With the world essentially in a holding pattern, it may feel like you also need to put your wedding planning on hold. While many things such as food tastings and in person design sessions with your designer or florist probably won’t happen immediately, there are several things you can get started on or keep moving forward with even during these times:
DESIGN
While you may not be able to touch and feel every detail just yet, now is the perfect time to get your vision fully fleshed out. Think about every detail like what you want your welcome cocktail to be and what glass do you want it to be served in? Even what tray will it be served on and what will the server be wearing when he/she serves it? Think about what your place settings will look like down to the plate, glassware, napkin and flatware. Consider your vision for the band? Do you have a preference on the speaker color they use or what they will wear? Do you want to see them on an understated stage or do you want them to be the focal piece of the celebration? You have time to be more specific than ever with your vision so really think through every detail. And when it’s time to work with your designer to create renderings, a table prototype and more, you have very specific feedback to bring to the table. I have a few checklists in our archives to help you think a bit deeper including:
I. The Anatomy of a Dinner Table // The 12 elements I keep in mind when designing a dinner table
II. 8 Details to Consider When Designing a Wedding Cake
III. Lighting Breakdown // The 7 types of lighting we consider with every event
INVITATIONS & STATIONERY
While you may be nervous to print anything with the date on it, don’t be afraid to dive into the look and feel of the stationery. Assuming you already have your event design and vision finalized, this is a fun task that can be done completely via email, Zoom and with a few paper swatches being sent your way via mail as needed. Get every detail finalized so once you feel comfortable moving forward all you have to do is say the word “go.”
GIFTING
Whether it be welcome gifting or the perfect robes for your bridal party, now is a great time to start thinking through those elements. Start choosing not only the details you want to include in those welcome gifts for out of towners, but also start thinking through how you want to brand and package those details. Again you have time to really make these things that much more beautiful and reflective of your personal style so take advantage of it. And don’t forget gifts for your parents, attendants and others. Make a list and take it one task at a time. If you need help, here are a couple of posts from our archives to guide you, including:
I. Designing Your Wedding Welcome Gifts
II. The Prettiest Getting Ready Attire
III. Conscious Bridesmaid’s Gifts courtesy of The Good Beginning
IV. Conscious Gifting for the Guys courtesy of The Good Beginning
PREMARITAL COUNSELING/PLAN FOR YOUR MARRIAGE
If you are considering premarital counseling, there are many online options available. From courses to one-on-one therapy sessions, what better time to focus on your marriage than when both of you can be fully present and engaged. And if premarital counseling isn’t your thing, consider spending time thinking about your marriage together. Talk through what each of you hopes from the other. Share your needs, goals and how you plan to further develop your partnership over the years.
TINY TOUCHES
Thinking through elements such as drink stirrers, escort cards and all the small touches that will make your day more personal can be a fun way to spend time right now. These details aren’t likely to change even if your wedding date has to, so jump in and start considering all the ways you’ll fill the day with surprise and joy.
FINALIZE MUSIC DIRECTION
Dive deep into your cocktail hour music, rehearsal dinner playlists and the repertoire list for your band. Start thinking through all the must plays, do not plays and more. I dive deeper into this topic here, but now is the perfect time to curate the music you both want to hear for all of your celebrations.
CONNECT WITH YOUR VIPS
While, you may not be able to shop with your bridesmaids or go on the bachelor party you’ve been planning for months, your friends and family still remain excited for your wedding and want to help you enjoy your engagement as much as possible. Understandably, you may be experiencing disappointment and it could be tempting to just put everything on hold, including the wedding talk and celebrations, but know that you don’t have to feel obligated to do so. You still have every right to look forward to your day and act accordingly. Organize Zoom cocktail hours with your girls. Send dress swatches to your attendants. Share your invitation or wedding design with your maid of honor or best man. Ultimately, just keep enjoying the process. While your day may be delayed, know that every one of your friends and family members are rooting for you and can’t wait to celebrate you as much as you can’t wait to be married.
Happy planning, even now, and as always, don’t hesitate to email us at hello@bethhelmstetter.com if you have any questions we can address on the blog. And as a side note, if you haven’t started your stationery design, gifting or smaller event details, we have opened up the option to work with our in house design team to create all of your event stationery, gifting and details. Simply email shop@bethhelmstetter.com for more information or check out our portfolio and shop here.
