2021 is bringing couples a renewed interest in planning their postponed San Diego weddings, and with this surge comes the need for plenty of wedding planning advice. Though vaccine rollout is still seemingly in its infancy, many betrothed couples are still crossing their fingers. Will 2021 be their year? Only time will tell. Of course, the answer to this burning question is not such a simple one. For many couples, 2021 will be their year to tie the knot. For others, it might be best to postpone to the following year. Regardless of which category you fall into, let’s identify the potential issues that may lie ahead.
2021 San Diego Wedding Planning Advice (September-December)
If a couple has a wedding planned for this Autumn, then start planning the big-ticket items now. Ensure that your venue, catering, and all major vendors (photo, video, planning, flowers, officiant, music) are confirmed. Because of all the previously postponed events, vendors will be in short supply to meet the demand. A lot of the fall weddings depend heavily on how well the vaccine is rolled out in the following months.
Attire
With this in mind, I suggest that couples wait it out. Plan with the expectation that guest counts may be limited, and face masks might be a requirement. Otherwise, I think your event should be able to take place. When selecting vendors for your San Diego wedding later this year, make sure you are aware of the cancellation/postponement policies. Make sure that you understand the terms of your contract. Ideally, contracts should offer some flexibility. Keep in mind that flexibility doesn’t necessarily mean any refunds. It could mean simply rescheduling your date without an additional cost. Alternatively, if a vendor is already booked for your day they will offer a suitable replacement, you won’t be left in the dust.
Once the big-ticket items are solidified, find your attire asap. With social-distancing still in effect for at least the foreseeable future, keep in mind that many salons will not be able to accommodate large amounts of dress appointments simultaneously. Select a few different bridal salons that feature the styles you like, and attend those appointments. From there, you’ll be better able to continue looking for that perfect dress in that style or switch to another. Make sure to book more appointments at the beginning of your dress hunting process. It’s much easier to cancel a bridal appointment then fight to find one if restrictions tighten back up. If there’s one thing we learned from last year, have a backup plan or two.
Help out Your Bridal Party
Also, consider your bridal party. In non-pandemic times, bridesmaid dresses take months to receive unless purchased off the rack. With Covid-19 wreaking havoc with dress appointments, consider bringing the salon to them. Companies like Lulus and Birdy Grey make it easy to try on dresses, exchange or pursue a different style direction without worrying about making it to busy salons. All the dresses can be tried on in the comfort of your own home. Another great option is Nordstrom’s. We all love them for their reliable return policy, so use it! No one is going to complain that the return shipping is free or inconvenient.
Wedding Planning Advice: Take a Break
After those major areas are tackled, take a break. This is when we’ll probably have more information on the vaccination efforts and a better idea of when some social gatherings will start again. Be realistic. We are all depending on each other to get this vaccine and help return our lives to normal as fast as possible. However, we also know that everything takes longer than we hope. So if you’re coming up on the three-month mark and regulations haven’t changed, consider chatting with your vendors to build a plan B. The sooner you postpone, the sooner you can find another safe date for everyone involved and quell those feelings of anxiety and stress.
The positives of planning your postponed wedding now can help you clear out your “to-do” list, but also keep your stress levels low. If you know you have everything in place, and know your vendors change/cancellation policies upfront, you won’t lose time fretting about what will happen. You’ll be able to plan with more confidence, even if you need to postpone to 2022.
San Diego Wedding Planning Advice (February-August 2021)
Be Honest with Each Other; Expect Additional Stress
A word of wedding planning advice for those couples that have a date earlier in the year: Consider sitting down and having a conversation with your significant other. If you two are fine with pushing ahead regardless of restrictions (think little-to-no-dancing, or smaller guest lists), then continue moving forward cautiously. Be honest with yourselves and expect that there will be more stressful if you choose to go this route. That doesn’t mean your wedding will not be amazing, but be realistic. Navigating through restrictions that vary between counties and states is a pain. And everything can change with a blink of an eye. With that said, plan for the worst. I’d rather have a couple pleasantly surprised on their wedding day than the opposite.
Can you afford not to postpone?
If you’re already overwhelmed with planning, consider that any additional stress or work might require professional help. When things get too crazy, couples panic and search for help. This could mean hiring a planner or spending additional money on contingency plans should you need them to help keep your stress levels at bay. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. If your budget doesn’t allow for this option, then seriously consider postponing until 2022. More time to plan equals more time to save for the dream wedding that you will have. People get stressed out and frustrated when their original plans must be modified, or even eventually abandoned. If you know that control is important to you and your partner, do yourselves both a favor and postpone.
Postponing is not Synonymous with Failure
Here’s another way to look at postponing that is pretty simple to understand. Postponing your wedding does not mean you’re admitting defeat or putting it on the back burner. In fact, it’s just the opposite. By postponing you are keeping yourselves in the drivers’ seat. You are allowing the world to return to more “normal” conditions. You are allowing yourselves additional time to save and play it safe. Trust me; the stress will melt away if you pursue this path.
More questions? Feel like you’re in over your head? Contact me, I’m here for you, craziness or not.
