Love Through the Pandemic

COVID 19!

We have been seeing soooo many stories, posts, blogs, vlogs, articles, news items, speeches, diatribes, tweets etc about this pandemic. It seems the world is inundated and fixated by a pandemic that we could never have imagined would have such an impact. As much as I hate to add to the inundation, I couldn't resist sharing a few thoughts on the subject.

Many of us in the event planning industry had anticipated that this pandemic would be short lived and soon we would be back to planning. We thought it would be business as usual and our summers would be filled with the usual glorious nuptials, elegant awards ceremonies, birthday celebrations and baby showers.

But with restrictions still in place on the numbers for gatherings, social distancing and mask wearing still being the fashionable requirements, and with the numbers of those infected continuing to rise, we have to rethink how we do business.

Even after COVID-19 is a memory, it will likely leave something very important behind, a change in mindset.

It has truly changed our lives forever, and that may not be such a bad thing.

There is hope in the pandemic. There is love in the pandemic. Love conquers all.

It is now time to be even more creative. You may not be able to have that dream wedding where you get kisses and blessings from your 3rd grand cousin twice removed who you haven't seen since you were in your diapers but just had to be invited because your mother insists on a grand celebration. But you can rethink your "dream" and get back to what really matters, the love of your life is still waiting at the alter.

While you may be understandably disappointed we can view this pandemic not just as a problem but an opportunity (and saving you some costs at that!).

There is hope in the pandemic. There is love in the pandemic. Love conquers all.

Here are 5 tips for having a dream wedding and making love the focus through the pandemic:

1. Make use of technology - there are several platforms, from Zoom to Google Meet which can allow family members and friends to connect and view your wedding remotely, Technology can allow them to share the experience even if they can't be present. Some of the money that you would have spent on the food and drinks at the reception can be re-routed to that expensive videographer that you couldn't afford and a nice lighting, sound and tech team.

2. Have a bold theme - While themes are a feature of most weddings, it is even more critical to have a bold theme for a virtual wedding. Think bold colours. Think exotic locations as a backdrop. Think big! It is an opportunity to "dress up" your wedding in a way that costs would not usually allow. And speaking of dress up, you should ask your guests to make sure they dress for the occasion and in keeping with the theme.

3. Get creative with virtual backgrounds/virtual decor - this is an alternative to the usual money spent on decor. Here you could hire graphic designers to create a backdrop for your alter, have them create a virtual stage for your performers and create beautiful slide shows to enhance the visual experience. Consider even using 3-D technology to give your wedding more of an in person feel.

4. Focus on entertainment and the wedding agenda - Since it is unlikely that you will be having a reception full of people dancing the night away, you will have to add the "vibe" or "buzz" by getting more wedding singers and performers. Consider even getting more than one DJ and having a virtual sound clash! Be creative. The party does not have to stop because everyone isn't in the same room. You must have a full agenda to keep people engaged and focused on how much fun they have at your wedding that they forget they are not physically there.

5. Add special touches - Consider doing things to make it still feel special like sending a bottle of wine and an engraved wine glass to those who will be giving toasts virtually. There are many ways to still make it special if you employ a little creativity.

BONUS TIP: HAVE FUN! The love of your life is still waiting at the alter.

There is hope in the pandemic. There is love in the pandemic. Love conquers all.

For more information and to get help to envision and execute your dream wedding, contact us at Melissa Simone:

Call us: (876) 832-1978

Email us: melissasimoneevents@gmail.com

DM us on Instagram: @melissasimoneevents