SEVEN STELLAR IDEAS ON PLANNING THROUGH COVID-19
Hey, you!
So, you’re planning your start to forever with your partner in crime, huh? We have a very special guest today talking to you friend-to-friend about how to keep on planning during these uncertain times. The truth is, we as industry members are just as in the know as you. Information being released to us changes daily and we’re learning right there with ya! Stephanie Hopkins, owner and Lead Planner of Pretty & Planned has seven incredible ideas on how to perfectly plan your special day with uncharted territory ahead! The feelings you may be experiencing right now are valid, and we simply want to remind you that you are so lucky to be able to marry your forever BFF and we are so lucky to be able to help you accomplish that. Joining two families is such an incredible opportunity and with our new-normal, there are seven stellar ways to ensure you are providing a fabulous guest experience!
Stephanie Hopkins
Owner & Lead Planner of Pretty & Planned
“Dear Covid-19 Brides,
With all the uncertainty in the world right now from the Coronavirus, I wanted to write some ideas to share with couples on ways to make your wedding special if a smaller guest count is required. Currently, the state of Kansas and Missouri have begun phases of "re-opening" the "new normal" of our communities here in the KC Metro. While it's important to keep current on the state's updates, keep the county/city of your wedding venue as the guiding light to your decision-making for the most up to date regulations on private events. Each municipality is doing things slightly different (as no two cities are the same), population density, and the current number of cases of COVID-19 are different in every city, too.
With those things in mind, here are some creative ways to adjust your mindset about your wedding to a smaller size if needed.
1. Always focus on the positive.
In a world of negative news and all the doom and gloom...shift your focus to the positives. I know this can be "easier said than done" when you've invested tons of time, money, and energy into your plans. But keep your focus on the good things to come like...marrying your best friend, being healthy, having vendors who have helped transition your original wedding to a new postponed date or helped with details to bring your vision to life with the new normal. Please remember that this time won't last forever. We are all in this together and we will come out stronger. I keep telling my brides who have been affected by this that "This is a story to tell the grand kids! It's truly our generation's version of the line we heard of "we walked 10 miles to school in the snow" story that we were lectured on"
2. Upgrade from buffet to plated meals. A lot of caterers are going to have to adjust the way they can serve food, and buffets during the Coronavirus period will likely not be permitted. If you need to reduce your guest count for gathering size limits, switch from a buffet to a plated meal. An easy way to elevate your guests' experience at your reception, and also keep everyone safe from the spread of germs!
3. Signature Cocktails. Have you paid more into your bar tab than might be able to come? Add on a "His and Hers' or "Mr. & Mrs" signature drink at the bar. Script Your Event makes the CUTEST personalized signs that are available to rent.
4. Start really looking at the guest list with this question in mind for each guest. "Would I invite these people over to dinner at my house?" That is ALWAYS the question I ask brides to ask themselves when they are having a hard time narrowing in on a guest list. It puts the relationship between your guests and you on a very real level...and definitely weeds out people who you're not that close to, or are inviting because someone else wants you to. If events going forward into 2020 are all limited in numbers...ask yourself this question to start trimming that list. You want people at your wedding that are truly people you care about, people that care about you, and people who will enjoy celebrating no matter the group size!
P.s. guests will understand that a global pandemic is the reason for a smaller invite list, do NOT spend any energy dwelling on what you can't control, or who's feelings you will hurt.
6. Do a cute nod to the Coronavirus with fun favors for your smaller wedding. Personalized wedding masks, mini personalized hand sanitizers, bars of soap are all cute ideas for guest gifts!
7. Set up plenty of "social distancing" space on your floor plan, outdoor areas, and dance floor for your guests to still be able to attend & enjoy the celebration!”
Photos by Dannie Dan Irabor Photography
WOW, what amazing advice, right?! Stephanie has great ideas to ensure health and safety is a top priority, but that you’re able to make your new vision come true as well! Number one spoke to my soul- I recently started a gratitude journal to remind myself that positive things happen every single day and striving to see the good rather than the stressful will push me to be a better person through this journey and at the end of this journey. I’ve been using the Start Today Journal, but you can snag any old notebook and write down 3-5 things that made you feel even the tiniest bit of gratitude in the morning or evening. Over the past month, a few of my gratitude list items were:
This morning Wade made me coffee!
The sunshine and my afternoon walk
Trying a new recipe that actually tasted GREAT
The ability to have a slow morning
Maybe you’re lucky enough to get to spend 24/7 with your soon-to-be Mr./Mrs. and they did the dishes for you last night! Maybe you aren’t able to be together during this time, but are thankful for free video chat services that help you stay connected. Or maybe you’re thankful for your rockstar planner that is helping you though this time!
Right now, I’m thankful for the seven amazing tips Stephanie Hopkins shared and you for taking a few minutes out of your day to see what happening over here at Hawthorne House :)
Happy Planning from Hawthorne House!