Be willing to be flexible and try to only worry about what you can control.
While many couples postponed their events this summer (and were disappointed in doing so) there were some couples that said: “on with the show!” We revisited with a few couples who carried on with their wedding during a pandemic to find out how their celebration went. Sure, their weddings needed to be tweaked a bit. But with social distancing rules upheld and other considerations, we felt it would be helpful for those of you planning your weddings to learn how these turned out. If anything, you’ll hear what worked, what didn’t, and how you can adjust your plans accordingly to ensure the joyous event you always dreamed of.
Alaina & Jake: September 19, 2020
Photos by Taryn Collins Photography
While Alaina was so happy she went through with her wedding during a pandemic, there was one special person that was unable to attend. “I do wish that my grandma was able to be there. With COVID, she was unable to leave her nursing facility. But my mom made me a special garter with material from her dress. She was able to be there in another way, and that was so special.”
While she really has few regrets, something other couples can learn from her experience is that “as the night went on, less and less people were following COVID-19 guidelines. So I do wish I asked the DJ to remind the guests to do their best to help follow guidelines.”
She does follow that up with, “But overall, it was amazing! I think the biggest positive is that we were able to have a relatively normal wedding day, which I thought would be near impossible. Plus, it’s kind of neat to say we were able to get hitched during a global pandemic. The way we saw it, you have to do what you and your fiancé want. There is some guilt that was associated with going through with it, but everyone who chooses to RSVP ‘yes’ to a wedding in 2020/2021, knows the risks associated with going and that is their responsibility. I would say, just keep moving forward as best you can. I couldn’t have imagined a better day.”
Laura & Jordan: August 22, 2020
Photos by Carol Jayne Photography
Laura & Jordan had a wedding that guests especially appreciated because they had put a pause on social gatherings, making this wedding all the more celebratory. “Looking back, I feel that my wedding day went really well, it was a truly magical day. I think for many people it was the only summer event that they had really been to and it was on a mountain in New Hampshire with lots of fresh air and just a way to relax and have a good time celebrating love.”
The couple was pleasantly surprised by how many people accepted their invitations to attend the wedding. Some had COVID concerns and left early, but were still there to witness the wedding. Others had to miss it altogether, but given the situation, while they were missed, it was understood. The bride concludes that the key to a successful wedding during COVID is flexibility, “If you really want to get married there are so many creative ways to make it work during the pandemic, but you also have to know that a lot of things can be changed at any given moment. As long as you can be okay with adapting if necessary then it will all work out.”
Andrea & Scott: October 10, 2020
Photos by Bri Rose Photography and Sophisticated Grace Photography
This couple had no regrets, “We could not have asked for a more perfect fall day!! It was lovely and it was so nice to be outside! We enjoyed being in the moment and just relied on help from our family and friends. It was so nice to finally enjoy the day after months of planning and changes.” One idea the couple tweaked for their wedding was that they had guestbook cards rather than one guest book for all to sign. Not only hygienically smart but also a keepsake, “The cards had questions on them and those have been so much fun to read!”
Andrea did have some helpful advice for couples willing to plan during the pandemic, “Be willing to be flexible and try to only worry about what you can control. We knew that not all of our family and friends could come to the wedding and we knew that people have different comfort levels with COVID. We really tried to be respectful to whatever people felt comfortable with but ultimately, we wanted to get married. Just know that you will have to make changes and keep in contact with your vendors on updated COVID policies.”
