How to Make Your COVID Ceremony As Grand As A Large Wedding

 

Though for some, COVID-19 is the perfect reason to run away and elope without their parent's or grandparent's objections, many brides and grooms have struggled to accept the fact that large gatherings have to wait. The disappointment factor is great for those of you resigned to having a small ceremony, but! Never fear! Just because your guest list is smaller than you imagined, doesn't mean your day can't be just as beautiful and extravagant as you've always dreamed!

Prioritize Your Guest List. If you are only allowed up to a certain number of guests in your venue, then make sure you choose wisely. An easy way to do this is to separate your guests into 3 categories: A) People you cannot imagine your wedding without, B) People you would love to have there, but aren't entirely necessary for your dream day, and C) People you are only inviting out of obligation or anyone whose presence gives you the "eh" feeling. Naturally, your A list is the first round of people you should invite. Followed by list B, and if you must, List C.

Set An Early RSVP Date. If you are limiting your guest and/or inviting people in groups as suggested above, try to set an RSVP date as early as possible. Though it may take time for some guests to free up your date, the people you cannot imagine your day without likely can't imagine not being there either, so don't worry about giving them months to respond. The sooner you know who all is coming from your first round of invitations, the sooner you can send out your second round. 

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Don't Skimp on What is Important to You. Just because your guest list isn't as extravagant as you'd like, doesn't mean the rest of your day should be smaller as well. Take the money you saved from not feeding all of those guests and put it towards something else instead. Double up on decorations, spend more on your photographer, add another course to your meal- If it's important to you, do it! If your budget was already full before you sashed your guest list, put that money aside for your honeymoon, rent, car payment, or bills, but if not, splurge on your day, you deserve it!

Wear The Fancy Dress and Cumberbund. No, your dress is not too blingy for a small ceremony. Yes, a full suit ensemble is completely acceptable if you're getting married in your back yard. If you choose to have a small wedding, the number of guests is the only thing you have to change. If you have your dream dress or outfit, then wear it.  Don't give up anything you don't want/have to. 

Photo from Nova Betel Contabilidade

Focus on the Memories. From the moment you become engaged through your honeymoon, the wedding planning experience is full of laughter, tears, smiles, and love. Immerse yourself in the good and joyful times, take this chance to bond with your wedding party, family, and most importantly, your fiance. You have one chance to squeeze every drop of positivity out of this as you can, so don't hold back from making and capturing as many wonderful memories as you can.

Basically, remember that this is your day and no pandemic or person can take that from you without your permission. Don't let anyone or anything other than yourself and your fiance dictate anything. 

Happy Planning!