Hero image: Laura Robinson Photography.
For newly engaged couples just getting started or couples with wedding dates from May 2020 and beyond…
The current pandemic has hit us all in multiple ways. Finances, emotions, summer plans, wedding plans and so much more have become collateral damage in the wake of COVID-19. One of the hardest hit industries is without a doubt weddings/events. Pre COVID-19, businesses were ramping up for the beginning of wedding and event season, but suddenly those plans and preparations came to a screeching halt.
“COVID-19 has changed the wedding and event planning game.”
An important tip is to take a step back, breathe, and to not let these events scare you. Exercise patience, understanding and faith. There are a lot of unknowns right now and all of the answers may not be available. You have plenty of time before your big day, but with the current state of things, wedding vendors are shifting dates and contractual promises nearly ever day.
WPI Bride Emily. Makeup by Artisan Laura. Hair by Artisan Keely
That being said, anticipate that availabilities are going to be slim across the board as dates are quickly filling up for 2020 and also into 2021. At WPI, we have rescheduled dozens of Spring/Summer 2020 weddings and events to late 2020 and 2021. So what does this mean for couples who already planned on a late 2020 or 2021 date?
Seriously… Book your wedding vendors now
If you haven’t secured all of your vendors for your 2020 or 2021 wedding or event you need to get on it! Especially if you have your eye on a specific vendor, and have been waiting until the date is a bit closer. Don’t wait any longer! Availability is growing limited due to Spring and Summer weddings and events getting rescheduled. Vendors book on a first come first serve basis and depending on the size/capacity of the company they may only book one wedding or event client per day or weekend. Also, during a time where we have little to no control over the events taking place in the world, it will put your mind at ease knowing your vendors are secured.
What if I’m considering postponing my date due to COVID-19?
Communication is key. Even if you are only considering postponement get in touch with your vendors as soon as possible. Don’t wait. Your vendors want to help support you through this and make any rescheduling as stress-free as possible. This will also aid the vendors in having a realistic snapshot of what their availability looks like in order to book other clients. As stated many times over the past few weeks, we are all in this together.
COVID-19 has changed the wedding and event planning game.
For the time being, throw traditional timelines for when to book vendors out the window. As a beauty vendor we typically see clients book 6-8 months in advance, but honestly - the sooner you book the better. Especially when you find a vendor you love. For us, there is no such thing as booking “too” early.
According to many wedding planning services like The Knot and Wedding Wire, you should book your vendors as far out as a year or more. According to some wedding industry blogs, hair and makeup should be the 5th or 6th vendor your book after securing your wedding planner, your venue, your band/DJ, Photographer, and your dress. In all honestly, WarPaint International has brides that book their wedding day beauty services as far as 3 years out.
Yes. For real.
Celebrate anyway
Remember this important piece of advice - if you allow something out of your control to damage your vision of your wedding day, then your life’s biggest event will be consumed with mounting stress. Planning your wedding and special events is fun and exciting and though it can cause undue stress even without COVID-19, finding ways to embrace reality will help make lasting memories for years to come.
A few tips from WPI
Since we all have a little extra time on our hands at the moment, use it to your advantage. Here are a few tips that just might help.
Turn off the news, put down social media and immerse yourself in planning your special day!
Find a great book to help remind you of the important things in life and why you are on the journey that you are on. Might we recommend “Slow Down, Wake Up: 150 Short Meditations For A More Present Life” by Nicolas Cole and Dr. Matthew Jones.
Consider another meditative addition to your wedding day or in the week leading up to it with Bridal Yoga classes. WarPaint International offers Bridal Yoga Flow for our bridal parties in Minneapolis / St. Paul.