As COVID-19 continues to affect our everyday lives, brides and grooms across the country are faced with uncertainty as to whether their wedding day will be able to go ahead as planned. Despite the roadmap out of lockdown stating that by June 21st the number of guests allowed at wedding ceremonies will be unlimited, it’s important to remain open-minded that this could change depending on how the pandemic plays out in the upcoming months.
Weddings can be stressful to organise and plan, especially when it is uncertain if the ceremony you intend to have will be possible. With this said, we’ve put together a survival guide for brides who planned to get married in 2021, including how they can look after their mental health, how they can get ahead of the game when continuing to plan for their big day, and what they must do if they do need to change their date.
1. Being flexible with your wedding date
Although weddings can currently continue under COVID-19 rules, the size is limited. There is hope that by June 21st restrictions on social contact and the size of events will be abolished, however, if you’re concerned that this might not happen according to plan, then speak to your venue provider. Due to it remaining an unprecedented time, many wedding venues and suppliers are being flexible in terms of rearranging dates at no extra cost. If this isn’t the case, however, and your venue considers a postponement as a cancellation, then consider having your wedding somewhere special to make up for it, like scenic wedding venues in Cumbria and the Lake District.
It’s advised you take out insurance if you haven’t done so already. That way, in the event that your wedding venue has to close due to the tightening of restrictions, you’ll be covered. Furthermore, check with your venue if you can reschedule for a different date, discussing options later in the year or next year, then check with vendors to see if this will be possible. Check your new provisional date with your most important guests – after all, you don’t want your best friend or a close family member unable to make it and have to change the date again or sacrifice them not being there! Plan for additional costs in the event that fees change based on the season.
Once you have another date in mind for when you might need to change the ceremony to, let your guests know well in advance.
2. Prioritise your mental health
Feeling stressed and sad over one of the most important days of your life being cancelled or delayed is completely understandable. If it is affecting your daily life and routine, it is nothing to be embarrassed about. Mental health is important, and just as important as your physical health – just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean that it doesn’t matter. With the pressure and worry of the wedding, as well as COVID-19 continuing to have everything up in the air, it’s likely you’ll feel down – according to Mind, the mental health charity, one in four people in the UK experience a mental health problem each year.
Remember to set yourself as a priority. In moments of crisis, it’s important to take a step back and remove yourself from stressors. Take time out of your day to do things that make you happy. Now that social restrictions are beginning to ease, it is the perfect time to go back to doing something you have missed. When you’re down, it’s too easy to slip into a lethargic routine that is a breeding ground for negativity and sadness. Maintain your appearance as you normally would, like applying fake tan if you usually wear it, putting some make-up on, painting your nails, and doing your hair.
Make use of sport and leisure facilities now that they have reopened and book a slot at the gym or at a fitness class. With this said, it’s also important to remember not to make yourself feel bad if you don’t always feel up for exercise every now and then. Don’t pressure yourself to be productive this whole time. If you don’t feel up to it, practising meditation and mindfulness with the guidance of apps on your smartphone can help, such as Headspace and Calm.
Other than keeping a regular sleeping pattern, take time to try out some new healthy meals and cooking recipes. A healthy gut is a healthy body, which can help contribute to a healthy mind! Don’t hide away – video call people to open up and speak to those closest to you about how you’re feeling, including your partner. Be there for each other during this difficult time. If you feel like things are getting on top of you, seek professional help from your GP.
3. Think ahead
If your wedding does end up being postponed due to the tightening of restrictions, then use this time to think of creative ways to make your day even better than what you had in mind. For example, you could research online for wedding inspiration and create your own invites with arts and crafts, a colourful bohemian blanket aisle for the quirky couples, or your own floral centrepieces. A quick look on Pinterest reveals a plethora of decorations you could make.
Photo by chuttersnap on Unsplash
One of the main perks of this is that you will have something that is unique and personal to you at your wedding that you wouldn’t have originally if it wasn’t postponed. Try to be positive about how you can improve your wedding setting without spending loads of money.
As the pandemic continues to affect our everyday lives in 2021, it can be a frustrating time for couples who are wanting to confirm for definite when to host their special day. However, you can take control and plan your wedding for an alternative date without risking the health of yourself or your loved ones.
Sources
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-51942898
https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/weddings/cancel-postpone-wedding-coronavirus-a4391906.html
https://www.brides.com/story/how-to-postpone-cancel-a-wedding