Covid-19 Wedding Tips From the Pros

Weddings are stressful enough to plan without a global pandemic thrown into the mix. Friends and family will bombard you with opinions, but during this time, the best move you can make is to lean on the experienced wedding vendors you hired. We want to help you! The blog below is a compilation of Covid-19 wedding tips and advice (organized by vendor category) gathered from some amazing seasoned wedding professionals.

Photo by JMGant Photography

WEDDING PLANNING
Jessica McTaggart  |  Pink Champagne Events
pinkchampagneevents.com

• First and foremost, be flexible! As we all know by now, the "normal" way of doing things is out the window. That also goes for wedding planning. The more flexible you can be with potential wedding dates, desired vendors, number of guests in attendance, etc., the better the planning process will be.
• Don't delay in procuring those vendors you love. With a large majority of 2020 weddings moving to 2021 (some even into 2022), availability for in-demand vendors is dwindling. If you find someone you love, that also has your date available, don't drag your feet in booking them! 
• Pay attention to contract language. With the Covid-19 pandemic, almost every single vendor made changes to their contract. Make sure you're up to speed with their policies regarding potential pandemic-related postponements and cancellations. Ask lots of clarifying questions to ensure you protect yourselves and your celebration, while also understanding that your vendor team is full of real people trying to survive too.

WEDDING VENUES
Stephen and Janelle Statham  |  The Woodlands Colorado
woodlandscolorado.com

• Before committing to a wedding venue, consider asking what the venue has been doing or continues to do to assist couples during this Covid-19 season. Make sure you are comfortable with their rescheduling or cancellation terms before moving forward. Understand that most venues are unable to provide full refunds to stay in business, so try to keep an open mind. And most definitely look into cancellation insurance! Your guests love you and will celebrate you when the time is right.

Colby Rasplicka  |  Almagre
almagrecollective.com/wedding

• Check the local guidelines. Some current guidelines can vary not only by state, but by county as well. Make sure you're informed on the current amount of guests permitted to attend and the rules that your event space is following due to their state or county legislation.​
• Communicate. Reach out to prospective venues to ask specific questions about what you have planned in order to find our what will and will not be permitted. Most venues should work to accommodate your wedding requests, but it's important to let them know specifically what you have in mind. This way their event business is not jeopardized by guests or wedding vendors not following the rules and regulations. This can save you a massive fine and/or prevent you from losing your deposit.

The Woodlands in Morrison, Co | Photo by Caitlin Steuben Photography

Almagre Collective in Colorado Springs, Co

WEDDING DRESS SHOPPING
Mindi and Jordan  |  Something New Boutique
somethingnewboutique.com

• The biggest tip to minimize Covid-19 exposure and make the process as seamless as possible is to eliminate the need for multiple stops. Make the decision at home of whom you want to share this special experience with. Read Google reviews to gather honest opinions from recent brides, look at pictures of the store, call the shop and ask about the dresses they carry and any current limitations they have. Check out each shop’s social media to see who they really are and what experiences they offer for their guests. Wedding dress shopping is so much more than buying a dress, it is creating lifelong memories!​
• There can be delays in the manufacturing or shipping of your dress so don’t wait! Minimize your stress and shop right away. Ask the bridal store about shipping times. See if they have an in-store collection that you can purchase from directly. This option can possibly eliminate all worry as to whether the dress will arrive in time for the wedding. 

​WEDDING CEREMONIES & MARRIAGE LICENSES
Phil Gallagher  |  Colorado Wedding Officiant
officiantphilgallagher.com

• You can obtain a Marriage License from any county in Colorado. The process used to be pretty straight forward, but with Covid-19 policies can be different from office to office. Whatever state you are in, I highly suggest finding the County Clerk and Recorder you want to use at least a month ahead of your wedding date. Call them to ensure you can do what is necessary to have your license in hand on your special day. And if the first office you call doesn’t work out, try more until you find a place that does. 
• Some states, like Colorado, allow couples to self-solemnize. This means you can legally sign and file your Marriage License. In other words, friends or family members can perform wedding ceremonies without needing to sign anything. I understand that lots of couples are wanting to keep their circle small, which is why I offer Script Creation Services. I provide crucial wedding tips and advice to help coach those willing to stand up front and marry you. Don’t forget to grab the help and direction needed to make your ceremony even more unique!
• Your wedding vendors are working with lots of other people, and are taking the necessary precautions to maintain your safety as well as their own. Right now many Officiants like me are hands-off, so definitely give your vows and rings to a responsible friend or family member attending the ceremony. Also, arrange to bring your own pen to sign your Marriage License. ​

WEDDING STATIONERY
Sarah Meyer  |  Designs by Sarah
designsbysarahmeyer.com

• If you’ve postponed your wedding, but the original save the dates and invitations have already been mailed, there is absolutely no need to print a whole new invitation suite. Create and mail a wedding postponement card/save the new date card. Or simply send an email to your guests informing them of your revised plans and include a link to your wedding website. I do not recommend using social media to spread the word, it is very impersonal and posts/private messages can easily get lost.
• Mail your invitations out as close to the wedding date as possible. We are learning more about this virus every day, so no one is going to make a decision in June whether to attend your October wedding. Ask your venue when they need a final headcount and create your timeline based on that. Give the post office about 10 business days for mailing and your guests 2-3 weeks to rsvp.
• Since the post office is running behind, absolutely accept rsvps online through your website. Include a phone number on the rsvp card for the guests that are not comfortable with technology so they can text or call in their rsvp. This also gives them a way to contact you should they have more questions about your event.

​WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
Alexa Jade  |  Alexa Jade Photography
alexajadephoto.com

• It is so important for you and your fiancé to meet prospective photographers in person before the wedding. You should feel confident in knowing exactly who you are working with to ensure you are comfortable together on your big day. Although video calls are not ideal, I do them with all clients now. On these calls, my goal is to minimize any worries you may have. We review my Covid-19 policies and procedures and discuss in depth any specific requests you and your family have to secure the health and safety of the wedding party and guests. 
• Photography is such an intimate part of your wedding. As your photographer, I am up close and right in the action. These days, I am using a longer lens that allows for more flexibility with zoom capabilities to still ensure I get those detailed shots while maintaining a safe distance. I am working hard to communicate clearly so that I can still pose my couples without touching them. I use this communication to help create those beautiful moments that the couple will remember long after the "I Do's". ​

Photo by Alexa Jade Photography

​WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHY
Jessica Ham  |  Runa Video
runavideo.com

• If you've had to scale down your wedding day like many couples, there might be time for a longer couple videography session. We've captured some fun footage recently like a couple driving away from their ceremony in a vintage car and another couple stopping by a brewery and having a beer together in their full wedding attire!
• When signing on with a videographer make sure you understand their policy for postponed wedding dates. Covid-19 and government restrictions on large gatherings are changing constantly. Fully discuss what will happen if you need to revise your date, and specifically how your retainer fee will be handled. Make sure it's all in the contract so there are no misunderstandings later.

​WEDDING BARS
Adam Douglas  |  Peak Beverage
peakbev.com

• Set drink menus on tables for guests to review. This way they know what they would like to order ahead of time—avoiding the lingering and crowds at the bar. 
• Champagne walls are very trendy right now and can eliminate the contact you get with tray-passed toasts.
• For elopements or smaller intimate events you can remove bar service completely by purchasing DIY cocktail kits, canned "ready to drink" cocktails, and beer and wine selections from our liquor store.  ​

Photo by Amy Caroline Photography

​WEDDING CATERING
Madhoo Seth  |  The Gourmet Kitchen
thegourmetkitchen.biz

• Make sure the catering company you hire for your big day strictly adheres to the Covid-19 safe practice guidelines and recommendations set by the USDA and FDA.
• We have seen an increased demand for individually packaged menu items. To promote health and food safety at events, we have created designer dinner boxes that come with an appetizer, salad, and main course!

​WEDDING RENTALS
Joann Berrian  |  Pine Hollow Vintage
@pinehollowvintage

• Contact your rental company and talk heart-to-heart about your desires and fears. We have been exceptionally flexible with our couples and have value added packages that give our couples numerous ways to make their wedding exceptionally beautiful. From intimate gatherings to large groups—we serve our couples with service, integrity, and style. Look for that special connection because a fabulous rental experience is more than a crate of dishes or glassware.
• Although this season has been so challenging for couples, we feel that there are some special benefits that we can provide as a small family-owned business. We are experts at creating an eye-catching wedding reception and include complete set-up and take-down, allowing you more time to just enjoy your day. ​

​WEDDING ENTERTAINMENT
David M. Smith  |  Shindig Entertainment
myshindigdjs.com

• Having an experienced MC with a commanding presence is significantly more important than most would think. The entertainer you choose, has to be well-spoken, well-trained, well-dressed, and charismatic enough to command the attention of your family and friends. An experienced entertainer will have no problem confidently directing everyone and leading your entire celebration. In fact, it is the DJ’s responsibility to do so!
• It’s no secret that many venues are 86ing the dance floor. Therefore, we need to utilize our 2020 imagination to ensure the show goes on! Here are three ideas for alternate wedding entertainment:
  1. Trivia: everyone loves trivia! Find a company that will not only provide an awesome game, but will also customize the game around YOU.
  2. Music Bingo: this is a great way to social distance, yet still hear your favorite tunes throughout your special night, while entertaining a diverse crowd.
  3. The Shoely-Wed Game: This a quick one, but if it is done right with a great entertainer, it can please any guest list.

​​WEDDING HAIR & MAKEUP
Alexis Alba  |  Muse Modern Salon
musemodernsalon.com

• Now that most of us are working from home and don't need to style our hair, I am very familiar with tying our hair back everyday. But be careful not to grab the scrunchie too often because it can lead to hair breakage. 
• I know this pandemic is super stressful and plans are constantly changing day to day; however stress can relate to hair loss. My biggest advice is to try to do something to relax—if that is pouring a glass of cabernet and indulging in your favorite tv show or getting outside to get some exercise—this will save your precious hair!​ ​

Jade Darrough  |  Jaded Beauty
jadedbeauty.co

• Make sure your beauty team follows DORA guidelines. This requires both clients and beauty service providers to wear masks during services at all times. When it's time for foundation, blush, contour, and lips during the makeup service, the client can then remove their mask. The service provider should wear a shield along with their mask for extra protection. Since that is the end of the service, the client is free to walk away, mask-less and gorgeous!
• Book in advance for both 2020 and 2021 weddings! Since beauty isn't a massive vendor category, like venues or photographers, we typically fall within the middle or end of a couple's booking agenda, but with an immense amount of rescheduling from the 2020 season, our 2021 calendar is already at 70% capacity and 2022 is starting to fill up.

Photo by Megan Blowey Photography