For all of you newly engaged couples or those simply thinking about getting engaged, there are some new expectations for your 2021 wedding plans. With all of the changes going on in the world today, the wedding industry has definitely had to adjust. Moving forward, you should anticipate some lasting changes. The post-Covid wedding scene in 2021 will be unlike anything we’ve had before. Below we have listed some changes you might expect to see for your future nuptials.
First, if you have not reserved a wedding venue or have locked down your wedding date, this should be the highest priority. With 2020 weddings rescheduling into 2021, your pool of available wedding dates is very shallow. As a result, more and more venues and vendors across the country are raising their prices to reflect the high demand of those 2021 wedding dates. If you’re still on the lookout for a venue, try to remain flexible with your wedding date or day of the week. Your ideal date may not be open, even a year or more in advance.
Along with the limited amount of dates available in 2021, your preferred vendors may also be booked up. Again, do not hesitate to lock down your venue and vendors as soon as possible. 2021 is setting up to be a very busy year in the wedding industry. Do your research now and retain your vendors as soon as possible.
Another change you will see across the board is an updated vendor contract. In the wake of Covid, vendors have changed policies and updated their contracts to reflect the repercussions if such a virus hits us again. Be sure to note any damage deposits, date change fees, force majeure statements, or other amendments based off of COVID-19 events. In addition to the contract changes, more than likely vendors will be requiring some sort of wedding insurance. Check with your local provider or search online for Wedding insurance to cover any incidentals including a resurgence of a pandemic.
Lastly we encourage you to make a short list of guests that absolutely have to have attend your wedding day. With the current limitations on social gatherings, growing fear, and inability to predict the future, some people are opting out of attending weddings. Guests traveling in from out of town and the older population may not choose to attend your wedding. Expect for there to be a few guests that RSVP with regrets.
It is all of our greatest hope that the virus subsides and we all come back to some level of normalcy. When you are planning your wedding (a day you may have dreamed of for a long time) there are certain expectations you have for your wedding day. We are confident you will have the perfect day but keep in mind the above factors as you move forward planning your 2021 wedding. Happy planning!
Contributing Photographer: Matt Allen Photo