COVID-19
Wedding Day
Alternatives
Hi there.
If you're planning your wedding then you're likely trying to figure out what your options are and how you can still make one of the most important days of your life epic and amazing. We have some ideas that we'd love to share to help you and your fiance during this difficult and confusing time.
We've rescheduled a lot of events last year. While we know that this day is a day meant for the joining into union of you and your fiance, we also know that many of you have dreamt of having a wedding with all of your friends and family there to celebrate- because we hear about how important this is all the time. If this is you, you may consider postponing your wedding for a later date. Most vendors, ourselves included, are allowing couples the option of rescheduling to another date without any rescheduling fees or notice restrictions.
Though we understand the enormity and stress that this decision entails and every situation is going to be different based on circumstances, we generally recommend making your final decision 3 to 5 weeks out in order to see all of your options with as updated information as possible.
Though the majority of our couples have elected to postpone and have now gotten married, we have had several conversations regarding alternative ideas on how they can still get married and make a great day of it where ever restrictions still apply. The solution is going to look different for each of you but we thought we'd share with you some ideas that we've heard from some of our couples and their wedding planners to see if they may also be a good option for you.
a few Alternatives
Ceremony - Reception Split Up
One great idea we've heard a few times is to have your ceremony now- and your reception and celebration planned for a few months down the road.
An elopement can still consist of a lot of the fun components of your originally planned wedding day; things like makeup and hair design, fresh florals, and a gorgeous backdrop- they can all make your wedding day unforgettable. We don't think you'll be disappointed if you choose to go this route; there is a special uniqueness about elopements that a lot of people overlook and that is the calmness and different kind of enjoyment you have with this experience. The quietness of them, people relax and are more in the moment.
Playing your highlight video or a recording of your ceremony during your reception for your guests is a great way to memorialize your elopement and to have a special token to remember your day by.
The Social-Distanced Day
Another option I've seen by some couples do is to keep their whole wedding day but modify it in accordance with the rules of what's allowed and only invite the maximum number of guests to your ceremony and reception. For example, your first look can be done off-site at any location of your choice. After your first look, you can travel over to your ceremony site where you'll say your I dos, shoot some beautiful photos with your closest loved ones, and then if we timed it right we can plan for another romantic and more dramatic photoshoot during sunset or golden hour.
You have to LOVE Colorado, you easily have the opportunity all over the state to opt for things like mountains with a valley and a wildflower field in your first look, and a beautiful lake for family formals or a couples session. Receptions and celebrations can also safely be demonstrated in appropriate areas while following approved guidelines. We've shot MANY weddings in the past few months this way and seems to be a great way to get around it cancelling your whole day if you don't mind less guests.
Tips
Hire a Planner
If you haven't already hired someone for the planning side of your day, things like finding a ceremony site and other vendors, we would greatly encourage it if you are able to. Not everyone will need assistance, but the reason that we would suggest it now is due to the vast majority of venues and locations having narrowed, and so this has proven to be a bit tricky when looking for venues and other accommodations. Many planners have networks and connections and can find out the best location availability, negotiation probabilities, as well as update you on anything you need to know regarding the rules surrounding your day for your area. The less YOU have to worry about, the better. Let us know if you need any recommendations.
Communication
Finally, whether you are thinking of postponing your wedding or of alternatives, we recommend reaching out to your vendors with your ideas and questions as soon as possible. Do not feel hesitation in discussing this, the more that you are informed of your options and have a plan in place the better you will feel about your wedding day moving forward.
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Here is a Link to our local news for the latest updates & distancing rules in Colorado.
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Additionally, here is a Link to the CDC's website to see their current recommendations on travel.