Couples all around the globe are facing the reality of planning a wedding during the COVID-19 pandemic, and with it comes a whole new set of stressors during an already highly emotional time.
Over the past several months, the team at Greenwood Springs Event Center in Joplin have had to make tough decisions in order to keep our couples, employees, and families safe and healthy.
Most importantly, we want you to know that, at the very least, you aren’t alone. The wedding industry and it’s couples have been hit hard. Venues are closing, vendors are cancelling reservations, and couples all around the world have having to shift to Plan B during their wedding planning.
So below we wanted to offer up a few tips on how to make your Plan B feel even more magical than your Plan A.
Re-Examine Your Priorities
In a time where the traditional ceremony, cocktail hour, reception playbook flies out the window, now is the opportunity to take another look at your planned wedding day and re-evaluate what’s really important to you.
Is there something you were planning on your big day that didn’t 100% represent you and your partner? Now is the time to throw it out and focus on creating a truly meaningful, memorable experience.
Since COVID-19 isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, we are in what the wedding industry is calling a “make-it-work” moment – which is actually really good for you because it gives you the freedom to completely customize your wedding day to what truly matters to YOU.
And nothing is off the table! Skipping the reception, skipping the dancing, cutting down on the guest list, and even changing up the time of day your ceremony takes place is totally up to you!
Consider Going (At Least Partially) Virtual
No matter how large or small your guest list will be for your 2020 or 2021 wedding, you’ll more than likely be presented with the challenge of guests who wish they could be there, but due to social gathering restrictions, health concerns, or quarantine rules, there’s bound to be some disappointed would-be guests.
Many couples are moving towards an elopement-style or intimate wedding, with just the closest family or friends in attendance, but that doesn’t mean your more distant relatives (or those with higher risk) can’t get in on the fun!
Let’s say your original invite list had 150 guests and current gathering restrictions force you to reduce 25 guests or less. Do you want to create two guest lists and two different events (in-person and virtual), that happen concurrently? Or do you prefer to plan a virtual after-party that happens after your intimate in-person event?
No matter what you decide, consider some sort of LiveStreaming event platform so that all your loved ones can join in on the fun!
Elope Now, Party Later
If you’re looking for a no-fuss, simple yet lovely option, you might consider eloping with your fiancee and a videographer, and then scheduling your dream reception for the months ahead. Bonus: you won’t have to complete fight the hassle of cancelling on your vendors.
Many vendors are being flexible with their rescheduling policy, but you should always stay in communication with your vendors in case any issues arise.
If you are looking for help planning your wedding, contact our Joplin wedding and event venue today. We are happy to help create a wedding package perfect for your special day!