Pandemic to planning a wedding during Covid-19

3 benefits to planning a wedding in a pandemic

Stories // Tips + Advice // by Nicole Deuble

No doubt, couples and the wedding industry alike have suffered through heartache, transformations and dashed dreams due to Covid-19. And while the Coronavirus is not yet finished with resetting the modern world, love continues to flip the script during this challenging time. As they say, there is a positive for every negative, so we checked in with some industry experts to discover the top three benefits to planning a wedding in a pandemic. 

Weekday weddings

Image courtesy of Preston Peak Winery. Photo Tall Timber Studio

 It can be hard to remember that your wedding is more than a one-day celebration — it’s about your marriage and an expression of love. And, with Covid-19 affecting the wedding plans of 9 out of 10 couples (Choosi Love Report, 2021), it’s no surprise couples are choosing to refocus their attention and becoming flexible in terms of date options. It’s true, weddings have long been associated with weekend celebrations, yet given the choice of waiting or securing a date, many couples discover that a midweek wedding is their preferred — or only — option. But while a weekday wedding can seem inconvenient, there are plenty of benefits, including greater venue availability and cheaper ceremony and reception costs (as wedding vendors will often charge their highest prices for a weekend wedding due to the increased demand). Samantha from Braeside at Gin House Creek Estate on the Gold Coast agrees, saying, “Be open to a Monday to Thursday wedding. You have a greater chance of securing a date where all vendors line up, and midweek discounts could save you thousands of dollars.” Indeed, while the industry and couples play catchup on postponed 2020-21 weddings, it’s safe to say that weekday weddings are now a normal choice. 

Intimacy & romance

Image courtesy of Braeside at Gin House Creek Estate. Photo Casey Jane Photography

Without a doubt, one of the most significant difficulties with holding a wedding during the pandemic is deciding how big your celebrations will be, given that guest number restrictions can flip between 5-200 people on a regular basis. For many couples, these restrictions can make or break their big plans, so it’s no surprise that elopements and intimate weddings are becoming a hit for couples. Backyards, local parks and small outdoor venues top the list, providing secure and cheaper alternatives for couples to exchange their vows safely. Samantha from Braeside at Gin House Creek Estate notes that there has been a dramatic rise in couples choosing elopements at their venue as it gives them peace of mind and security. And, while a small wedding might not have the guest numbers and glamour of a large event, there is something to be said about intimacy and romance, making this a trend that’s expected to stay.

[See how to plan a romantic Gold Coast, Brisbane or Port Douglas elopement]

Selection solution

Image courtesy of Cloud Nine Weddings

Having little choice with their final guest numbers, there is a sense of relief for some couples whose invitation list may have been stressing them. While the team at the popular Preston Peak Winery in Toowoomba has seen the devastating effect of the restrictions on guest numbers, still the team says there’s a silver lining for couples making this daunting choice. “It has made them look at who are the most important people they want at their weddings, meaning couples are not inviting some guests who they might have just because they thought they had to.” And, while some couples simply can’t comprise on large guest lists, Julie-Ann from Cloud Nine Weddings on the Sunshine Coast suggests focussing local in place of delaying your wedding. “The waiting game is stressful, and waiting for Covid-19 to finish is unrealistic. My best advice is to plan your wedding for as soon as you can and keep much of your guest list local, knowing at any moment state borders may lock down.” 

Feature image by Angela Cannavo Photography. This article was featured in the free-to-read Spring/Summer 2021 digital issue of Queensland Brides magazine