catering choices you make, the memories of your special day are ones you would want to keep forever. Having someone who can capture your day beautifully is still a wedding must-have.
Number 9: Paperless Weddings
The wedding invitation is one of those traditions that we take for granted. It is a lovely touch that brings a tactile dimension to your big day. But even before the pandemic, we saw the rise of online invitation services. There are many good reasons for this, not least of which is the ability to instantly send your invitation to everyone who needs to get it without the danger of it getting lost in the mail and organise your guest list and registry through these applications, which brings us to our next lesson.
Number 10: A Wedding Registry Is Still The Best Way To Prepare For Newlywed Life
No matter the size or cost of your wedding, a wedding gift registry is still an essential part of the planning process. Even if your guest list is smaller, or your destination is out of town, many people will still want to give you something to show their joy at your union, and a registry let’s you guide friends and family towards the things you need. It is a great bonding tool for bride and groom as you start the journey of your ever after together. Visit our Wedding Gift Registry to start planning your special day.
