If there is one day that most women look forward to, it’s the day that they march down the aisle and say I do to their other half. No matter the culture and tradition, weddings hold a special place in the hearts of people. Weddings are more than just joyous celebrations. They are a celebration of love and a union of two families.
From the location, wedding dresses, wedding suits, photography, videography, and food, weddings involve many preparations. Weddings used to be one of the most profitable industries until the pandemic happened. Many couples have to put on hold their dream day amidst the health risks that social gatherings bring.
If you are still pushing through with your wedding, it is important to be aware of the local restrictions where you live. Small celebrations, also known as micro weddings and minimonies, are, of course still possible, if you want to push through with your union. You can still plan a safe and memorable wedding that you can celebrate with your family and loved ones. All a wedding needs to push through are you and your husband to be.
How to Reduce the Risks During Your Wedding
If you feel lost about starting with your wedding planning, the World Health Organization has provided guidance in planning for a small gathering such as a wedding.
- Check with your city or state for local guidelines for public gatherings.
- Choose outdoor venues. Should you choose an indoor venue, make sure that it is well-ventilated.
- Orient your guests about safety guidelines and precautions during the event. Makes sure that everyone follows safety and health protocols.
- Minimize the number of guests. The fewer, the better. Stick with your immediate family and a friend or two. A wedding is a celebration of the love between you and your husband. You do not need everyone in your phone contact list to be there.
- Provide supplies, such as hand sanitizers, hand washing stations, close-lid trash bins, and masks.
- Practice safe physical distancing throughout the ceremony and the celebration. You can put markers on the church pews or the seats and arrange the tables that ensure enough distance for each of your guests.
How to Safely Plan and Prepare for Your Wedding
You have to expect the unexpected. You will be planning and doing a wedding in the middle of a pandemic, so the climate will be so much different. Even though your wedding will most likely be an intimate one, it still pays to plan for your minimony to make it more special and meaningful.
- Limit your guest count. As much as possible, it should only be you, your spouse to be, and your immediate families (i.e., parents and siblings). You would not want to end up causing your guests to end up contracting the virus, so you need to tone it down.
- Hold a virtual wedding. For those guests that you had to cross off your list sadly, allow them to celebrate with you by streaming your wedding live. This is also perfect for senior family members who cannot physically join the celebration. You can easily do this through your social media account or Zoom if you want it to be more private.
- Stick with local suppliers. Travel restrictions can jeopardize your wedding plans if you source some items abroad or from another state. Support local small businesses amidst these trying times.
- Limit personal interactions when you canvass your materials. While it would be nice to actually feel out a wedding dress before you make a choice, you must limit your interactions with suppliers as well. It would be best if you were healthy and well for your wedding to proceed. Reach out to suppliers and vendors through social media or phone first. Go through their catalogs online. Once you have shortlisted your choices, practice safety measures when you do meet up with your suppliers. Wear a face mask, wear gloves, and bring with you a hand sanitizer or alcohol.
- Watch your health. Make sure that you and your spouse to be are in good health come your wedding day. Eat well and stick with healthy and nutritious foods. Take your vitamins and exercise regularly. Get enough sleep and limit going outside to reduce your risks of contracting the Corona Virus. The two of you are the most important people at your wedding, so do your best not to get sick.
- Postpone if you are not feeling well. No matter how much you prepare and take good care of yourself, bad things can happen. If you do not feel well during your wedding day, postpone. Be sure to inform your guests that if they do not feel well, they should not hesitate to let you know. They can celebrate with you through your live stream.
The virus poses a serious threat to everyone. Be gracious if you have family members who will decline your invitation. Let them know that you understand how they feel. Your wedding is an important event, but so is the health and safety of your loved ones.
