Featured image credit: Trish Allison Photography
Hi, my name is Sam - the owner of Plus One Event Co. I started my business to bring a much-needed, fresh perspective to the local wedding industry! The world of weddings and events is rapidly evolving, and our planning approach should too. Today, weddings look a lot different than they did 20, 10, or even 5 years ago. Gone are the days of outdated traditions or unrealistic expectations that used to dictate many decisions. In 2021, your big day can be whatever you want it to be!
Sam Nutting - Plus One Event Co.
Image by Nic
Planning a Wedding During a Pandemic
My goal as a wedding planner is to listen and learn from my clients. No two events should be treated the same, and that is why I customize my approach based on my clients’ specific needs and style! By honing in on the elements they value, I help create unique, personal, and memorable weddings - all while saving them time and money. I foster close connections with my clients by building trust, providing an organized approach, and amplifying their excitement. On your wedding day, you can expect me to be your biggest hype man.
“Before hiring your vendors, ask them how they have dealt with postponements and cancellations due to Covid-19. What is their policy?”
Over the past year, the wedding industry has been tested like never before! We have all needed to improvise and adapt to the ever-changing rules and restrictions. Today, I am here to share my advice for couples who are planning their wedding during a pandemic.
Communication is key
Proper wedding planning includes open communication. Implement this best practice across all your transactions, from dealing with vendors and suppliers to hiring wedding professionals.
By establishing a good communication flow and connections early, you'll have a more straightforward wedding preparation. Hence, it's imperative to provide flexible communication channels for vendors and wedding professionals to easily contact you, including phone calls, text messaging, and email.
Before hiring your vendors, ask them how they have dealt with postponements and cancellations due to Covid-19. What is their policy? In what circumstances are you eligible for a refund? If you move your date, will you incur a rebooking fee? How close to your event are you able to postpone with your venue and other vendors? Ensure that you have contract language in place that protects you if the worst-case scenario were to occur.
Lean on your planner
During a time of uncertainty, it is important to lean on the experts. Your planner will have the most up-to-date information on state mandates, and how they affect your wedding. Additionally, they will hold your vendors accountable, and ensure that they communicate their updated terms of service. Your planner is instrumental in problem-solving and pivoting where the need is, so utilize their expertise!
Image Flow Event Group
A wedding planner will keep everything organized for you, saving you time and effort and avoiding all the wedding stressors and hassles. Expect the wedding planner to ask questions from you to ensure a smooth wedding preparation. So, prepare to answer questions regarding your budget, preferred vendors, and even your extent of involvement in the wedding planning.
Aside from a wedding planner, hiring an experienced Vancouver wedding videographer is an excellent idea to capture the most meaningful and memorable scenes on your big day. You might want to interview and see the videographer's portfolio personally. Remember that the best ones can provide foolproof credentials.
Professional and experienced videographers provide couples peace of mind knowing that they have complete and beautiful high-quality photos and video keepsakes of their wedding. Moreover, a professional videographer abides by health protocols using state-of-the-art cameras and other equipment and accessories, like drones.
Find the silver lining
If your wedding is impacted by restrictions caused by the pandemic, it is important to find the silver lining. There are many great things about intimate weddings! First and foremost, they allow you to focus on quality over quantity. You and your partner will have more time to spend with each of your guests. Additionally, since you are hosting fewer people, you may add some elements that make the day extra special. Some ideas are:
Enhance your dining experience with an upgraded menu or a wine pour.
Add a styled lounge or a fun installation above your head table.
Create a fun, covid safe experience - such as a photo backdrop.
My personal favorite - splurge on a special honeymoon when it is safe to travel!
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Happy Planning!
Sam Nutting