It is no secret that COVID has affected pretty much everything in the past year: family, vacations, events and yes you guessed it, weddings. So much so that people have been forced to postpone or even cancel their big day until this madness blows over. Being a COVID bride myself I can tell you for one it isn’t all bad. Yes, there are things that have to change because we are in a very confusing time but that doesn’t mean COVID will make your wedding day any less special. In fact, it can be quite inspiring during such a scary time.

This one may not be for everyone, but having a smaller wedding isn’t always a bad thing. I get wanting to share your special day with anyone and everyone who wants to go. However, people forget how intimate and magical a small wedding can be. Even your guests who do get to come will feel even more appreciated because they got to experience this day with you and experience your union in such an intimate setting. Besides, having too many people there can seem a little overwhelming and insincere for some brides. COVID can be used as an excuse to not invite extra people while still sparing feelings as well, for those brides who feel obligated to invite others. Another perk about a smaller wedding is sharing your day with those who would normally miss your big day due to being far away. They could still make it via FaceTime, essentially, nobody would be missing your big day!

Fewer people are more cost-effective. No more spending money on your friend’s plus one that they met on tinder a week before. This will easily cut down on expenses such as venue costs, meals, and other necessities. No matter the budget for your wedding, saving money can always be a bonus. That extra money could go to building your new home, that luxury honeymoon, or other marriage expenses. Everyone can agree weddings cost a pretty penny. Something to really look out for is venue flexibility as well.

Last year had definitely been a huge challenge and even stressful for many of us, but that doesn’t mean we still can’t appreciate the small things in life. Being a COVID bride definitely made me more grateful for the little things. When I initially got engaged I had this whole vision for my wedding, and that soon changed due to the pandemic, and that okay. At the end of the day, I was simply happy to be sharing my vows with my partner. In the midst of planning and stressing out over the little things I soon realized that the material things are not what was important to me in the end. I was happy and thankful for my family and friends who could make it, and just being able to be together.

If you decide that a COVID wedding might just fit into your vision you’re probably planning your wedding sooner than later. We already know how stressful and trialing a wedding can be for brides and their families. As you plan your COVID wedding, here are a few things to keep in mind. These are tips I learned simply from being a COVID bride myself and I can assure you I have run into each and every issue when it comes to planning a wedding.

Keep in mind that, the era of COVID is so unpredictable and scary that not everyone is going to be comfortable going to a function that is as large as a wedding. Many of us are caretakers of those at high risk and don’t want to jeopardize anyone’s well being. With that being said, sending those who could not make it a thank you card or gift would mean the world. They didn't miss it because they don’t love you, everyone just wants to make smart decisions. It could be useful to let people know you understand and there are no hard feelings if they cannot come.

I cannot stress this enough, coming from a true COVID bride. Make sure you are reading that wedding contract before you sign anything. The venue of your dreams may not support your current situation. Despite what is going on, some venues will not allow you to reschedule or cancel if something comes up. I advise a meeting with a representative of the venue and to ask as many questions as you can.. It’s recommended you bring along someone who you trust to help ask questions as you may forget.

Last but not least, know what is going on in the world especially in your current state or the state of the wedding, if it's different. Things are ever-changing and you never know when your state will go back on lockdown so make sure you are monitoring several news outlets. For example, several states have been on and off with lockdowns, curfews, as well as a permit needed for a certain amount of people. So, just to make sure your big day runs as smoothly as possible make sure you stay on top of your current events.

In the end, I’m not saying it was 100% a piece of cake to plan, and there were definitely ups and downs. There are many couples who feel like they have to postpone their big day because of the pandemic, and there were days that I was right there with them. If that is something that fits your plans, then wait it out. If not, try considering the advantages of having a COVID wedding, and remember to be safe! In the end, keeping all of these things in mind my family and I flew to California to have a small backyard wedding. I personally don’t regret anything. Despite COVID, despite family members not being able to make it, despite my dream venue falling apart, when I walked down that aisle I didn’t think of any of that. Having a wedding during a pandemic gave my family the kind of distraction we all needed. Something to look forward to, something to be happy about.