In March 2020, we experienced a global pandemic from the coronavirus also known as COVID-19. Aside from the obvious and unfortunate health aspect of it, I’m here to talk about how it affected those who were happily engaged and planning a wedding during this time. To be a couple who was planning their perfect day and then be told to stand by to even find out if their wedding could take place was so disheartening for many. Each day was uncertain and couples had no idea whether to tell their guests they were postponing or continuing to hope for the best and holding out for their original wedding date. Choosing a wedding date can be special to a couple. Perhaps they chose their wedding date because the number meant something special to them. Perhaps the venue provided that date for them, but that date became theirs. Perhaps they photographed and sent out “Save the Date” photos to their friends and family or perhaps they counted down the days until they’d say “I do”.
But now the coronavirus was making all of these happy couples feel uncertain. A day that was meant to be so important to them was put on hold with no answers. Each day would pass and they would hope more information was released about the rules and regulations to holding events.
I’m here from the photographer’s point of view. I had bridal showers and weddings cancelled on me. I completely understood. Non-refundable retainer fees were being transferred to new dates with no penalties. Small businesses were on standby of whether we would be showing up for our clients on this special occasion. We had to continue to keep the date completely open and know there was a chance we wouldn’t be paid for that day.
Each newlywed couple to-be had to make the best decision for themselves and their family.
I would say, for most, couples kept their wedding date and they were married in a backyard surrounded by their closest friends and family. Some couples even pushed the BIG wedding out until next year.
I have to admit- As the photographer, I was absolutely in love with the backyard wedding idea. Big weddings are fun, but also a very long day! I photographed a handful of small backyard weddings this summer and they were so nice, so intimate and there was so much love surrounding each couple I photographed.
A wedding is made up of:
*Dressing up and feeling your best
*Being surround by friends and family
*Marrying the love your life
*Promising to be the best partner to them for the life ahead
All of these can be achieved whether you have a huge wedding at a venue with tons of people or if you’re in a backyard with a few close friends and family.
Remember what the day is all about and what’s really important. If you were a couple who decided to have a backyard wedding, awesome! Don’t feel bad about it. A big party can happen whenever. This ceremony is about you and the person you are choosing to experience all of life’s opportunities with.
And if you chose to hold off on your wedding, that is okay too. If you planned for this to be the most amazing day it could possibly be and that means waiting until you can, you’re allowed to hold off until that is possible. It’s your wedding day and your choice.
There is no right answer here. My heart goes out to all the couples who had to stress and make a decision on what to do.
Let’s hope things can start getting back to normal soon.
