How To Plan a Wedding in the Current Covid-19 Climate

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This entry is from our Expert Guest series where wedding and honeymoon professionals share their best tips on creating memories that last a lifetime.

In the wake of the global pandemic, weddings have had to take a back seat, with many countries canceling or prohibiting them from taking place. As rules relax, many couples are picking up where they left off. But what if you are only starting to plan your wedding? In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about planning a wedding during the pandemic.

If You Want to Plan a Wedding in Covid-19 Climate, You Must Ask:

What are the current rules?

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In the UK, the current guidelines differ due to devolution. In England since the 4th of July, you are currently allowed a wedding with 30 guests. However, in Northern Ireland and Wales, there is no limit on the number of guests; the only guidelines are that people from different households must keep a 2-metre distance at all times, so the venue will need to be able to accommodate this. In Scotland, small weddings and civil partnerships are now allowed outdoors only. Please be mindful that these guidelines are subject to change and could either tighten or relax further depending on the current situation.

How can you plan a wedding whilst social distancing?

Thankfully, you can plan your wedding virtually! Apps such as Zoom, Skype and Google Hangouts have all made getting in contact with vendors and suppliers easy! Many are offering online consultations where you can chat over any plans or concerns you may have. Vendors such as photographers, florists, catering and even reception venues can take you through their packages online, offering you as much information as possible to make the best decision for you.

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A good way to get a feel for a vendor is a virtual appointment; if you are then keen to pursue them after your meeting,  you can arrange a face-to-face meeting where you make sure social distance guidelines are adhered to. It’s also important to clarify what their policies are if there is another surge of the virus and your wedding will have to be postponed. Ensure you have read any contract before signing or committing to a vendor.

How can you get wedding insurance?

In the current climate, getting wedding insurance is essential. Not all insurance companies are able to offer coverage for wedding cancellations during the current pandemic. The sooner you buy insurance, the more likely you will be covered in case of an unforeseen circumstance such as illness, or cancellation due to the pandemic.

It is recommended that you buy your wedding insurance as soon as you decide on your wedding date, venue, and overall wedding budget. This will ensure you have as much coverage as possible. If you leave your wedding insurance to the last moment, you may not be able to find a comprehensive policy or be covered for the pandemic. It’s best to shop around and read policies thoroughly, ensuring they include cancellation policies, environmental policies, and illness policies.

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How will shopping for a wedding dress change?

Now that bridal stores have reopened, you can physically try on your wedding dress, but the experience will differ from before. Firstly, research the bridal stores thoroughly, especially if you have a designer or style in mind. You can contact the store via email or phone to confirm if they have a specific dress or style, prior to committing to an appointment.

When you attend your appointment, you will need to follow social distancing rules and wear a face mask in the store at all times. The number of guests you are allowed to bring with you will be limited and will differ depending on the store. Some will allow only one guest, with others allowing more. It all depends on the size of the store as 2 metres distance will need to be followed. It’s best to confirm requirements with the bridal store before you book an appointment. To prevent any disappointment, talk to your friends and family in advance and help arrange a Zoom or Skype meeting so they can virtually attend the appointments with you.

Some brides have been getting special face masks made for the occasion, with quotes or sayings such as, ‘saying yes to the dress!’ These little personal extras help to create special moments with your wedding party, all whilst practicing social distancing.

Shopping for a wedding dress is overwhelming at the best of times and COVID-19 hasn’t made things any easier. The most important thing to remember is to be patient and understand why navigating the new normal.

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What about your honeymoon?

Many couples dream of a luxury honeymoon such as hitting The Maldives or taking in the beauty of Bali, but unfortunately, in the wake of COVID-19, planning a honeymoon will be tricky. The UK is currently opening up and you can visit many countries now without having to self-isolate upon your return. Destinations such as Greece, Italy ,and even Thailand are now on the government green light list; however, this is always subject to change. We recommend visiting the website of our partners – sexologuia.com . Everything you wanted to know about sex and intimate relationships, but was afraid to ask.

If there is an outbreak or surge of cases in these countries, you may have to self-quarantine for 14 days after coming home. If you are set on having a luxury honeymoon abroad then do some research, follow the current government guidelines, and allow for some flexibility in case you need to self-isolate. It’s important to also remember that travel insurance is incredibly hard to get during the current pandemic, so it is likely your trip will not be insured.

A popular alternative is a staycation honeymoon. There are plenty of luxury locations and hotels that can cater to your break. If you are after something unique, there are some iconic stays on Airbnb such as a castle in the Scottish Highlands, a windmill in Kent, or an Abbey in Suffolk. A staycation is the safer option, as you will not have to worry about self-isolating or any issues with airline cancellations.

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Bio: Written by Sarach McCann, Blog Editor at MyBaggage.com. They specialize in luggage shipping and delivery from your doorstep to any location around the world.