Planning a wedding was labor intensive before coronavirus became a common phrase. Now in the throes of a pandemic, couples may feel like they’re spending even more time making sure they have a memorable day that they enjoy.
According to the Knot, 93% of couples with wedding dates planned during the spring and summer months have not rescheduled their big day or opted not to make any changes yet. But that’s not to say that the wedding landscape, which has often been referred to as recession-proof, hasn’t changed given that the COVID-19 situation evolves daily.
Kristen Maxwell Cooper, editor in chief of The Knot, said that could mean couples holding mini ceremonies or marrying now to keep their original wedding date and having the big wedding later. Bridal salons hosting virtual consultations are already taking place. Bridget Rogers, managing coordinator with local boutique wedding and event planning firm Shannon Gail, said she’s seen a lot of vendors taking on more than one wedding a weekend during the prime season in 2021 to accommodate every couple.
“Time will tell, but the wedding industry has some of the most creative people working and bringing these things to life and they are adapting and pivoting and finding ways to still throw weddings for people because ultimately couples still want to celebrate their love and they want to do so surrounded by friends and family.” said Cooper,
We talked with Cooper and Rogers, and Susan Cordogan, founder of Chicago event planning company Big City Bride, about ways to do a wedding during a pandemic for those “to-be-weds.” The interviews have been condensed and edited.
On how COVID-19 will change traditional wedding days:
Rogers: This has forced people to move away from the traditional Saturday celebration and get creative with restructuring their wedding weekends. Hosting a wedding on a Thursday or Friday can be a simple and more cost-effective way to celebrate in your preferred venue of choice with more options for vendors as well. Couples can make the most out of the following days as well, such as continuing the celebration the day after the wedding on a Friday or Saturday with a fun Farewell Brunch, or a laid-back outdoor picnic.
Cooper: I think we’ll also see the wedding season starting to expand a little bit. It was very much between May and October, but I think we’ll start to see couples who are exploring some of those other months, whether it’s January or December just to get married.
Cordogan: Even the most eager couples are pushing their celebrations to 2021 due to restrictions on gathering. Obviously, weekend dates are limited so those wishing to marry on a 2021 weekend may find themselves having to wait until 2022 for a Saturday.
On having to change your wedding attire because you had to move your date:
Cooper: You might have been working with a summer color palate and now you’re getting married in December. So, in those cases, we just say go with what you have. You have planned a wedding. Forget the seasons and do what was planned for you and your fiance. If you were wearing a sleeveless or strapless dress because you were getting married in the summer and now that you’re getting married in December. Maybe find a nice shawl, or fun leather jacket with “just married” on the back.
On masks, gloves and hand sanitizer becoming the new wedding favors:
Rogers: Clean and safe options for guests attending the event is a huge concern. Options to alleviate some of these worries could include hand sanitizing stations throughout the space, a “mask bar” with a variety of face masks tying into your wedding aesthetic, such as black tie masks for a formal affair or gingham masks for a rustic outdoor wedding. Couples could also have some fun and have some vibrant masks for dancing featuring sequins, etc.
Cordogan: Guest amenities such as wipes, hand sanitizer — these practices will likely continue as time goes on. The traditional receiving line, where guests greet the newlyweds with hugs and kisses, should be omitted since it creates an awkward environment for social distancing.
On food options, indoor venues, etc., changing given physical distancing concerns:
Rogers: Instead of a traditional plated meal or buffet, a fun option could be to have unique stations featuring smaller portions that are prepackaged. This could include your favorite foods as a couple, prewrapped street tacos, noodles in takeout containers or grab-and-go sweet treats!
Cooper: Perhaps you were looking for a venue that was all inside, but now you’re looking for a venue that’s got an inside/outside option (to eliminate guests feeling confined). Talking with your vendors and figuring out how they can adapt original plans, contracts … it’s really about sitting down with your vendors and really having those conversations.
Cordogan: Another option is a well-done, covered boxed meal … think bento box-style. This can provide high-level safety and guest reassurance by offering meals that have been prepared and sealed in a sanitary environment. The boxes can be designed to match your decor or wedding vibe. The seal on each box can detail the menu provisions and the special safety measures used in food prep. Wedding cake is a staple, but instead of doing one large edible cake, serve mini-wedding cakes or even cupcakes that have been prepared and sealed on site at the bakery.
On health and safety being paramount:
Cordogan: There are plenty of ways to “value engineer” safe practices. For example, instead of passing champagne, serve individual bottles of bubbly with sealed twist-off tops. Wine, beer and even mixed cocktails come prepackaged. These “drink displays” can eliminate the exposure that comes with a traditional bar/bartender style beverage service. Couples can implement special seating areas for the ceremony, cocktail hour and dinner/dancing for guests who wish to keep their distance from the rest of the party. These areas can be affectionately referred to as “VIP” viewing areas. Don’t trade safety for savings. It’s better to reduce the size and scope of your event rather than cut corners on sanitation practices.
Cooper: Take the pulse of your guests: What can you do to make sure they feel safe at your event? Whether that’s offering standing room at your ceremony so that people can sort of put distance between themselves at the ceremony. Maybe you planned to have a buffet, but now it’s plated dinners, so there’s not so many people gathering around the food. Safety and health first and foremost is going to make the celebration as fun and comfortable for everyone. We’ve been encouraging couples to create an FAQ section on their wedding website about what additional health and safety precautions they are taking as hosts of the event.
On Zoom ever going away:
Cooper: People who were expecting a lot of guests traveling from out of town pre-COVID-19, will see less people willing to travel for one reason or another. I don’t think it will take over weddings, but I do think that more and more couples will be looking for ways to add a virtual component.