wedding planning in a pandemic COVID-19
Lifestyle

Wedding Planning in a Pandemic

So, wedding planning isn’t exactly going as expected. I was so excited to share all my updates and money-saving tips until a little thing called COVID-19. In this post you’ll find all of my current wedding planning updates.

This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you were to purchase any of the items linked at no additional cost to you. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Remember when I thought 2020 was going to be the best year ever?

white dress from Lulu's
White Dress | Necklace | Shoes

Our wedding date was August 1, 2020, however all of my planning stopped in March when quarantine began. A few weeks ago we made the difficult decision to postpone our wedding until next year.

White dress to wear to your bridal shower

June 1 was the day that we decided would be when we make a final decision. We were closely watching what the governor’s updates. By this date, we realized that there were too many restrictions for us to have the wedding we wanted.

wedding planning in a pandemic, 2020 wedding

A few of the restrictions included cutting the guest list in half, hiring extra staff for cleaning and having to remain six feet apart at all times, even on the dance floor.

In the end, what we really felt uncomfortable with was inviting our elderly relatives and putting them at risk. We are both blessed to still have grandparents in our lives and they mean the world to us.

Although this was a difficult decision, we are happy with it and excited for next year.

white dress for brides

The dress I’m wearing in this post I was planning to wear to my bridal shower, which was cancelled along with my bachelorette party. I’m also wearing my favorite pearl initial necklace which is now also available in turquoise as well.

Below I’ve detailed our wedding planning updates.

Wedding Planning for Next Year

So far, I am still working with vendors to reschedule our wedding for next summer. Because I was so far behind in the planning process, I didn’t have a ton of vendor contracts put in place yet. However, deciding on the vendors and the venue were one of the hardest parts in the first round of planning. It’s a lot less stressful this time since I know who I want to work with, the only challenge now is when.

My Dress Arrived

A huge concern of mine in March was that my dress wouldn’t arrive on time. I saw on the news that factories in China where many dresses are manufactured were closing down due to the virus.

I didn’t expect my dress to arrive at the shop until June, however it arrived at the end of April. It is currently getting alterations.

I purchased my dress from Bridal Connection in Ankeny, Iowa. If you’re looking for a dress, be sure to check out my post about where to find a dress for less than $1,000.

The Bridesmaid Dresses Have Arrived Also

All five of my bridesmaids were able to order their dresses and have already received them. They all look absolutely amazing in them! We ordered the dresses from David’s Bridal because they were affordable and it was easy for them to try on the dress since they are all located in different places.

Also, I planned to share this at one point, but I asked my bridesmaids to be in my wedding with these adorable cards I found on Amazon. They are scratch offs that ask if you will be a bridesmaid!

Cards to ask bridesmaids to be in your wedding. Scratch off bridesmaid cards from Amazon

Save the Date Cards Were Sent

We sent these out right before the crisis began to get really serious. Honestly, collecting addresses for these cards have been by far my least favorite part of wedding planning. However, I think the cards turned out nice, I used a photo from our winter engagement shoot and set up a wedding website with Minted where guests can RSVP.

I’m planning to send updated cards once we determine a new date.

Staying Positive During This Time

It’s been a roller coaster of emotions for me over these last few months. My stress levels have been at some of the highest they’ve ever been. However, postponing the wedding has helped with that somewhat.

And, honestly, I am happy about our decision because it gives us the opportunity to have the wedding we want. I realize that so many worse things are happening in the world, so I’m not writing this post for anyone to feel sorry for us in anyway. I’m excited for next year and hopeful that things will be getting better.

I know that many brides are still moving forward with their summer 2020 weddings, but I know that this was the best decision for us and our family.

COVID-19 wedding planning

Thanks for reading!

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wedding planning in a pandemic