By guest blogger, Julie Glassman of Fabulous Delicious
Most of us have our weddings planned long before we ever get engaged. And who can blame us? Every day, our socials overflow with Instagram-perfect cakes, dresses, hairstyles, tables, florals, and destinations. Our Disney-princess loving hearts overflow at the very thought of storybook romance, saying “I do” and the happiest of endings.
So, when that proposal finally comes—we’re more than ready to hit the ground running.
That’s why this Pandemic cuts particularly deep for brides and grooms-to-be. Those who were starting to plan their weddings or had already mailed the invites. Those who got engaged moments or months before quarantines and shutdowns who’ve had to change their plans and expectations—putting their dreams on hold.
We know that life has thrown you a major curveball, and we share in your disappointment. We know this was not part of your plan and that the delay has taken its toll on your happiness, peace of mind, and maybe even your wallet. For that, we send you a big, virtual hug and a few thoughts on what’s possible, now, and in the future.
Let start by giving you and yours a pat on the back. Corona is your first real “test” as a couple and perhaps one of the hardest you’ll ever face. A global pandemic is not for the weak of heart, and a delayed wedding and isolation would test even the strongest of couples. The years will present you with many challenges, and surviving this strange and uncertain time together, is proof positive that you have what it takes to go the distance! You chose well and together—you’ve got this! Good for you.
So, even though it may not be obvious, maybe NOW is the perfect time to celebrate that ironclad love and get hitched (albeit not in the way you planned initially)! Life will get back to “normal” and reopen to new possibilities and a renewed appreciation for community, friends, family, and celebration—making it the perfect time for a big party. However, with what we’ve learned, an intimate wedding today could be much better than the fancy wedding you’ve got planned for tomorrow. Gratitude has a way of making every little thing shine brighter!
What’s more, in this new era of sheltering in place and counting our blessings, we’ve learned to adjust our expectations and put down all of that baggage we’ve been carrying around. Things like perfection, follows, likes, and appearances. What if now we have the freedom to step back and remember that a wedding is a celebration of love more than just fun and fabulous Instagrammable moments (not that we don’t love those too)? Perhaps it’s time to take stock in what matters most, transforming our thinking from the wedding of the century—to you and him; you and her; you and them—and nothing more?
What if a wedding in today’s world is about vows, tenderness, sharing only with those that matter most, intimacy, and taking stock in our many gifts and blessings? What if it’s not about seating and floral arrangements but love—plain and simple.
What if you say, “I do” now and celebrate big, later? Why delay the good stuff like having and holding, honoring and cherishing when you can do it now, re-imagined for today’s new world? Just grab each other’s hands, find a friend or family member willing to become an ordained minister for the day, and get married, virtually, or in a small, socially distant ceremony! Then save that big, magical celebration for when we can be safe together again.
Take the pressure off! Ditch the dress, the expectations, and the expense and put your energy into each other (and finding the perfect ring) instead with a few simple steps and a little advanced planning!
Say I do alone, with family members you’re sheltering in place with, over Zoom, or live-streamed. Make it an intimate affair designed for and around the two of you and what matters most.
Later, plan the perfect “after party” that matches your Pins, plans, and fantasies – with fewer details, less pomp and circumstance, and much more fun.
Need a little at-home wedding inspo? These stories are sure to make your heart skip a beat or two:
Coronavirus Zoom wedding ditches the plan and lets loose needed joy
Couple hosted ceremony using Zoom and invited family to watch
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