If you’re planning a wedding right now, you’re likely faced with difficult decisions amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Take solace in the fact that you’re not alone: 35% of engaged couples have postponed their weddings to next year or later.
Whether you choose to postpone or proceed with your wedding planning differently than imagined, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. If you’re unsure where to begin, keep reading for a quick guide to moving forward with wedding venues during COVID-19.
What Are the Restrictions for Wedding Venues During COVID-19?
As of early December, wedding venues in Colorado no longer have to restrict the number of people who can attend life rites. However, individuals from different households must remain six feet apart.
The amended order released by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment defines life rites as baptisms, funerals, and weddings as critical services, regardless of whether they occur in a religious setting.
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Although, outdoor event venues are still strongly preferred over indoor options, especially with an extensive guest list.
How to Plan the Perfect Wedding During a Pandemic
With this new order in mind, you don’t have to pause your wedding planning journey due to COVID. Here is some guidance on choosing the perfect venue and planning a memorable wedding during a pandemic.
Fine-Tune Your Guest List
If you’re just getting started, the first thing to do is finalize your guest list. Begin with a rough estimate of how many people you wish to attend your wedding.
Your number one concern during this phase is determining whether your venue of choice will accommodate the number of guests you wish to invite, especially when planning a larger wedding. However, it’s essential to consider your guest count when you’re planning a more intimate affair. Imagine fifty guests in a large ballroom—they will likely feel disconnected in such a vast space. You may have to modify the room with faux walls or draping to make the venue feel appropriately sized or find a space to accommodate your number of guests better.
Embrace Flexibility
Many couples planning their weddings during COVID-19 are uncertain about their headcount and unclear on what their wedding will look like. However, time is of the essence, and you can’t exactly wait to book a venue.
Look for a scalable venue that can feel intimate for a smaller celebration but can grow to host a larger number once restrictions loosen. With the new Colorado order, many venues are at the mercy of the guests’ comfort level. And since RSVPs aren’t typically required until thirty days out, you and your venue must be flexible during this time.
Remember Your Budget
If you’re not careful, your wedding venue can eat into your budget as one of the larger-ticket items. Only visit venues that are within your price range, but always consider that you may have under-budgeted. If you can manage the venue’s quoted cost plus 10 to 15% on top, then consider it. However, if the cost of your venue of choice is already almost out of reach, don’t put yourself through the stress or agony of falling in love with a venue you can’t afford.
During planning for your wedding, always clarify the venue’s rates, gratuity, and service charges. These are figures that are often overlooked but add a considerable cost to a wedding’s budget.
Finalize Your Vendor Team
Regardless of the current state of the pandemic, couples are planning in full force. 52% of couples have booked a vendor since the beginning of the pandemic. Availability is waning, and it’s essential to have an expert on your side amid this uncertain time.
If you’re searching for new vendors or having discussions with those you’ve hired, you must have serious discussions about the potential impact of the coronavirus on your wedding. If you’ve hired a wedding planner, this is something they can take the lead on. If not, you’ll need to reach out to each vendor individually. You’ll likely receive a varying response—some will be happy to help you reschedule or revise existing plans, while others will want to hold you to your contract.
As you consider revising your plans or hiring new vendors, consider the following questions for your food and beverage vendors:
- What are additional measures being taken by your staff to ensure food safety?
- How will the food be served or presented?
- Are buffets and food stations an option? If not, what modifications are available?
- What kind of bartending services can you provide?
- How can we avoid clustering at bars and food stations?
Before you make any decisions, know where you stand with your team of vendors. If needed, refer to your contracts to review cancellation and postponement policies, including any non-refundable deposits or fees.
Postponing vs. Canceling
When evaluating wedding venues amid COVID-19, you may become overwhelmed and feel it’s easier not to host a wedding at all. You may feel as though you don’t have the energy to reschedule plans or navigate restrictions. However, don’t let the current state of the pandemic discourage you.
Your wedding may look different than you had initially imagined. It may be smaller, during another season, or in a completely different location than planned. Regardless, the result stays the same: you’ll have a magical ceremony during which you’ll marry the love of your life. It doesn’t matter when or where your wedding takes place—take a deep breath and start evaluating your options.
Another benefit to rescheduling or changing plans is supporting the small business owners who will make your wedding happen. Many vendors are mom-and-pop shops and depend on weddings like yours to stay in business during this difficult time.
Let Us Host Your Special Day
If you’re considering wedding venues during COVID-19, visit us at Church Ranch Event Center to see what we have to offer. We’re here to help you take a deep breath and figure things out as you plan.
Remember, this difficult time won’t last forever, and we can help you through it one step at a time.
For a ceremony that incorporates the sincerity and joy that your special day deserves, contact us for more information.
