Hello Friends! I trust and pray that you all are staying safe in this time.
Spring and summer 2020 couples, I know this is a scary time with all of the uncertainty surrounding Covid-19 (coronavirus). First and foremost, everyone take a deep breath. Try your hardest not to let the hysteria or media push your anxiety levels up. This could mean limiting your news watching to 30 minutes a day or only reading the news. Do whatever is best for you! In times of uncertainty, let’s anchor in the Word of God. Also, push yourself to see the glass half full in every situation. This too shall pass and pretty soon you’ll be married to your best friend!
If your wedding is scheduled anytime between now and August, you do want to take a few steps to weather this storm and ensure that you know what options you have. Please see below for a few tips as we weather this storm:
1. Stay prayed up! – Honestly, prayer and reading the Word of God are the only ways that your nerves can be calmed in a time such as this. Let’s pray for the scientists looking for cures, the healthcare workers treating those that are ill, and for every individual affected directly and indirectly by this disease.
2. Share your feelings with your husband or wife to be- Listen y’all, I’m no relationship coach, BUT these are the times when you have to be honest with your spouse. Literally, keep it 100!!
3. Stay up to date on the news- Mandates and suggestions surrounding COVID-19 are changing by the hour, so please be sure to stay up to date on what is happening. The CDC website is always a good place to start, but please pay special attention to the regulations specific to your area, and in the county your wedding will be taking place.
4. Read Your Contracts- This is an excellent time to take a deep dive into your contracts to see if there is an impossibility or a force majeure clause in your agreement relieving both parties of your contractual obligations in the event of natural disasters or times of crisis. Do not panic if you do not have either of these as most vendors and businesses are working with couples during this time. If you have event insurance, this is the time to read through this policy, as well.
5. Talk to Your Vendors*- If you have a planner, I recommend chatting with your planner first. Make use of their services and allow them to lift some of the burden off of you! If you don’t have a planner, chat with your vendors directly and understand their business’ stance on the situation as it stands today. Be honest with your vendors, so they understand how you are feeling and what options you are considering at this time. Do not be aggressive or rude! Please understand that this is affecting their livelihood as well.
6. Contact Your Guests*- I’m sure that people have already started reaching out to you asking what you are going to do and how you are feeling. Others are probably thinking of you, but not checking in because they don’t want to stress you out. Take a moment and send a note to all of your guests giving them an update. If you have no update, that’s okay too! Simply let them know that you are watching how things progress and will keep them up to date. Check out the link below to the With Joy site for a template if you are in need of one.
*As of today, March 19th, I only recommend this for the couples getting married between now and June.
Please see below for links to some other articles that I think are super helpful:
Wedding Wire- What to Do About Your Wedding During the Coronavirus Pandemic by Lindsay Tigar
Wedding Wire- Should You Still Attend a Wedding During the Coronavirus Outbreak? by Jenn Sinrich
With Joy- How to Manage Your Wedding Plans During the Coronavirus Outbreak by Joy Editors
Once again, I want to encourage all of the Spring and Summer couples to stay prayed up, keep reading the Word, and remember to take deep breaths. This too shall pass and soon you’ll be married to your best friend!
Stay safe! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Toodles for now, SugarBees!
