Times are tough.
Times are tough for everyone right now.
Clients and vendors alike - and everyone in-between.
We figured that this world could do with a little more thoughtfulness at the moment and so we reached out to some vendors for advice. We asked them this question: “If there is only one piece of advice you would give to couples going through Covid, what would it be?”
We deliberately left it open so that each business could choose whether to give general advice or apply it within the framework of the wedding industry.
Please bear in mind that these businesses are under the pump, too, and balancing postponements and, sadly, some cancellations. However, the following vendors kindly replied and shared their wise and encouraging thoughts to pass onto couples perhaps feeling a little lost or disheartened at the moment.
We love the collective wisdom & encouragement here. From the bottom of our hearts, we hope you do, too! <3
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“You now have time! Make the most of this gift of time to re-evaluate your finances, guest list, etc. Above all, this is a perfect time to rest! Your post-COVID wedding will be here in no time. All the best x” ~Zubeidah, Honeytub Wedding Hire
“Whether you have just gotten engaged, you have started planning or you had the whole thing booked and had to postpone, just take a step back and think about exactly what is the most important thing to you as a couple. If it is to get married now, then do it with a smaller group. If it is to get married with your extended family travelling from all of the world, then wait and do that (or organise some amazing video streaming!). I think now more than ever couples can forget everyone else's expectations and just decide for themselves what is most important to them and once you have made that decision it will make the rest of your planning easier.” ~Marisha, Magnolia Studios
“I have translated a card my Mother sent me when I got engaged. It has been with me ever since:
‘Certainty, if someone loves you, they will not show from their words; not even from their actions - yet purely how one endures you.’” ~Nadja, Le Sans Souci
“Keep in contact with your vendors every now and again. My first thoughts for each of my Brides are: ‘How can I help you?’ and followed closely by ‘Are you ok!’ As a Makeup Artist, I have put many things in place to offer all kinds of support to my clients; however, understanding your individual circumstance means I can give you your support exactly how you need! It also means we can hopefully share your worry/stress and be a listening ear - a problem shared, is a problem halved! I know this might not apply to all your vendors completely but in my line of work, I operate in a very personal way and it comes naturally to offer emotional support. I’m also a really good listener!” ~Tyneale, Tyneale Hahn Makeup Artist
“If you’re on the fence about booking your wedding suppliers in now with Covid - don’t let it stop you. Suppliers are now getting booked up faster and more dates are filling with couples having to reschedule. Make sure you check the suppliers you’re interested in using terms and conditions / contract. For example - for couples using me for wedding stationery, I have a section that basically says if their date changes I can provide a reprint at cost (my fees are wiped), or I can design an additional card for free and the only cost is print or I will design an email change of date / new suite with their design that can be emailed out to your guests for free.
To the couples who have already booked vendors but are unsure if their wedding will happen, my heartfelt sympathies are with you experiencing stress and wedding disruption. I wish I could give you a big hug! My advice is try your best to have an open mind. It is ok to be upset, anxious or to grieve what could have been. If your plans have to change, know that things happen for a reason and, while it may not be clear now, things have a funny way of working out. At the end of the day, remember that you have someone that loves you and that the end goal is your marriage. Your vendors will be doing everything they can to make your day so special! If you decide that you don’t want to get married soon, then please postpone and not cancel. It could mean you may lose your deposits and your wedding vendors will be financially impacted, too.” ~Hannah, Blossie
“If you're hoping for a huge celebration with guests from all over the world, unfortunately this might mean waiting for some time before you can have the wedding of your dreams.
The alternative is that you can do a smaller legal ceremony now, with the big 'whooo-hoooo' celebrations at a later date. If you go down this route, live streaming your ceremony can work really well, and asking these friends and family to film themselves watching your wedding which can be fun to watch later on so you can see their reactions.” ~Roxy, Roxy Hotten - Celebrant
"My advice would be to decide what is most important to you and plan the wedding you want but don’t stress over small details. If you can have the day you want with current restrictions, don’t delay it. If not, just take your time and enjoy the planning." ~Wendy, Wendy Louise Designs
“My advice would be to think of yourselves as a team. At the end of the day when you’re done juggling work and kids and home stuff, sit down and spend time doing something you both enjoy. Watch TV, play a game, sip some wine or have a cup of tea. If you feel like you’d rather do something by yourself at some point, give your partner their space and enjoy yours, too.” ~Sharmeen, Sharmeen Thomas
“We are encouraging all our Beautiful Brides-to-be to allow as much time as they possibly can to order their gowns! This will allow for any unexpected changes COVID may send us!!” ~Cathy, Pearl Bridal
“Roll with it and do what's right for you and your partner. By making the most of it, you'll still enjoy celebrating your love." ~Julia, Creative Love Ceremonies
“We see you. Planning, postponing or even cancelling a wedding during a pandemic is stressful. It is stressful under normal circumstances but the current situation is next level. We would say to look for the positives. For every dark/overwhelming thought/feeling, find just one thing to counteract it and hold on tight to that silver lining. You will get through this, you will come out on the other side, and you will tell the crazy stories from this season for a lifetime! This will pass!” ~Pete and Em, Poppy & Sage Photography