If you’re a fashion and lifestyle publication, the spring and summer seasons probably feel a little bit lonely. While the world is still in stasis due to the pandemic, spring and summer are the only times a year when we get to indulge in the warm weather, sunshine, and beautiful people once again!
With temperatures rising and the sun becoming more prominent, people are longing to shed those winter layers and live life to the fullest. As a result, the fashion and lifestyle magazines are beginning to see a rise in online content as people are searching for escape from the confinements of social distancing.
One of the biggest stories right now is the revival of interest in retreats and getaways. With so many people able to indulge in luxuries once again, it seems that the desire for a change of scene has brought about a boom in interest in destination weddings. Those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life can find wedding plans that will give them exactly what they want – a wedding celebration that is as unique as their relationship.
Wedding Planners & Destination Wedding Expert
If you’re looking to plan the perfect wedding, you’ve probably turned to the internet for help. With so much information available online, it’s easy to find everything from the venue to the dresses to the music. With wedding planning seeming a bit like rocket science since social distancing guidelines were implemented, it’s great to find a plumber who can help with the complex technicalities of wedding management.
It’s great to find a plumber who is a wedding planner too! We spoke to Meghan Pattinson, a wedding planner and expert who shares her thoughts on designing weddings during these challenging times, as well as giving advice on how to make the most of your special day while adhering to social distancing protocols.
Social Distancing
The most important thing right now is ensuring that your wedding is socially acceptable. Despite the world seeming to have turned a corner, there are still many restrictions and protocols that need to be observed. You don’t need to be overly cautious, but you do need to be aware of what is socially acceptable so that you don’t put yourself or your guests at risk. Even before the pandemic, planning a wedding was difficult. You had to consider distances and whether yourself or your guests would be travelling to the wedding. It was a case of either sacrificing intimacy or having guests fly across the globe. The pandemic has made things a bit more nuanced. While it’s great to see people getting excited about getting hitched, it’s also crucial that your wedding doesn’t put others at risk.
Understand The Demographics
From a safety perspective, it’s important to understand who your guests are and whether or not they will be carrying the virus. You don’t want to throw a pandemic-friendly wedding if your guests aren’t ready to celebrate in that way, so it is important to consider the demographics of your guest list.
Is This Wedding Suitable?
Even before the pandemic, weddings were beset by doom and gloom. As wedding planning is a bit like painting a picture, it is important to have a vision of what you want your wedding to look like. It’s great to have a vision, but you must also be practical and understand whether or not your wedding will be able to go ahead as planned.
If you’re worried that your wedding won’t look exactly like the picture you’ve got in your head, it’s a good idea to seek out a wedding planner. They will be able to give you an honest view of whether or not your wedding will be able to go ahead as planned and answer all of your questions regarding venue, timing, and other matters. Your wedding planner will also be able to put your mind at rest and tell you that everything is under control.
Make The Most Of Your Eventual Guests
If you’re worried about whether or not your guests will be able to make it to your wedding due to the pandemic, it’s important to plan for this eventuality. People are beginning to fly again, with some airlines offering special deals for weddings and honeymoons, which is very heart-warming to those fortunate enough to be able to indulge.
Ensure that you make the most of your eventual guests by extending the invitation to those who couldn’t make it, as well as those who might have misunderstood the original email. It’s also a good idea to extend an invitation to family members who live abroad and couldn’t make it due to the pandemic. These are the kinds of guest you’ll have to make the most of, as you can’t expect everyone to attend your wedding due to the current circumstances.
Keep In Mind The Locational Aspects
As the world begins to gradually get back to normal and more people are able to travel, it’s important to keep in mind the various restrictions that will likely be in place. Foreign travel will almost certainly be restricted, with entry visas and quarantine periods putting a stop to any big overseas trips. The only exception would be for weddings or honeymoons, as long as everyone remains within the designated wedding party. Make sure that you research the travel restrictions for the location that you’ve picked for the wedding.
Create A Timeline
It’s important to plan ahead, especially when planning a wedding. You don’t want to rush into anything, as you’ll most likely feel differently about the big day once the novelty of getting hitched wears off.
As you work towards the big day, make a timeline for yourself so that you can keep track of what needs to be done and stick to the deadlines. Setting a date for the wedding will also allow you to start thinking about your outfits and the different styles that you’ll wear. If you need some inspiration, take a look at some of the wedding dresses that have become popular over the past few months.
Choose An Entertainment Consultant
If you’re looking for something different, consider choosing an entertainment consultant to help you plan your wedding party. A wedding consultant will be able to help you choose the right music for your wedding and advise you on the different types of performances that you might like to see.
Even if you love every bit of Kanye West’s latest album, it might not be the right choice for your wedding. You might want something more classic, or perhaps something more high-energy, such as an orchestra or a band. You can also ask the entertainment consultant to help advise you on the different types of performers that might fit the bill.
Don’t Forget About Food
Even after your guests have left, you’ll still need to consider the food. If you’re looking to serve a wedding cake, be sure to choose one that is available to be shipped to the UK. Having a wedding cake that is made specifically for the event will feel a little bit like cheating!
As for the rest of the wedding food, it’s a good idea to serve something that is easy to eat for those who are driving, as well as something more traditional for those who are walking. BBQs and hog roasts are great for outdoor weddings and can be a bit of a luxury to serve. Fish and chips, chicken tikka samosas, and other traditional European dishes are all winners in my book and will taste magnificent during these joyous but socially distanced days!
If you’re looking for an alternative way to celebrate, consider hiring a wedding DJ. Those looking for event entertainment can choose from a wide range of options, including soloists, small bands, or ensembles. If you want to keep the music going well into the night, consider hiring a live band. They will be able to play everything from old school classics to today’s most popular songs. Don’t forget to book them well in advance so that you can be sure of getting your song choice!
We’d like to thank Meghan for sharing her expertise on weddings, as well as the U.K. government for making it possible for her to travel over for the pandemic. We’d also like to thank you for reading, and please feel free to share this article if you find it useful.