COVID-19: What It Means For Your Wedding

A message from Victoria Stankoski Founder, Wed With Style

We wanted to take this time to address the current situation that our entire country is facing. We truly value and care for not only our couples but also our vendors in the community and we felt it important to provide some tips to help relieve some of the stress that they may be feeling during this difficult time.

We hope that we are able to help answer some of your concerns while you are planning your wedding during this time. We have put together the following guide regarding some of the issues that you may be facing at this time.

HOW DOES COVID-19 AFFECT YOUR WEDDING AND WHAT SHOULD YOU DO NOW?

First off, breathe. Take a deep, long breath and try to stay calm. Today the President issued new rules in regards to what has become our new norm, “social distancing”.

WHAT THIS MEANS: It is recommended that ALL large assemblies, all gatherings over 10 people be canceled, effective immediately for the next 15 days. The Alabama Department of Public Health has issued their own recommendations as well and they are as follows:

No mass gatherings of 50 persons or more, or gatherings of any size that cannot maintain a consistent six-foot distance between participants (with exceptions noted below). This may include festivals, parades, assemblies, or sporting events.
Senior adults or those with chronic health problems should avoid gatherings (outside of close family) of 10 or more persons, and should avoid travel by air, train or bus.
All persons should consider whether out-of-state travel plans may be delayed or cancelled.
Participants in religious services or events, weddings, funerals and family events should exercise prudence and maintain consistent six-foot distance between participants if possible.

WHAT TO DO NEXT?

If your wedding is scheduled within the next 8 weeks, consider rescheduling, postponing until late July or August if possible. We will do everything that we can to ensure that your original plans can be moved as smoothly as possible.

If however you decide to move forward with your wedding, there are some things to consider taking into account immediately.

Narrow your guest list. This may mean calling and letting people know that you are having to reduce the number of guests invited to the wedding, in this situation, most people should understand. Try to keep your list to close family and friends, think of it as a very intimate gathering of your closest loved ones.
Senior adults or those with chronic health problems should not be allowed to travel or be in close proximity with others during this time.
Have a small wedding and hold a larger reception later if it is possible.
Issue a strict no hugging or handshakes at the gathering.
No buffets or self serve stations.
Sanitizer stations located throughout the ceremony and reception.
And last, look into live streaming the wedding for out of town guests and those who can not be there.

Most of all, we want to remind everyone that we are all in this together. No matter how stressed you feel right now, do not let this pandemic define your big day. Every time you look at one another, remember WHY you chose each other, work together and you will get through this difficult and trying time.

We all wish you nothing but the ABSOLUTE BEST and we are here to answer all of your questions and concerns and help you every step of the way.

xoxo,

Victoria