The reality of wedding planning during a pandemic has left many couples navigating an unfamiliar and emotional path, and I’ve recently found myself on that same journey. After months of anticipation, I had to face the harsh truth that my dream wedding, planned for this year, simply wouldn’t be happening. The global crisis forced us to rethink everything—from the grand destination celebration in Mexico to our family-centric ceremony in the States. After much back and forth, uncertainty, and difficult decisions, we made the heart-wrenching choice to postpone our wedding by over a year.
Yes, I’m one of the “Covid Brides” who, like many others, has had to adjust plans and expectations in ways I never imagined. And I know I’m not alone. As the world continues to navigate through this pandemic, couples are wrestling with similar questions: “How do we make the best of this situation? Can we still have a meaningful celebration? What happens next?”
I wanted to share the lessons I’ve learned during this period of waiting and uncertainty, hoping they’ll offer some peace of mind and guidance to others going through the same struggles.
Understand the Economics of Your Wedding Location
One of the first lessons I learned while planning for a destination wedding was how unpredictable exchange rates can impact the budget. My fiancé and I initially argued about spending more than expected, only to later realize that a significant drop in the exchange rate actually saved us thousands. However, I couldn’t shake the bittersweet realization that many couples in Mexico were likely facing the opposite problem when planning their weddings in the U.S.
With global economies shifting daily, it’s critical to stay on top of exchange rates and economic changes, especially for destination weddings. Proactively managing finances will help mitigate some of the financial stress and uncertainty during this time.
Go Digital: Paperless Save-the-Dates
My vision for our wedding included intricate, custom-designed save-the-dates that reflected our destination and wedding theme. However, after much reflection—and some guidance from my illustrator—going paperless became the most sensible decision. Sending digital invites was not only more eco-friendly but also made it easier to communicate last-minute changes (like our postponement) to our guests. Sure, we’ll still print a few for keepsakes, but overall, this shift saved us both time and money.
In times like these, embracing digital solutions can alleviate some of the stress, while also ensuring you’re reaching your guests, many of whom may have moved or changed contact details due to the pandemic.
Communicate with Your Wedding Party
The most important decision we had to make was considering the health and safety of our loved ones. To gauge what everyone felt about attending a wedding in uncertain times, we reached out to our friends and family early on. It was crucial to understand where they were traveling from, the virus situation in their areas, and how comfortable they felt attending a destination event. This also included considering the age and health of our guests—particularly the grandparents we wanted to honor.
Understanding everyone’s situation made the decision clearer, and it helped us move forward with the most responsible choice: postponement. Every couple has their unique set of challenges, and having open, honest conversations with your loved ones can help clarify the best path forward.
What About the Dress?
As with most brides, I’ve dreamed of my wedding dress for years. But the uncertainty surrounding the future of bridal fashion during a pandemic has made it challenging. I still haven’t found “the one” yet, and the timelines for dress shopping are even more unpredictable due to international delays in manufacturing and shipping.
However, there’s a silver lining: Now that we’ve postponed, I have more time to refine my vision and explore options I might not have considered initially. The extra time has given me the space to truly appreciate what matters in choosing a wedding dress. If you’re also struggling with dress shopping, I recommend checking where the brand manufactures their gowns, as some local designers can offer quicker turnarounds.
The Silver Lining: Splurge on What Matters
This year has undeniably been difficult, but it’s also given me a unique opportunity to splurge in areas I hadn’t anticipated. Whether it’s upgrading my photographer, investing in my dream dress, or even planning an epic honeymoon, having the extra time and breathing room has allowed me to save and prioritize what really matters. If there’s any upside to this delay, it’s that it’s giving us a chance to truly invest in the elements that will make our wedding day unforgettable.
Embrace the Civil Ceremony
For those of us with postponed destination weddings, the civil ceremony is often an afterthought or just a formality. But I’ve come to realize that a civil ceremony doesn’t need to be dull. My fiancé and I had always planned for a simple, intimate ceremony in our parent’s church. Now, with the wedding postponed, it’s become an opportunity to make this smaller ceremony more special.
A civil ceremony can be a wonderful way to celebrate in a more personal way, especially for those who may not be able to attend the larger event later. Take the time to make this moment just as memorable with beautiful floral arrangements, intimate portraits with immediate family, and thoughtful details to create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Lean on Experts for Guidance
I’ve found tremendous support in speaking with wedding professionals during this uncertain time. One of the most insightful pieces of advice came from our photographer, KT Merry, who encouraged me to embrace creativity during this chaotic period. In her words, “When we are stripped of what we perceive as ‘normal,’ we lose the expectations of what we ‘should do’ and are freed to get in touch with what we desire.”
KT’s advice resonated deeply with me. If you’re facing the challenge of planning during this time, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Whether that means hosting a smaller ceremony, eloping, or even changing your original wedding plans entirely, this is an opportunity to create a day that’s truly reflective of who you are as a couple.
Protect Yourself: Get Insurance
While it’s impossible to predict what the future holds, wedding insurance is more important than ever. With the ever-changing guidelines around gatherings, it’s essential to consider both cancellation and travel insurance. Doing so will offer peace of mind, knowing you’re covered in case things need to change.
A Final Thank You
Lastly, I’m immensely grateful for the flexibility and patience of our wedding vendors during this time. It’s been a tough year for everyone, especially those in the wedding industry, and the understanding we’ve received has meant the world. As we continue to navigate these uncertain times, remember: this is about more than just the wedding—it’s about the start of a life together. It’s okay to pivot, to rethink, and to embrace the unexpected.
And for all the couples out there, no matter what your wedding looks like—postponed or otherwise—remember to focus on what truly matters: your health, your loved ones, and the start of your beautiful journey together.