Just when you thought you had all your plans figured out, the pandemic happened. Suddenly all the plans were either changed or postponed. If you are sitting there, saying to yourself “THIS IS NOT FUN!” remember that you are not alone. Couples including our clients are going through many changes not only in their wedding but also in their personal and professional lives.

Here at Neira Event Group, we have adapted to wearing masks while in front of guests to make them feel comfortable, while also following the re-opening guidelines. We are also eager to see so many couples say "I Do" while helping others change their plans. At this moment today, we are in the middle of planning multiple events coming up this month. We’ve also had a couple of weddings during this unpredictable time. For that reason, we have created a list that will give you insight into planning weddings during the current climate.

1. Keep an eye on local mandates

Mandates are changing. Some are statewide, some are from neighboring states and some are by County or municipality. Keep an eye on them, or have a friend or connection help keep you informed. Also keep in mind that state mandates will overrule all local actions with less strict rules. For example, there is a new Wisconsin statewide mask mandate that will overrule local mandates. In regards to who enforces them, we are still unsure as it is brand new from yesterday, but you can find out more here.

2. Changes are happening later in the planning process

We are all planners here, and the closer to the wedding the more you tie loose ends to execute the event. However, we’ve seen some last-minute changes that take us by surprise. Vendors, like catering, beauty, and even venues canceling very close to the wedding day. This can throw things off, however, if you have a planner a second option and coordinating all those changes will help you big time! We are seeing changes happen all the way up to the week of the wedding.

3. Send updates or re-save the dates

If you have to change you wedding date, you can send re-save the date to the guests. If you have to cut your guest total, you can send a card explaining plan changes and that you have to cut the guest list. Both things are typically frowned upon, but we are in weird times, so it is understandable.

4. Food service needs to change

Even without mandates, the recommended standard of serving food has changed. Buffets (including dessert buffets) are either not allowed, or need to be revisited and adapted to new guidelines. One way to do a buffet is cafeteria-style, where the catering staff serves guests their plate at the buffet line (instead of guests serving themselves). This is allowed in some areas, and would need to be reviewed by your venue and catering.

5. This one is for the guests

The couple is really stressed, they are trying their best to enjoy something they both want and have been looking forward to, working hard for, for over a year. I’m sure you can undertand that this is not their fault. If the couple reschedules be supportive, it was a hard decision. If the couple is choosing to change their plans but continue, when you RSVP, or politely decline, they just need a “yes” or “no” they don’t need a whole paragraph explaining why. Please be kind and understanding that all they want is to be married and to celebrate their way.

6. Outdoor features have never been so important

We’ve seen a lot of changes, especially with the new mask mandate. Mainly, the weddings that continue (mostly) as planned are those that are taking place at a venue that has comfortable outdoor spaces. When a ceremony is covered or in a nice outdoor area, and the guests can be indoors or outdoors it allows for a lot of flexibility in late changes.

7. When forced to change location

If you are forced to change location after your license has been given to you, check for places within the same county first.

8. Check on your vendors

For the most part, we haven’t had issues with this, but we have heard of others losing vendors who are not comfortable working at this time. Check on your contracted team to ensure that they are still conformable working your event.

9. Update your website

Don’t forget you have an online referral source for your guests.
We’ve had clients post a Covid-19 message to their website, something like: “we are aware of the current mandates and are trying to adhere to them/change our plans/continuing to plan for that date. We’ll be in touch soon”
If you change your date or location, change it on your website too.
If you have to cut the list short at the ceremony, remove it from the website, as those closest will be in touch with you anyway, and that way you won’t have people who use your site as a referral show up to the ceremony.

10. It’s about being married

Trust us when we say, we know these times are not easy. What we can say is, you will get married, you will smile, you'll laugh, dance, and most importantly be together. There is something to be said for accomplishing hard tasks together as a couple, you will overcome this, and have a story to tell.

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A LOOK INSIDE PLANNING A WEDDING DURING THE PANDEMIC

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