YOUR WEDDING AFTER THE RESTRICTIONS ARE LIFTED

Find out how to plan for your wedding after the restrictions are lifted, bearing in mind that the Covid-19 will most probably be present for some time

You still have to bear in mind that the virus will most probably be among us for some time. Maybe even some years.We are of course all hoping for the cure, but in the meantime, keep in mind to prevent the spreading on daily basis and within your event! Let’s follow the rules to contain and minimize the number of transmissions and maybe even eliminating the virus this way.

These are difficult and uncertain times and no one really knows how this will evolve. However we are all in this together and that is why we need to take it step by step. So check out these tips we prepared on how to make your event as safe as possible, when the time comes to celebrate again!

We will come out of this crisis and weddings will still be happening! So, what can you do to plan your wedding after the restrictions are lifted?

HAVE MOST OF THE WEDDING OUTDOORS

Greece is actually the perfect country for this! Many destination weddings here are already happening outdoors anyways. And now, with the low number of cases, hot summers and gorgeous seaside venues, Greece has everything you need for your destination wedding. One good preventative technique against the spreading of Covid-19 is not to have many people in closed spaces. That is why most countries acted on postponing events and have limited the number of people allowed in the supermarkets at once. So apply this rule to your wedding to event as well!

CONSIDER TO SPACE OUT

If you have ever eaten in the Greek taverna, you probably noticed the tightly squeezed table seating. Well this will now have to change! Consider having more space between the seats at your event and especially the seated dinner. Space your guests further apart during the dinner and the ceremony as well! Consider the 2 meter rule. Yes, your wedding look will be more airy than usual, but health and safety are priority at the time of Covid-19! So, have fun with it, work with your planner to incorporate it in your design!

RE-THINK YOUR MEAL AND FOOD STATIONS

Work with your catering and opt for plated meals instead of buffet. Avoid sharing platters and avoid common dishes to minimise possible contamination. All other snacks or consumables should be sealed under hygienic conditions. Rethink your desert tables and food stations where many people take their own food. Consider wrapped candy or offer sweets in the sealed jars.

INTRODUCE SANITIZING STATIONS

Start the hygiene trend and add hand sanitisers where ever you can at your wedding, after the restrictions are lifted. Consider the designated and decorated or fun hand sanitising stations around the venue. Don’t stop there, go crazy! In the baskets near the toilets, sports around the venue and maybe even on the tables. Decorate them in the style of your wedding and add fun catchy phrases!

PREPARE YOUR VENUE

Ask your venue about additional sanitary, health and safety requirements. Discuss about additional hand washing or sanitising stations around the venue and near the entrances. Ask about the cleanings schedule of the venue and try to negotiate additional cleaning options as disinfecting the door handles, faucets, bar or any other surfaces. This will help you ease your worry and give some reassurance to your guests.

THINK OF ELOPING

Think of a smaller wedding or even an elopement. Never before was it easier to elope without any drama, if this is what you always wanted! Everyone will understand you are worried for their safety. This is the time to reduce the guest list for your destination wedding if you wanted to have a smaller wedding and didn’t know how to tell your guests. Especially, in case you have elderly people flying over, it is best to have a separate party at home for all who are at greater risk.

TWO WEDDINGS ARE BETTER THAN ONE

You could maybe still get married now at the local registrar and have your destination wedding later on! Please check in your local town hall if this is possible. Like this, you can keep your dates if those are important to you and schedule another wedding in the future when the virus will be under control. Because two weddings are better than one. This is the opportunity to wear your wedding dress twice or even get a second one! This is the time to party twice and to prolong your wedding as much as you can.

ACCESSORIZE

Masks and gloves can be useful for protecting you while all the wedding procedures. Surely as the wedding couple, you two will have most interaction with all people so think ahead and protect yourselves. Best is of course to wash or disinfect the hands regularly as with gloves you can still touch your face and transfer potential viruses. However, it cannot hurt to wear them while you have to sign paperwork for instance. Although masks are best used on people who are sick, if you are not sure, offer the extra masks for your guest as well. Think of having customized masks made with your wedding logo or date and location as favours at your wedding, also after the restrictions are lifted. And as a bride, accessorized and stylish mask is certainly a must if you are planning to wear it. Think of his and hers!

QUOTE FROM A PRO ABOUT YOUR WEDDING AFTER THE RESTRICTIONS

Claire Salisbury of Lefkas Weddings is sharing with us Corona Virus day of wedding etiquette

Assuming air travel and social gatherings are allowed, I would suggest:

– Think vintage style and wear a pair of dress gloves to finish your outfit. Perfect for handshakes during the line-up and cocktail hour

Pin from our Pinterest board for #coronabride inspiration

• We are all familiar with ‘Unplugged Wedding’ signs and Welcome signs. How about a polite social distancing sign to keep the humour light as: ‘Thank you for your wishes but we prefer no hugs and kisses’
• Ensure your venue has hand sanitiser and hand wash available for guests
• Don’t be afraid to ask your venue to make sure their waiting staff wear gloves
• Ask guests to pay bar drinks with card and not cash.
• “Mezedes” or starters and sharing are essence of Greek dining. However if you think people would prefer not to share food. Ask the venue to serve individual taster plates or buffet menu rather than a mezedes menu.

In any case be mindful of everyone situation. Your vendors will surely be working hard for your wedding also after the restrictions will be lifted. We know this situation is so difficult for all 2020 brides, however, keep in mind that is also difficult for your suppliers. If you feel that your vendors have supported you in this difficult time, make sure you help them with a nice review!

THINGS YOU CAN DO WHILE YOU WAIT!

Here are few tips to change your mindset and look at this as a “glass half full” situation!

#1

Don’t think as a wedding lost, try to see it as a wedding gained! You now have the opportunity to rethink and re-plan your day to perfection. Is there some style or colour you wanted but was not sure about?

#2

Focus on your relationship! This is the time to spend some real time with your future spouse! Strengthen your relationship and remember what is important! Take this time for yourself and grow stronger together! Enjoy these times and treat it like a pre-honeymoon at your home! Treat yourselves with breakfast in bed, order your cake, some flowers and practice with your mini romantic pre-honeymoon!

#3

It is ok to be sad about your cancelled or postponed wedding however, find the positive aspects of your scenario. Try to see the glass half full, rather than half empty! Keep your routine going! Exercise, get fresh air and keep connected with your friends, family and the bridal community on socials, phone calls or video chats.

#4

Use this time for research, even for your 2021 wedding and start sending inquiries as dates are filling up! Use this time and focus on your dream wedding planning, keep on going! Now is your time to cheer up your vendors and focus on your future wedding in 2021 or 22!! You don’t have to change your style of your wedding, but this is the chance to entertain new ideas and styles if your wedding changes the seasons. Take this time to really focus on your wedding without the rush of the everyday life!

#5

Help out your vendors and your local businesses like your florist if you can. Order your bouquet online if you can, to freshen up your day! Or have your wedding cake delivered and eat it in bed! Keep in mind if any of your wedding suppliers are closed, they will start operating soon again! So before you make any changes, get in contact with your supplier and discuss your issues and if they can help you accommodate your wishes. At the end of all this, just realise what is important to you and focus on that! Your vendors are ready for you and your dream wedding!

TO SUM UP

If the whole world would work together and restrict from social interactions, in theory we could eliminate the virus. So let’s work together and stay home. Above all, it is so important to practice social distancing also after the restrictions are lifted, when you leave your house and especially before your wedding. This is what you can do to help diminish the impact of Covid-19!

 #togetherwecan

Also check out our previous article on How to plan your new century wedding.

See full credits of this Eclectic Urban Love Affair in Athens urban wedding inspiration Cover Shoot on our blog!