Why You SHOULD Get Married in 2021
Let's not sugar-coat it. Covid SUCKS. The uncertainty, the constant state of flux, the inability to plan more than a few days in advance.... these are all things that make wedding planning tough.
But, if 2020 and 2021 have taught me anything, it's that we need to take time to celebrate the positives, rather than focusing on the negatives (or we'd all fall into a state of depression that no amount of ice cream directly from the carton can fix).
Coupled with the current unknowns about vaccine distribution, new Covid variants, and the possibility that we'll have to observe masking and social distancing well into the next few years, I really and truly believe that, if you're engaged, NOW is the time to get married.
So many couples have put their lives on hold, waiting to get married until restrictions lift. But with no end in sight, why not make that commitment NOW, and move to the next chapter?
We all know that in this day and age, couples do all the 'life things' (having kids, buying houses, moving in together, relocating) in all kinds of orders. You don't have to be married to do any of those things. But a lot of my couples feel like they do, and they've been putting their lives on hold while they wait to have the wedding of their dreams.
Now, listen. I get it. I really, REALLY do. I know that you want a big wedding with a dance, and a buffet, and all the things. But pragmatism would dictate that a wedding of 200 people with dancing and no social distancing is not going to happen in the near future. I'm sorry to say it, but I just don't see it happening.
But does that mean that you shouldn't have a wedding at all? NOPE. No way. Not even a little bit.
What it DOES mean is that you might just have to do some reimagining:
- do as many couples did in 2020 and stream your wedding to any guests who can't be there.
- have a Micro Wedding with only your closest friends and family. You can go ALL OUT on lavish flowers and decor, or have the BEST food and drink money can buy, with fewer guests.
- look into entertainment that doesn't involve dancing (trivia/games contests, live musicians, caricature artists, comedians, magicians, movies.... be creative, and BE YOU!).
- move your wedding from private property to a staffed venue (current restrictions limit the number of guests on private property far more than those at venues).
- host an outdoor event rather than an indoor event (current Health Unit guidelines classify a tent with two sides up as 'outdoor').
- elope, just the two of you, and throw a MASSIVE PARTY as soon as it's safe to do so.
Keep in mind that, while times are uncertain now, nobody can predict the future. Having just lost my dad to an undiagnosed and unexpected illness, I can be the first to advise you that finding a creative way to celebrate today means that those you love who are still with you can be there NOW, while they might not be in the future.
No matter what you do, keep in mind that everyone is experiencing the pandemic in different ways, and everyone understands how difficult this is. People will get it when you honestly communicate that you're getting married in a way that works for YOU, and that your hands are tied in terms of having the big wedding with ALL. THE. THINGS.
Remember that we at Unmistakably You are here to help, so don't hesitate to reach out if there's anything we can do. And if you're interested in a Micro Wedding or an Elopement, we can make that happen!
Hang in there, lovely.
XO