We wanted to open up a space for our couples to talk about what they’ve been through rearranging weddings during the pandemic. What they’ve told us is heartwarming and heartbreaking all at the same time. And they’ve got some good advice if you’re planning too.
We’d also like to say thank you to all their vendors. These couples had nothing but good things to tell us about how helpful and accommodating the wedding industry has been. Well done you lot- we can’t wait to meet you!
For more Covid wedding tips head over to our round-up of 2020 weddings and the things we learnt along the way.
Dan & Charlie’s Cannock Chase engagement shoot- Mustard Yellow Photography Blog
Charlie & Dan
Originally Sept 2020, then Feb 2021 hopefully October 2021!
At the end of the day, the most important thing to us is that no matter what it looks like, we just want to get married. Everything around the day is just an added bonus. Of course, we would like the wedding of our dreams, however over the past year it has hit home that just being able to get married with our close friends and family there is the dream, as cheesy as that sounds!
It’s easy to get overwhelmed with trying to think of every possible scenario that will happen over the coming months but my honest advice would be to just take each day as it comes as otherwise it completely ruins any excitement you have towards your big day.
We are incredibly lucky that we have been able to keep plans exactly the same, the guest list is the only thing we have really had to look at. So that we are prepared we have made guest lists for every possibility. If the rules allow 30, 50 or more we have the guest list nailed down so that we don’t have added stress when it comes to that time
All of our vendors were incredibly understanding and helpful. All replied to us straight away both times we had to rearrange and got us booked in for our new date. Made a very stressful time so much easier.
Wedding Vendors: Hoar Cross Hall / Just Tickety Boo Events : Planning / The Cake Spa / Fraser Hinch Video Productions / Secret Garden Florist / Wedding Sounds DJ
John & Megan’s cat cafe engagement shoot- Mustard Yellow Photography Blog
Megan & John
Originally Sept 2020 now Oct 2021
I wish we had stuck with the original date and done the legal bit. I've got friends who did that and that was nice and they were really pleased. They're enjoying being married now and they're going to have a big do later.
It’s just holding on to what you’re grateful for. For now, I’m grateful that my family are well and I’ve got a job. I know that we will get married one day and that we’ll hopefully have a party of some kind.
I've always been a bit of a perfectionist I've got a spreadsheet for all the payments and a big list of what’s left to do so that really helped. Rearranging with the vendors was great. All of them were keen to stay safe during the pandemic so they were very happy to move the date (except one who’s decided not to continue in that line of work).
We’re prepared to change our plans again, maybe we won't be able to have a big party but we’ll keep our new date to have a small wedding in a meal. Then maybe a do in a year or two, who knows.
I’m so pleased we had our engagement photo shoot. It was something nice to look forward to and it feels like something weddingy we did get to do. When I look at the photos it brings back the feeling of excitement of planning a wedding. So if you’re wondering whether to have engagement photos after lockdown, I’d say go for it, definitely.
Wedding Vendors: Great Barrington Village Hall: Venue / The Chipping Norton Tea Set: Catering
Nikita & Rich
Originally Oct 2020, then March, then May now October 2021!
We’re lucky in that we both really agreed on one thing about this wedding – an opportunity to bring together all of our friends and family to celebrate. And that was not something we were willing to compromise on (with c150 guests). Knowing that the restrictions that have been in place wouldn’t allow that, we chose to delay – not once, but 3 times! For others, an intimate, smaller ceremony now with a follow-up party in the future might be quite appealing if it prevents further delays. It’s really just about what works for you as a couple – trying to avoid any pressure or noise from family and friends that might have views on what you should do!
One thing we were also adamant on, was that we didn’t want a situation where guests would have to wear masks or socially distance. It doesn’t lend itself to the open and laid back vibe we want during our celebration. We also want to ensure vulnerable and older family members could be there, as well as a few guests from Australia and the US. Moving the date to give us the best chance of that happening was a no brainer.
We’ve kept sane by not overthinking things; it’s all been out of our control. Yes, it’s delayed out life plans – but we remind ourselves, whose lives haven’t been put on hold this year? I think we’re both grateful that when we do get married, and fingers crossed it is later this year, it will be one epic party bringing everyone we love together after such a long time.
What we have had to reconsider for our new date, is how people might be feeling after 18 months of social distancing. For example, we wanted a laid back setting, so hadn’t intended to create a rigid seating plan. But post-COVID, I think it will be important to give people a “safe space” that’s theirs during the evening. We’re also worried about the food plans – what’s a COVID-safe buffet or street food vendor going to look like!?
Our vendors have been generally great. I had been a little concerned about the Council, but they have too been understanding – responding quickly and waiving fees (our ‘notice’ runs out in July this year meaning we will have to go through the formal process again, but the Council has waived the fees for this and moving the registrar booking).
I really believe that the relationship you have with the venue is important, particularly where catering and other services are through that team. I feel very lucky that the events manager at the Custard Factory has been amazing. We’ve been given lots of flexibility in arrangements and holding provisional back-up dates. I believe this is as they organise and run commercial events too as well as weddings. And they understand customer service – it’s made everything so much easier.
Wedding Vendors: Factory Works at the Custard Factory : Venue / Baked in Brick: Catering / Alive Network: Band
Ben & Vicky’s canal engagement photos - Mustard Yellow Photography Blog
Vicky & Ben
Originally March 2020, then Sept 2020 now Oct 2021
We found it really easy to reorganise everything as we had a wedding spreadsheet (romantic, I know!) which listed all of our fantastic suppliers along with their contact details – we didn’t have to root around for information and worry that things would be missed as it was all there.
My top tips:
Get all of your information in one place
Go into things with an open mind: You may not get that special anniversary date or a weekend wedding again. Whatever the date it will still be a special day and your guests will want to be there, weekday or weekend!
Do things differently: Planned for a Spring wedding but are having an Autumn one – embrace the autumn colours!
Celebrate your original date: Our friends and families sent so many lovely gifts (dinner, champagne, flowers) and we had a wonderful photo book from Nom and Malc with lots of fun photobooth snaps and messages from our wedding guests! It made it still feel like a special day
Don’t forget to renew your marriage licence!
I’m so pleased we managed to keep all of our original suppliers who have been so understanding and flexible. They made things so much easier.
Wedding vendors: Bordesley Park Wedding Venue / Sticky Fig Catering / Rebecca Kate Flowers / Sonya Jayne Bridal Hair / Catherine Strong Hair and Make Up / DJ: Jam Productions / Accommodation: Abbey Hotel
Sam & Zoë’s Sutton Park engagement photos - Mustard Yellow Photography Blog
Sam & Zoë
Originally April 2020, then April 2021 now April 2022.
I have to remind myself when talking to anyone about the wedding that it is a highly emotional subject. I understand that you want to scream at the top of your lungs, that the day you had planned is now not happening (maybe not for the first time).
Staying sane is difficult, but remember the vendors are doing their best and want you to have a safe and fun day. This is new to everyone, including them. We’d all click our fingers and make it all go away if we could.
We have decided that the full wedding that we had originally wanted is no longer on the cards. I have been so lucky to have very understanding, and compassionate vendors. They seemed equally as upset about this as we were. In 2022 (hopefully) we will be able to dance together again.
What we want is not possible at the moment, as we want all our friends there to laugh, dance and eat with us, I want people to put their arms around each other in photos and get close in the photobooth.
“I also want an evening buffet, which at the moment sounds like a covid nightmare! That’s why we are having our party in 2022, to hopefully remove that element and have a relaxed covid free time.”
I don’t mind that we have had such bad luck, I’m just happy that I have someone lovely to marry and we will all one day get to gather to celebrate, and at the end of the day we have a story to tell, of how the world went mad and our wedding got caught up in the middle of it.
Wedding vendors: Billesley Manor Hotel- venue/ The Tartan Trio- ceilidh band / flowers: by Sam’s Aunt / Platinum Brides - dress / Sonny’s- rings
Surprisingly, there are some fun opportunities you can take make the most of for weddings during Covid. For ideas we picked up photographing weddings under various restrictions in 2020 click here.
If you’re planning a wedding at the moment, you’re not alone. We’re always happy to chat. I hope reading these experiences has given you some hope. The wait is going to be worth it!
-Nom x
