Getting Married During Covid-19? This Is How You Do It! 

Photo by: Rachel Stelter Photography

This has been a crazy and uncertain time, especially with weddings, but even as we deal with the closures of businesses and public areas, one thing is for sure and that is, love is not cancelled! If you’re moving forward with your wedding plans, or even planning a smaller wedding now and a bigger celebration later, here are a few tips to get you married during Covid-19. 

Hire Help

Photos by: Rachel McCauley

This time has been so tough to navigate but you don’t have to do it alone. If you want to get married during Covid-19, but you haven’t hired a wedding planner yet for your big day, please do so now! Hiring a wedding planner is essential, especially during this time. A wedding planner will help guide you through the ever-changing regulations and closures, look over contracts for changes affected by this time, and be the medium between you and your vendors. A wedding planner can even help you revisit your budget and help you design the wedding of your dreams! Planning a wedding, no matter the size, can be stressful enough – add in a pandemic and it can feel completely overwhelming. Hire a wedding planner to ensure you get to enjoy your day completely! 

Find The Perfect Spot

Photo by: Aurelia D’Amore

Depending on what state and county you live in, the restrictions for what is open/operating can vary greatly. If you don’t have your venue booked yet, do extra research to see what is available. Or if you know of a family member or friend that has a large yard, that might be a great option for a smaller, intimate wedding ceremony. Additionally, carefully go through any and all contracts. Even if you’re getting married in someone’s backyard, I would still recommend getting something in writing. 

Adjust Your Guest List

Photo by: Giny Ann Photography

It’s become mandatory that if you are to have a celebration at this time, the amount of people gathering will be limited. Go over your guest list and fill according to your county’s guidelines. However, this doesn’t have to be a negative thing! Consider this an opportunity to party with just your very nearest and dearest family and friends. If you ever felt pressure to invite someone, maybe family politics for example, you no longer need to worry. For those affected by the change in guest count, politely let them know that due to current conditions, you’re keeping things small. This is also a chance to maybe invite those to a virtual only viewing of the event. Be sure to let your invited guests know there’s been a change in date and/or venue. Remember, small gatherings are key so that we can slow the spread of the virus and keep all our loved ones and neighbors safe.

Build Your Vendor List

Photo by: Simply Adri

With your new location and guest count in mind, start looking at vendors to help you with your dream day. If you’ve had to postpone your wedding, reach out to your previous vendors to discuss the updates to your venue and guest list. Additionally, this may call for a change in your design and wedding colors if your wedding was postponed. Discuss all these details with them as soon as possible! While you’re in communication with them, discuss safety protocols they will implement, such as staff members wearing masks and gloves. 

Safety During Your Wedding

Photo by: Studio Castillero

If you or a guest is feeling concerned about safety measures, here are a few suggestions you and your guests can take ahead of your wedding: 

• Re-think the processional/recessional and ask your wedding party to walk separately down the aisle, instead of side by side.
• Provide masks for guests – maybe even in your wedding colors!
• Provide color coded bracelets that each indicate a level of distancing comfort. Guests can wear them to politely let others know where they stand.  
• Asking your venue to include hand sanitizing stations, or renting them from a vendor 
• Keep limited guest counts to tables; preferably one household per table. 
• Have your ceremony, cocktail hour and reception outside 
• You can also request guests get tested before attending your wedding. It may seem odd, but better safe than sorry and most states offer Free testing.

I hope this helps you with your wedding plans this year! If you need help with your big day, contact me on my homepage here and let’s start planning!

PS – Don’t forget to still get your marriage license! I discuss how to do so during this time in this post here!