Coronavirus shook the world on March 11th, 2020 as the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic. There is not one person that it has not impacted, adding additional stress to everyday activities that had previously been taken for granted. Added steps and safety measures into planning grocery trips, running to the pharmacy for a grandparent and of course social distancing. Isolation. That’s a scary word isn’t it? Isolation. Not knowing the next time you’ll see be able to see your parents, your best friend’s surprise birthday party being canceled, not going out for dinner as your favorite local restaurant inevitably closes its doors. There is so much uncertainty in things we cannot control. But there is something we can control and we are certain about. YOU’RE GETTING MARRIED! There is no better time to focus on the happiness, light and love that a new engagement creates. Ride that wave out! Wondering how to navigate planning a wedding during a global pandemic? We’ve been prepped on how to live in the digital age! Let us reassure you that your experience will still be very special.
The hospitality industry is eager to serve you. Many vendors are adapting to this ‘new normal’ and are now offering virtual tours *ahem*, flexible call times, digital meetings through zoom and are being flexible with deposits/payments to help ease your decision making. It’s our job to make you feel comfortable with your investments and give you a glimpse into service levels. This is a great time to test client service excellence and see how your potential vendors are handling your inquiries.
Your friends and family are supporting you (from afar). Although you can’t clink glasses with all your friends and family, new apps are popping up every day to help connect you with your closest group. From traditional videocalls wit Zoom to House Party which allows you to play games and trivia… there are still ways to have an engagement party! Everyone is clinging on to stories full of happiness and everyone will jump at the chance to celebrate and get the planning going!
Your mental health is important. Now more than ever, it’s important to check on our mental health throughout the day and keep things in perspective. Give yourself the space you need to effectively plan a wedding during such an uncertain time. Remember what is important, your health and the health of those you love. The industry is learning as we go and are pivoting to meet your needs. With everything, there are additional steps to planning right now so keep in mind that if there are vendors you’ve had your eye on for a while or have already booked, ask the hard questions of what contingency plans look like.
Stay positive, this is just a hard time not a hard life, altered planning for now, not forever. Take the time to talk about what is important to you as a couple and know that this WILL be the biggest bump in your planning process.
Nikki Northern, Special Event Consultant at Whistle Bear Golf Course