How to approach your 2020 wedding during coronavirus (COVID-19)

There is a lot of uncertainty right now for those planning a wedding during coronavirus. We want to keep open communication about what exactly is going on for marrying couples. If you have planned or are planning a New York City wedding during COVID-19, you have options to consider. Let’s talk about how to approach your 2020 wedding during coronavirus (COVID-19).

Please note: This is not medical advice. This is wedding logistics advice only.

Keep the line of communication open with your venue

Ask your venue about their contingency plans in case of forced cancellation. In New York City, as of 3/14/20, mass gatherings over 500 people are completely banned. Anything less than 500 people has to have occupancy cut in half. We don’t know how these rules are going to change over the next few weeks and months, but your venue is certain to be paying close attention. Ask your venue what could happen in the case of postponement, and figure out what your plan B is. Keep in mind that if your date is far into 2020, you shouldn’t have a lot to worry about – we are all hoping that things start to become more at ease by then. Make sure to stay in touch with them and figure out what alternatives there may be if the worst comes to worst. 

Make your vendors aware of any changes in plans

Not only keep an open dialogue with your venue, but with your vendors as well. Make them aware of anything related to wedding plans changing during COVID-19. Keeping the lines of communication open with vendors will put your minds at ease, and theirs. This is completely uncharted territory for the majority of vendors. We want to make sure that you are comfortable and happy, and we want to work with you to make sure your day runs smoothly. 

Keep your eye on new developments

This does NOT mean to watch a 24/7 news cycle waiting for updates on COVID-19. You don’t want to stress yourself out more by taking in every single new piece of information. That being said, signing up for services like Notify NYC’s COVID Info texts can be helpful. Text ‘COVID’ to 692-692 for more information and regular updates on rules and resources. Be wary of sources that aren’t directly from official state and city resources. There is a lot of false information being spread on Twitter, Facebook etc. to make people fearful.

Encourage guests to stay home if ill

If you are going to have your wedding, make sure that your guests know to stay home if they are feeling at all ill. Be very clear with your guests about the risks of coming to the wedding if they are unwell. You’ll likely have family and friends of varying ages and varying immune system strengths attending the wedding. It’s important that if your NYC wedding is during coronavirus, you’re clear with your guests on keeping others safe.

Supplement party favors with hand sanitizers, soaps

One cute idea is to supplement traditional party favors with hand sanitizers. If you can buy small ones in bulk (which is currently a little difficult), small soaps or other wellness items, it may make for a cute and conscious gift to your guests. Plus, it encourages your guests to continue to practice appropriate hygiene at a wedding during coronavirus.

If you have to postpone, consider an elopement

Why wait to marry your best friend? Consider an elopement as an alternative to your larger ceremony during this time. That gives you the flexibility to have an awesome celebration of your love later, once things are a little calmer. As of 3/14/2020, we are currently offering 10% off of elopement packages until July 2020. Reach out to us and let us know what you’re thinking – we would love to capture some bright and cheerful memories at a time when we all need a little more light in our lives. There are plenty of beautiful spots in New York City to elope – let’s have a conversation and see if elopement is right for you.