The COVID-19 pandemic has forced couples to postpone and adjust wedding plans depending on restrictions in place, but things are starting to look up for winter nuptials.
Winter brides and grooms are feeling better knowing that restrictions and limits of guests in Ontario have been changed and capacity limits have been lifted.
Guests must be vaccinated, but the number of guests allowed to attend has been lifted.
For bride Jeannine Piotrowski, planning her dream wedding during a pandemic has come with some ups and a lot of downs. Piotrowski has been planning her wedding for more than a year and a half.
“Planning the wedding with COVID has been super stressful, you have to decide sometimes [when] you don’t know how long restrictions will last and when things will be like lifted, so it’s hard to plan around that,” Piotrowski says.
Though restrictions have been lifted in terms of capacity Piotrowski is always on edge about the new restriction that might cause a bump in the road for her December 10 wedding.
But some benefits do come with planning a wedding during a pandemic. Piotrowski says the pandemic allowed for cheaper pricing in terms of booking a venue.
“We actually got a pretty good deal because we got a Saturday wedding for like a Friday price because they were just trying to push people to actually get married,” Piotrowski says.
For future couples planning a wedding during the pandemic here is a checklist to look at beforehand:
1. Look into event insurance options
The pandemic has taught us that unforeseen events can take place. You want to make sure you are prepared in case you lose your deposit in the event of a cancellation.
2. Have a backup plan with alternative dates
When planning with your venue ask if they give any special considerations regarding postponing to alternative dates
3. Communicate with your guests about being vaccinated beforehand
Most venues require the guest to be vaccinated so be sure to add that information to your invitations before guests RSVP to give them a heads up.
4. Don’t forget to have fun!
Weddings can be stressful but they are also a beautiful time to remember so don’t let the stress get in the way.
