Planning a wedding is notoriously stressful; between finding the perfect dress and the
ultimate DJ, it’s hard to find time for much else. With restrictions on gathering size,
social distancing, and traveling, the age of COVID-19 certainly hasn’t made it any
easier, but don’t worry! Nothing can take away the magic of your big day; you might just
have to make a few adjustments.
Your wedding is about celebrating the love you’ve found and telling your story in the way
you want others to hear. How you choose to do that is entirely up to you, but a global
pandemic might need to have a say in the where.
Let’s Start with the Guest List
With consideration to your city’s local regulations – and the venue size you’re
considering, of course – it’s time to start the guest list! Start with your closest family and
friends, and go from there. In this day and age, people are more than understanding
about not being added to your final guest list, and a smaller ceremony is the easiest
way to keep yourself and your loved ones safe and comfortable.
Micro-weddings have their own appeal: more affordable catering, smaller venues, and a
more intimate ceremony. But if you’ve been dreaming of a big wedding your whole life,
there are still options out there. Consider an outdoor venue with social distanced
seating or a hybrid wedding – live streamed for friends, neighbors, and extended family –
depending on what you need.
Look for Venues with Safety Guidelines
Your venue should meet local safety guidelines and your personal needs! Whether
you’re looking for a grand ballroom or a small brickyard garden, there’s a space just
waiting for you to make your mark on it. Finding the right one is as simple as asking a
few questions.
Many venues have sanitation processes in place, and you should ask your tour guide to
explain them to you. You’ll also want to inquire about their masking requirements, social
distanced seating plans, and max capacity. Once you find the right one, you can narrow
down or expand your guest list as needed. Just be sure to fill your guests in on your
venue’s requirements!
Communicate Your Needs to Your Vendors
The most important thing about your wedding day is the moment you say “I do!”, but
that first bite of wedding cake is a close second. With restaurants shutting their doors for months last year, caterers are excited to get back to work! You’ll just want to make sure
they’ve done it safely.
Communication is an essential part of the vendor relationship. Talk to your vendors
about your concerns. The good ones will be more than willing to help ease your mind in
any way they can. If a vendor isn’t willing to work within your venue’s guidelines, they’re
probably not the one for you. Luckily, there are hundreds of options, and you don’t need
to settle for less than perfect!
Take Advantage of Zoom
Wedding traditions have been evolving for thousands of years, and this globally striking
curveball has changed the way we expect to attend. Don’t be afraid to hybridize your
wedding by including distant and immunocompromised loved ones online. Services like
Zoom, Skype, and Discord offer a new option: marriage via stream. Even Facebook
Live has seen an uptick in vows since 2019!
Streaming your wedding allows guests that may not feel comfortable attending in the
flesh a unique opportunity to share the moment with you. A cellphone on a tripod may
not be the most romantic idea, but it’s certainly an affordable one. Consider a
videographer with experience live streaming footage for an extra special result.
Don’t Forget to Enjoy Yourself!
COVID-19 may have caused a few bumps in the road, but nothing could take away from
the journey you’re embarking on. You can still spend hours finding that perfect dress,
choosing colors and decor, and basking in the whirlwind of excitement. Sharing your life
with someone is something worth celebrating.
This day is about celebrating the love that you’ve found and the life that you’re building.
Don’t forget it!
If you’re looking for a luxury wedding venue in Miami that can meet your needs, schedule a tour with the Club of Knights today!
