How to navigate weddings around Covid

Given the current situation we’re living through, a lot of couples are having to look at turning their big day into a slightly smaller one than planned due to either the limits on gatherings or the travel restrictions that are currently in place. Whether you are just getting started in your wedding planning journey or have had to postpone your wedding day due to Covid-19, there are lots of reasons to consider a smaller more intimate wedding, including some perks!

So we have put together a little list of ideas and tips to help with planning a wedding during this unprecedented time and how to have the most love-filled celebration.

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01. / Keep it local

We are privileged to have so many talented vendors and amazing venues here in the top of the South! Many people travel to Nelson and Marlborough to hold their destination wedding so how lucky are we to have this beautiful region right on our back doorstep. Not only is the scenery absolutely stunning but arguably we have some of the best weather in the country.

02. / Live Stream

Are you worried that having a smaller guest list means people will miss out, especially those from overseas? Technology is a great thing! Consider live streaming your wedding or get a video recording for the guests that can’t attend. Not only will you get some great footage of your day that you will be able to watch again for years to come and even show the next generation, you will also be able to share your day with those that are unable to attend.

03. / Venue Options

Book a venue with lots of open space and room. With fewer people on your guest list you will have access to more venues, including non-traditional venues allowing you to get more creative. Consider a cocktail style where there is more room and you can create cosy spaces. Or a large dinner table, not only do they look beautiful and grand but provide comfortable room for guests when seated. Making a large space feel intimate can be fun, as you have the opportunity to get creative with seating and table layouts, as well as adding things like a lounge area or bars and food stations. Remember to design the space, not just the tables, think about lighting, florals, linen and anything else that will create ambience.

04. / Budget

Having an intimate wedding is more cost effective. Lowering the guest numbers will allow you to splurge on those luxury items you thought you couldn’t afford. For example that designer wedding dress or ultra-lush floral centrepiece or perhaps that amazing photographer who was previously out of your budget but you can now afford and who will capture your day with stunning images, creating lasting memories. Your budget will go further with fewer guests, so use the extra money to really enhance your day and focus on the details that matter most to you and create an experience you and your guests will treasure.

05. / Source Local

With everything that has been going on in the world at the moment there can be risks involved with ordering online from overseas and freighting so keep to sourcing all your wedding day items locally. This way not only are you getting great quality products but you are also supporting small local businesses and communities who desperately need our help right now. Source local and support small businesses.

06. / Personalise

Less guests mean you can personalise every element with more custom details such as handwritten notes to each guest, calligraphy place name cards or tiny flower posies at each place setting. It is also a perfect chance to incorporate family heirlooms like grandma’s vintage china, family silverware or your aunt’s hand embroidered napkins.

07. / Alternative Guestbook

Think about alternative options for a guestbook to include people that can’t be there. Ask all your guests and those that couldn’t attend to record a little video message for you. Not only will you have fun watching them all but they will be a great keepsake to look back on and watch again.

08. / Off-Peak Season

The peak of the busy wedding season here takes place between the months of November to April, and during the height of the busy season most vendors are flat out and often fully booked months, sometimes years in advance for weddings that take place in these months. Due to a few weddings being postponed because of Covid-19, with most being pushed out to the next wedding season it will mean that these months will be busier than ever. By considering holding your wedding during off-peak season, between the months of May to October, your ideal vendors will most likely be available and there are savings to be had as most offer off-peak discounts… win, win!

Most weddings, no matter the size or style, will need a venue/location, food, a bar, hire items, some décor and entertainment, so keep these basics in mind as you’re making plans.

As you’re determining the details, decide what is important to you and your fiancé and don’t be afraid to think outside the box!