Planning a Wedding Amid Covid-19
The world is beginning to open up again, but the pandemic is still far from over. Postponing your wedding date once again is still the safest choice you can make right now. However, it may not be a viable option anymore for many engaged couples.
If you and your partner would like to tie the knot by the end of this year, it is absolutely possible. Even if you do not plan on getting married until 2021, it doesn’t hurt to plan ahead.
Here are some helpful tips to incorporate into planning your wedding in the middle of Covid-19 virus outbreak:
Stay informed and follow guidelines
Metro Manila, along with the rest of the country, is now finally under General Community Quarantine (GCQ). Nobody knows how long this is going to last. Perhaps we will be following GCQ protocols for several months, or we might even go back to stricter guidelines if the situation worsens. Only time can tell.
In the meantime, you can plan your big day to accommodate the GCQ protocols for the safety of you, your family, and your prospective guests. Under the GCQ, small gatherings are allowed for up to 10 people. However, senior citizens over the age of 60 and persons under 21 years old are not allowed to be out and about. This, unfortunately, means that any elderly and young relatives may not be able to attend your wedding.
If you decide to hold your wedding at a church or events space, there are a number of limitations. Only half of the venue capacity can be filled for public gatherings. Since weddings are private events, the 10-person rule will still apply here.
Meet your suppliers virtually
To lessen the chances of infection, face-to-face contact is still highly discouraged. What you can do instead is to meet your vendors virtually. You could have a video chat session on Zoom, Skype, or Facebook messengers so there is still some element of face-to-face connection. Other options would be phone calls, instant messaging, or good ‘ol email.
Online communication will actually be much more convenient for both you and your supplier. You won’t have to spend money on gas or commutes and spend several hours in traffic just for a brief meeting. As we all know, time is money, and it is an invaluable asset nowadays.
Embrace the downtime
Planning a wedding is one of the most stressful things you will do in your lifetime. There are so many factors to consider from the budget, catering, dresses, to trying to avoid offending relatives who were not invited. A postponed wedding date could actually be a blessing in disguise to leave some breathing room for you and your partner.
While you’re taking a break from planning, take this time to enjoy the downtime with your future husband or wife. Reminisce about your favorite memories together, and talk about what you hope to accomplish once you are married.
Think local
If you were planning on a destination wedding, this may not be possible in the foreseeable future. Many countries are implementing strict travel bans, and it is unclear when non-essential travel will be safe again. Your wedding guests might also feel hesitant to attend a wedding overseas so soon.
On the bright side, restrictions on travel within the Philippines are loosening little by little. Local travel is a lot more feasible in the near future. Honestly, we already have so many stunning landscapes and towns in our own country that would put other places to shame! With everything that is happening, supporting local businesses and tourism would help boost our economic recovery.
Keep it intimate
Since large gatherings are not allowed, this is the perfect opportunity to hold for a small, intimate wedding. Huge parties are a part of Filipino culture, but many younger couples are opting for smaller ceremonies reserved only for their closest family and friends. It’s practical, frugal, and more personal.
Be flexible
The most important thing to remember, if you decide to ignore this entire list, is to be flexible. Be flexible about your wedding and honeymoon dates. The situation is constantly changing, and you must be prepared for any last-minute changes. Try to have as many back-up plans as possible.
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While this may not be the dream wedding you both imagined, you will still be married to the love of your life when this is all over. You can always have a huge party to celebrate later on. Right now, your health and safety should be your top priorities.
