One of the most exciting times of a person’s life is planning their wedding. The countdown to the big day is filled with anticipation and great excitement as plans are being made by the couple. This has, unfortunately, been a difficult year for a number of couples where their plans have had to be postponed or completely canceled.
Nothing is more disheartening than having to see your proposed wedding date go by without actually getting married. Every detail, big or small, has to be rethought and replanned, from the flowers to the catering and wedding cake. For more help you can visit this website.
But with 2024 coming to an end and 2024 being in sight, a lot of disappointed couples are starting to resume their wedding planning and see the light at the end of the tunnel once again.
Rescheduling a wedding can be a difficult and stressful process, so here are some top tips for couples looking to tie the knot after one of the worst years in history!
1. Check other rescheduled events in the same area
One of the first things you should do if you are rescheduling your wedding to be in 2024, is to check any other rescheduled events that may be happening near your venue location. If you’re getting married in a popular or particularly busy city then it may be a good idea to check the city’s visitor bureau. For example, it won’t be a good idea to reschedule your wedding at the same time as a huge music festival as the majority of hotels will most likely be booked up.
2. Research your local regulations
For couples opting for a smaller, more intimate wedding in 2024, it is a good idea to research your area’s local ordinances. It varies from place to place, as some locations may have a more strict set of rules and regulations compared to others. You may be allowed only a set number of guests or a different curfew depending on where you plan to get married, this is always best to check ahead of time and plan accordingly.
3. Ask for referrals from your vendors
One of the biggest things that couples are experiencing after having to postpone their wedding is having to choose new vendors. It’s a good idea to ask your past vendors if they have any friends or recommended people they know that they can refer you to. For example, if you had a photographer booked who suited your taste down to a T, ask your photographer if they have any referrals that you could use.
4. Ask about deposit policy and negotiate
Planning a wedding is very stressful, and one of those daunting aspects for many couples can be putting down deposits for a wedding that may or may not be happening next year amid the ongoing pandemic. That’s why it is a really good idea for couples to ask vendors what the deposit, postponement, refund, and cancellation policies are. The good news for couples is that many vendors are now agreeing to small deposit amounts as they understand the uncertainty of planning a wedding during these times.
5. Plan a COVID friendly wedding!
It is so important to stay safe during these uncertain times, and everyone needs to play their part to ensure things can run smoothly and safely. This includes weddings too, where close friends and family will be gathering in close proximity to celebrate. Making sure protocols such as guests wearing masks and having hand sanitising stations throughout a venue, are simple ways to keep your guests safe and limit the risk of the infection spreading. You can make it stylish by creating custom-made hand sanitising bottles that blend in with your wedding decorations or even custom-made face masks!
6. Ask guests to take a COVID test
It may be a bit of a strange thing asking your guests to take a COVID test before attending your wedding, but it is hugely advised. And with the times that we are in, it is not an odd question to ask at all. If you have money left over in your wedding budget due to downsizing, you may even be able to offer to pay for some of the costs for the COVID tests. You want your wedding to be as enjoyable as possible, and the best way to do so is to make sure all of your guests are healthy.
7. Think of new and creative ways to serve food
Serving food in a safe but elegant and celebratory way is one of the things couples will have to think about if getting married next year. Your wedding planners and caterers’ can help you think of innovative ways to do so. Buffets and family-style meals may not be as feasible, but some caterers have opted for using covers for food that match the decor. Pre-made individual appetisers and drinks are also a great option to limit the number of servers.
8. Create a smaller guest list
Although many couples are considering downsizing and a smaller wedding with limited guests, it can be a very difficult task for couples from cultures where they tend to celebrate getting married with several people beyond their immediate family. If it comes down to the wire and you are forced to have a wedding with fewer people, it may be a good idea to create a smaller guest list to prepare for such an event.
9. Take a long, deep breathe
One of the main things that couples need to remember is to pause and just take a long, deep breath, especially if things get particularly overwhelming or stressful. Postponing or rescheduling a wedding gives couples a chance to enjoy the engagement period for a bit longer, instead of just spending the entire period just wedding planning. Don’t get too caught up in the tiny details that are very easy to get lost in and completely stressed over. Try to remember the bigger picture, and although it may not be the wedding you always imagined, it’ll still be as magical and wonderful as you hoped it would be.