A Guide to Planning a Wedding During a Pandemic

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1). Start by setting the expectation that you might have to change things up a few times! I have learned from a great deal of brides recently that nothing is set in stone: the date, the venue, the amount of people there. But try to focus on the constant during this time, which is the one  you are marrying!

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2). Realizing that what is right for you and your fiancé, might not be what every other bride friend of yours is doing. This one is IMPORTANT! As women we always compare ourselves to each other... whether it’s regarding our hair, our makeup,etc. , it is inevitably going to happen. During this season in your life I suggest trying really hard to focus on just what is right for you and the one you are marrying. Sure people might judge you or question “why are you waiting” or “why did you get married so soon”, but don’t let those opinions bog you down. Instead, remember that the world is turned upside down right now & if you can accomplish planning a wedding during this time you are incredible for that.

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3). THE DRESS- yes of course I have to talk about the dress, because... well.... it’s kinda my thing! If you have already said yes to your dress then GO YOU! And congrats I’m sure it’s going to be stunning on you! If you have not found the one yet and are getting married in 2020/2021 don’t panic. Yes, some dresses are manufactured in China. Heck most of them are. But no this does not mean your dress is going to have Covid on it. The dresses arrive to us from the manufacturer and then we steam & press the dresses with each arrival. If the virus did live on a piece of fabric, this would allow ample amount of time for it to leave the material. If time frame is your worry right now, let me set that straight! Lots of designers are open back up and allowing rush orders, which is great for those who need a dress fast! Also we have TONS of dresses in stock that we would be happy to sell to you off the floor! There are options to get you a dress quick for that wedding girl, no need to worry.

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4). Who to invite?! As if it isn’t hard enough making the guest list... now you have to cut the list in half! How does one decide who to invite to such a special life moment? Here are some tips I have for you! A) Have you talked to them in the last 6 months? B) Have you talked to them in the last 3 months? C) Will you still know them in a year? D) Do they know both the groom and the bride? These are all GREAT questions to ask when deciding who to invite to your big day, especially if there is a limit set by the state/ venue! Understand that people might get their feelings hurt, but remember that this moment isn’t about them it’s about the two of you! 
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5). Remember to breathe. Throughout the past couple of months I have seen some stressed brides. There’s been tears shed, disheartened stories of change of plans shared, and frantic resolutions made. Whenever I come in contact with a bride I can tell is anxious the first thing I tell her is “breathe, it’s going to be okay. At the end of the day you will be married” When I say this most of the time I see the bride physically take a deep long breath and look at me with a sigh of relief. If you are staring at your wedding binder and find yourself getting anxious I want you to picture me telling you “breathe, it’s going to be okay”. Listen I totally get it planning a wedding is hard, stressful, nerve wracking. Adding a pandemic into the mix doesn’t make it any easier. But it isn’t worth you becoming SO worked up over. Don’t forget to breathe.
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6). & lastly remember you aren’t at this alone! Lean on those surrounding you. Your fiancé, your bridesmaids, your mom, your family, your wedding coordinator. Communicate with your fiancé during this time to make sure you are both on the same page of what you want! Ask your wedding coordinator if they feel comfortable with what you have planned and if not get ideas from them on a different route to take. Friends if you know a bride planning a wedding right now, send her a care package, FaceTime her to check in, send her a funny meme... she needs it more than you know! Brides: don’t think you’re at this alone, you’ve got a whole support system right beside you holding your hand during this journey!