The "New Normal" of Wedding Planning

Congratulations, lovelies…we are more than halfway through what just might feel like the longest year ever. But over these past few months, the vendors and couples alike have been rapidly adapting, creating a “new normal” in wedding planning. While many couples are choosing to move forward with getting married this year in intimate elopements and tear-filled micro-weddings, others wait patiently for the day when they can celebrate at the big bash they had been so lovingly envisioning and planning. Neither approach is right or wrong – they’re both wonderful options, and whichever direction you choose to go in needs to make you feel celebrated as a couple.

That being said, we wanted to talk specifically to all the couples who are continuing to plan their celebration’s during this time. With no end in sight, we’re definitely proceeding with caution, but we remain hopeful for 2021 to be a brighter and better year. However, it is inevitable that we're all still feeling a bit anxious. There’s simply no way to know for sure what next spring, summer, and beyond are going to look like. So in an effort to provide hope, comfort, and guidance to those of you trying to plan your dream day during this difficult time, here are a few tips…

TRUST YOUR VENDOR TEAM

None of us know what the future holds, so try to refocus your energy into something positive – like snuggling your fiancé and indulging in some self-care – rather than trying to predict which way this pendulum will swing.  Hand the stress over to your vendor team.  This is our job, and we thrive in finding the solutions when complications arise.  Every single postponement and cancellation represents a unique situation, and we’re looking into the best possible approaches for each of our couples. The changes might not be over yet, but we remain in this together and will navigate every curveball thrown at us. We still want you to have your dream wedding, and we will do everything in our power to make it a reality. Remember, we’re all on the same team.

ADD A DISCLAIMER

If you had talked to us back in January, we never could have predicted what March was going to bring our way. And even if you talked with us in March, our guesses at September would have looked pretty different than reality. With that in mind, we suggest adding a short and sweet note to your guests, letting them know that your plans are fluid and will potentially change in light of the developing global situation. In the event of changes, you will reach out to them and share the updates. Consider adding this as a note to your wedding website, on your change of date cards, or on your replacement invitations. This keeps the pressure off of you and will fend off at least a few of those constant questions you’re fielding from friends and family.

CREATE A PLAN C

If you find yourself getting increasingly nervous as time progresses, and you draw nearer and nearer to the date you’ve already rescheduled to, start to brainstorm a Plan C. Envisioning a third wedding after implementing Plan B can be difficult, but we firmly believe that if you put in place a back up plan – and a back up to the back up plan – you are less likely to have to use it! A little trick to prevent Murphy’s Law. Plus, it redirects nervous energy into something positive and productive.

So what does Plan C look like? Start by chatting with your venue and caterer to understand your options should you get closer to your wedding date and conditions are still not improved (or have your wedding planner help navigate this conversation). Would they be open to pivoting to a smaller celebration or moving locations? 

 When you speak with vendors, keep in mind that it might be difficult for them to answer exactly how they'll be able to handle postponements, deposits, etc. next year, due to the fact it's so hard to predict what the world is going to look like then. So give them grace. We have no doubt they’ll work with you. So start the conversation and maintain an open and positive line of communication with your vendor team. It will help you feel prepared for the just-in-case and your vendors will appreciate both your proactivity and understanding spirit.

EMBRACE NEW EXPERIENCES

This is still your engagement and your wedding planning experience. It might look a little different than you imagined, but so many wedding businesses are getting creative, trying to offer equally special experiences for their current couples. Embrace these new options and think of ways to make the most of them, such as coordinating a private, day to shop for your dress at a local boutique or try on gowns from the comfort of your home! Digitally visit a rental showroom that perhaps would have been difficult to coordinate schedules with if you were to go in person, digital rental showroom visits, schedule a meeting with your planner to talk design via Zoom. It’s time to think outside the box!

Plus there are plenty of areas of the planning process that remain completely in tact. Grab some wine and work on crafting the perfect ceremony outline, curating an epic song list, and online shopping for wedding decor – just be sure to leave the date off of the decor to be safe! 

DON’T GIVE UP ON PLANNING

We totally get it if you lost your planning motivation. Without a concrete date in sight, it’s difficult to stay excited and tackle all the tasks leading up to a wedding. But instead of looking at the planning process as a chore or as something you might have to redo for a third time, we encourage you to use it as an opportunity to keep focused on the big picture. You’re going to marry the love of your life! So each of these little action items are going to bring you one step closer to that moment.

Try breaking up your task list and devoting an hour or two a week to wedding planning and preparation. You just might find yourself getting re-inspired. And it doesn’t matter really if it’s a big ticket item you tackled or several small and easy ones. Before you know it, the little things will add up to big check marks off of your to-do list, and you'll be happy you made progress during this time.

We continue to send our love to all of you sweet couples and wedding vendors who are navigating this roller coaster of a year. We look forward to seeing you all on the other side, and we have faith that there will be some incredibly magical and extra meaningful celebrations once we get through this pandemic.

xo,

Renée & the Urban Soirée team