Hello love birds!

It has been a few months since a global pandemic rocked the wedding industry. Brides were forced to postpone their events, people were devastated, and everyone had to adjust.

Now, things are beginning to turn a corner in many states. How the virus is progressing is a loaded question, but wedding venues and businesses are beginning to operate again and so couples are faced with the question again of what to do. Should you jump back in? Reserve judgement? Hold events that are planned for next month? When can we just do this???

Let us clear up a little of this mud for you right now.

The biggest advice we can give any of you is to do what FEELS right to you (as long as it is legal.)

Why? Because how you feel will affect your engagement and your wedding day. No matter where the government stands, if you do not feel ready you will be nervous your entire wedding day. Do you want to be afraid to hug your favorite cousin at your wedding?? Conversely, if you are feeling a lot of pressure to postpone your wedding because things are still unsure, but you just want to marry your person right now, DO IT. Either way, be open and honest with your family about your thoughts and feelings.

If you decide to move forward with a wedding in the next few months, make sure everyone understands that you will not be hurt by their decision to come or stay home. Respect everyone’s wishes and do not take things personally. This is unprecedented to most of your guests so be patient.

No matter what wedding date you choose, if it is in the next year, START AND/OR CONTINUE PLANNING. I cannot stress enough how quickly dates are filling up. The wedding industry is about to face at least a 30% increase in demand for any date next year. The Big Four Vendors: Planners, Venues, Photo/Video, and Catering should be the first stop because they will be the most expensive and fill up first. Put a deposit down while rates are lower and take it one day at a time after that...

How should you handle hiring right now? First, prioritize your vendors by the things that are important to you about your wedding day. If the first thing you think about when you think of your wedding is your dress, own that! Put that on the top of your list and splurge for it! Add it to the Big Four and work on it now because that priority is not going to change no matter how open or closed your state is.

Second, ask the important questions. Ask if your vendors will reserve a backup date for you until a certain date. Ask if they offer free date changes and what their current deposit rate is. How are their payment plans? Do they have any specials currently? Are there any limits to their coverage or services? This is not the time to be vague.

Finally, budget according to your priorities. If guest experience is the most important thing to you, it makes sense to spend 15-20% of your wedding budget on your DJ. If you do not like cake, do not buy a cake. Have another dessert or late night apps or a sweet cocktail, whatever YOU find important.

What other questions do you have right now? What are your thoughts? We have enjoyed hearing from our audience in this time, remember that we are always here to serve you! Drop us a line here and let us know. Do you know that you need help with Planning, Coordination, Decorating or Flowers? Set a consultation and we will talk it through with you.

Peace + Love

Cillia