WEDDING PLANNING from your sofa, IN LOCKDOWN
Isolation can mean a limit on a lot of things; it makes holding onto those positive moments a little more important.
So the current lockdown on social events and gatherings can be seen as being quite the damper; but I know that I, like so many other wedding suppliers are doing everything we can to make the process of postponing and rearranging dates for 2020 couples affected by the current measures as smooth as possible.
But should this lockdown mean you hold off planning your wedding if you were considering 2021/2022 dates; hell no!
Firstly we have no idea how long we will be asked to limit our travel and keep socially distant from others; and secondly; what a perfect time to work and focus on your special day; a day which will be even more amazing because once all of this is over there will be so many people ready to really celebrate those positive moments alongside friends and loved ones.
So to kick start your Planning from the sofa whilst in lockdown, i’ve brought together a few amazing suppliers and what they are doing to help keep those excited bubbles of wedding planning building from the comfort of your sofa.
Wyresdale Park - The White Barn
FACETIME VENUE TOURS
I kid you not! Still on the look out for the perfect venue? Some awesome places are offering FaceTime tours! Now I know its not ideal, but if you are trying to keep your planning focused on a time-frame then this is an amazing way to really begin to look at venues a little closer than what their online galleries show.
Grab a drink, sit back in comfort and allow the venue and their co-ordinator come to you.
One of my favourite venues to work at have just started offering these FaceTime tours and its a wonderful way to also speak to someone there who would potentially be overseeing your wedding day too.
LET THEM EAT CAKE!
So this could potentially be a little harmful to that waist line but one of the fun things of wedding planning was trying wonderful bakers cake samples; and a number are now delivering sample boxes directly to your door. I mean i’m already married but genuinely considering ordering some boxes for myself and family members just as a little pick me up during this…anyone else use the excuse of FUN FOOD FRIDAY?
And not only is it a perfect excuse to figure out which flavours are the ones for you and your day but you’ll also be supporting these awesome bakers during what is a very hard time financially for many small business owners and self employed wedding suppliers.
My personal favourite has to be TSP (who also bake brownie and blondies that can be delivered directly to you!) …Don’t mind me I’ll just be next to my front door like a dog waiting on the postman…
POSTPONED STATIONARY
Had your special day booked in and had started counting down the days until you said I do?
There is really not much I can say, I’m sure its heartbreaking and devastating for all the couples now rearranging their date, but remember thats all it is; not cancelling, just postponing. And lets do it in style, with many wonderful stationers offering GORGEOUS postponement stationary to keep your guests informed in a truly stylish and chic manner. And with many other stationers now offering similar deals across their instagram and Etsy stores you really can find something that matches your original theme.
Mix n Twist now offering masterclasses on creating your favourite drinks
CHEERS TO THAT!
Were you considering having a cocktail menu of drinks chosen by you? Or do you just fancy an excuse to pop open some of your favourite drinks and mixers and create something magical on those Friday/saturday sofa night out sessions? Then many places are now doing online mixologist sessions. Including the wonderful Mix ‘n’ Twist who give you a heads up on the ingredients you’ll need for that weeks selection; with free access to their online masterclass showing you exactly how to mix up the perfect tipple. Alternatively you can opt in for a Masterclass in a Box where they give you all the bits you’ll need to make you a very merry drink!
‘FACE TO FACE MEETINGS’
We are so fortunate that the world we live in has the wonders of technology, which means that even though it may not be ‘business as usual’ it is ‘business as best we can’. So I always strive to talk to anyone who is interested in my work; I think its vital that any suppliers who are present on your day with you you need to talk to. For me I want to know that I feel comfortable with you and vice versa; I believe I cannot capture the natural, relaxed imagery you see across my website without knowing that we are going to ‘click’ beforehand.
Before Covid-19 I would recommend a pub visit to any couples close enough; and to those further a field, a facetime/skype or phonecall. The idea being we have a drink beside us and chat about your plans and excitement for what makes your day yours. SO if you’ve been having a look at photographer/videographers/caterers/bar suppliers/DJ/celebrants/entertainers then ask to chat with them because those meetings can really let you know if that supplier will fit with you and your ideas for your big day. And with us all being asked to stay at home its always nice organising some form of contact with the ‘outside world’
VIRTUAL WEDDING FAYRE
There are a number of places now offering online Wedding Fayres to try and keep that excitement bubbling. Planning your big day should be a joyful exciting time; deciding what music best sums you both up; what, if any, entertainment will tell your friends and family what your loves and hobbies are. And with 2020 summer weddings season looking like its truly going to be on lockdown that leaves very little opportunity to go out and get an idea of the diverse selection of suppliers out there. So keep an eye out for virtual wedding fairs to become a summer smash hit with wedding planners up and down the UK (also keep an eye out on my insta for an exciting announcement in the coming days)