Tips for Planning Your Wedding During the Pandemic

It’s no secret that this has been a difficult year for engaged couples. Across the globe, couples have been faced with the logistical, financial, and emotional challenges of handling their wedding plans. Despite this, many have found interesting and creative ways to say “I do”, proving that love is very much still alive and well!

To get you inspired, we spoke to Blue Nile, the leading online retailer of diamond engagement and wedding rings, to share our best tips for planning your wedding remotely during the pandemic.

Prepare to be flexible

The biggest issue is really uncertainty and constant change. Months into the pandemic, there is still so much up in the air. The rules are constantly evolving from travel restrictions to venue capacities. Couples and wedding planners are left trying to stay on top of these regulations so they can prepare to adjust plans accordingly.

The best advice is to keep an open mind and stay flexible. You may have to change your guest list, move venues, or change the date of your wedding, but if you approach it with an expectation that plans are fluid, then you will avoid undue stress and disappointment.

Set up a wedding website and digital RSVP

Communication is really critical during these uncertain times. Having a wedding website and online communication tools in place is vital for ease of sharing not only changes but health and safety information with guests.

Using an online RSVP is a great way to gather email contact information so you have an easy way to reach out to guests en masse. And wedding websites can be updated regularly to reflect the most current information. Guests can check back regularly to stay in the know.

Don’t be afraid to contact your guests regularly

In terms of invitees we are finding there is an expectation of more communication, so don’t be worried about ‘bothering’ guests. If you’re moving forward with a wedding, communicate safety precautions on your website and emails to reassure guests that measures are being taken to protect them.

We’ve found that events that communicate effectively have higher response rates. Sharing updates and precautions give guests the opportunity to confidently make a decision as to whether to attend. Events that aren’t sharing details are commonly getting to their RSVP deadline having only heard from a small percentage of their invitees. In these cases, guests are left waiting for an update, as they aren’t even sure your wedding is still taking place.

Keep in touch with your vendors virtually

Talk to your vendors regularly, which can be done via video call. If you’re early in the planning process, confirm every vendor’s policy for postponing, canceling, and downsizing your event. Due to COVID, many vendors have instituted more flexible policies, but you don’t want to make assumptions.

Remember why you’re doing this

The pandemic has caused a lot of us to reassess our priorities. Amidst all the chaos, what really matters is taking care of those closest to us. However you choose to celebrate your wedding, the important thing is the love you share. You may have to change your plans multiple times and might not be able to have your full guest list in attendance, but with a bit of creativity and some help from technology, your nearest and dearest can still watch you as you commit to a lifetime together.