Weddings During A Time Of Crisis

All around the world, brides-to-be are realizing that their weddings might look a lot different from the one’s they’ve had planned in their head. Travel restrictions are affecting the availability of friends, family, and loved ones across the globe. Social distancing has effectively cancelled large group gatherings. And the future of small businesses - the backbone of the wedding industry - are very uncertain at this time. If you had a summer wedding on the schedule for 2020, it’s safe to say that the global COVID-19 pandemic is probably going to alter your plans. Although disappointing, this doesn’t have to completely ruin your big day. There are still plenty of ways to tie the knot that don’t have to be spoiled by the unfortunate events going on in the world. Here are our tips on planning a weddings during a time of crisis:

Opt for a Smaller Ceremony

Sure, maybe you’ve always dreamed of an over-the-top wedding with hundreds of your closest friends and family in attendance. With group gatherings currently cancelled, however, it might be time to think about putting together a (much) smaller and more intimate nuptial celebration. In light of current events, plenty of brides are trading in their large soiree for cute courthouse weddings instead. Often attended only by the bride, groom, and a witness, you and your partner can still head down to the courthouse on your original wedding date and say your “I Dos” in front of the justice of the peace. For a reception, consider ordering a lavish meal from a local restaurant. Then, create a romantic candlelit room in your home where you can enjoy it together as an officially wedded couple. While it may not be the room full of people you imagined, this intimate moment is an excellent substitute and will ensure you still come away with a night you’ll never forget.

Perks of a More Intimate Wedding

- Endless Romance

For many brides and grooms, their wedding goes by in the blink of an eye. Most couples claim that their wedding day was so hurried and hectic that they barely got to enjoy the meal - much less a moment together as a new couple. Opting for a more intimate gathering means you’ll get to focus your complete attention on your wedding, your partner, and your future together.

- A Different Aesthetic

Whirlwind wedding days are often incredibly lavish. Filled with elaborate table settings, flower arrangements, and princess-style dresses, these traditional components tend to take on a life of their own. An intimate wedding, however, allows you to pair back on unnecessary design elements and create a more streamlined aesthetic.

The money you save on these traditional wedding “necessities” can also be used to treat yourself to a more lavish, intimate affair. Splurge on an expensive wine to toast to the occasion in the comfort of your home - then buy a second bottle to open on your first anniversary. Order elegant champagne flutes to commemorate the day. Use the money you save on décor to deck out your dining room or backyard in a flourish of candles or café lights. Your money will go much farther at home than it ever would in a large-scale venue.

- An Unforgettable Memory

The global pandemic isn’t very exciting at the moment. However, think of how romantic love stories are in the face of crisis. The letters our grandparents exchanged while separated by War are now cherished tokens that symbolize their undying love. Stories of families pulling through hard times together are always extra special. It may be hard to see at the time, but telling your grandchildren about your intimate wedding in the face of a global crisis will create an unforgettable story that will undoubtedly be passed down through the generations.

Keep Friends & Family Involved

One of the worst parts about postponing or cancelling your wedding is not being surrounded by friends and family. Luckily, video calls and online conferencing can allow you to virtually connect with loved ones. This allows them to be “present” at your wedding, even if they can’t actually be in the same room.

- Video Conferencing

Times like these remind us just how grateful we should be for modern technology. Even if we can’t be in the same room as our friends and family, the internet makes it easy to instantly connect with loved ones from around the globe. This allows everyone to stay safely indoors during the pandemic without losing touch with the people who they appreciate the most. If you’re looking to switch up your wedding plans but still want your parents, siblings, or best friends to be part of your big day, there are plenty of online resources that allow you to do just that. Popular online platform Zoom allows a large number of family, friends, or colleagues to create a video conference. Or, utilize apps like Facetime or Skype to chat with friends and family around the world.

- Ask Them For Advice

Another fun way to keep your family and friends present in your new marriage is to ask for their advice. Reach out to your closest friends and family via email and ask each one to come up with their best marriage advice or ways to keep your relationship fresh. Once everyone has responded, use their input to create a beautifully bound book. This way, you’ll have a tangible item filled with words of wisdom that you would have otherwise received in passing at your wedding.

Don’t Let It Get You Down

Positive thinking is paramount for everyone in the world right now. Even though we are in the midst of troubled times, there are some things that are more important than a big wedding. As much as this crisis may have rained on your parade, remember that altering or postponing your wedding plans is a selfless measure that will keep everyone around you safe.

If you’re looking for ways to lift your spirits or retain some normalcy, try out these ideas:

- Photography Sessions (That Maintain Social Distance)

The part of their wedding that most brides-to-be look forward to is the gorgeous photography. After all, what’s better than breathtaking pictures of you and your new spouse dressed to the nines? While you may not be able to enjoy a traditional wedding photography session, many photographers are now putting their zoom lenses to use and taking portraits at a safe social distance. It doesn’t matter if you want to use these as your wedding photos or just have a fun excuse to get dolled up - Contact photographers in your area to see if they’re still offering photo shoots. Because many photographers are small business owners, they’ll probably be as happy to take your photo (from 6-feet away of course) as you are to pose for them.

-Practice Mindfulness

There’s a popular saying - “If we all tossed our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.” What this means is that even though things might seem bleak at the moment, our problems are often minimal compared to other people’s. Sure, cancelling or postponing a wedding is incredibly unfortunate, and you should allow yourself time to grieve the loss of your original plans. With that said, try to keep everything in your life within perspective. People around the world are being faced with various hardships. COVID-19 has claimed the lives of thousands of people around the globe. Many small business owners are having a difficult time keeping their doors open. Lots of people woke up one morning and found themselves without a job or a way to support their family. Yes, a wedding is an important, once-in-a-lifetime event - but if you currently have your health, a roof over your head, and food on your table, you have plenty to be thankful for.

- Look Towards The Future

Although it may not seem like it at the moment, this crisis will be but a mere memory in a few short years. Every bad thing must come to an end, and someday you’ll look back on this strange period of time with wonder. Sure, your marriage may be starting during a dismal period…but there are plenty of years ahead of you that are still worth looking forward to. To combat this crisis, look towards the future. Future celebrations and milestones - your anniversary or the birth of your first child, for example - are sure to take place in a happier social climate. The way that your marriage starts doesn’t have any effect on the years that are to come. Focus on making the best of this situation and remember all of the incredible things that are still on the horizon.

Treat Yourself To A Fantastic Dress

One of the easiest and quickest ways to feel like a bride is to dress up in a gorgeous gown. An over-the-top princess dress might not be the best match for your intimate ceremony. An exquisite vintage-style gown, however, just might be the perfect pick. The following dresses have a timeless aesthetic that will make you feel like a bride no matter the situation: Elizabeth Vintage Style Wedding Gown in Ivory by Nataya Galina Gown in White Siren Gown in White