Looking for the Perfect Wedding Venue? Keep These Tips in Mind
The pandemic has changed virtually every aspect of our lives, including weddings. The desire to get married can be overwhelming even if it means planning a major get-together in the middle of a pandemic. Luckily, the worst appears to be over, at least here in the U.S.
But event planning isn’t what it used to be. Some people may still be reluctant to travel or see their loved ones, even after getting vaccinated. That’s why we decided to serve up some tips for planning a wedding during the post-COVID era.
Start Now
Things tend to be a little more complicated when there’s a deadly virus running around, but that doesn’t mean you can’t host the wedding of your dreams. Give yourself more time to plan the event, considering everything that’s going on in the news. It may take longer to book a venue, collect RSVPs, or reserve the band of your choice than you may be used to. Many people have moved or relocated during the last 18 months, so double-check to make sure you have the right address and contact information.
The sooner you start the event planning process, the better off you’ll be. Try to nail down the biggest details right away, such as where you plan on hosting the event, approximate head count, amenities, and other must-have details that you want to include.
Stay in Touch
Communication is key when it comes to increasing attendance and coordinating with your loved ones. Everyone is dealing with the pandemic in their own way. Reach out often to keep everyone on the same page. It may be helpful to create a group email thread, so you can quickly update the key players should anything change.
A simple RSVP might not cut it anymore when it comes to coordinating with your guests. You might want to pick up the phone to ask about their safety preferences, concerns, transportation options, and other details that may be hard to navigate. If you want your loved ones to be there on your special day, put in the effort to make sure they feel comfortable making the trip.
Keep It Simple
So much goes into planning a wedding, but COVID-19 adds another layer of complexity. Try to keep things simple without sacrificing the overall quality of the event. Choose a venue with a built-in bar, restaurant, and hotel, so you don’t have to worry about coordinating with different companies and vendors. Find a location that’s close to major highways and cities with airports. The space should also have plenty of exciting activities on hand, so your guests have something to do before and after the ceremony. You can still have a lavish wedding, but a more centralized approach will help you reduce stress and maximize fun.
Stay Flexible
As important as it is to plan, be prepared to watch your plans change as the date gets closer. Some venues, states, or counties may alter their COVID policies and guidelines as the situation evolves. It’s best to have a back-up plan in case somethings take a turn for the worst. There should be multiple options in terms of getting to and from the venue to make it easier on your guests.
Talk to your guests about their preferences and comfort levels. Even if you’d prefer to have a mask-less wedding, some people may want to keep them on when indoors. Some people may not be vaccinated against COVID-19, so the risk level can vary widely based on the situation. Find a venue that can accommodate all your guests’ unique needs and preferences, so everyone can come together without feeling left out.
Above all, be reasonable with your expectations. The most important part of planning a wedding is sharing your love with your friends and family. Focus on the positive if some people can attend.
Oakwood Resort has everything you need to host a gorgeous wedding post-COVID. We are close to major cities like Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Chicago, Columbus, and Detroit to increase your head count. Choose a venue everyone can enjoy and make your reservation today!
