As the Director and lead Wedding Planner of LUXE Unforgettable Events, Kerrie Wood has been a shining light for couples navigating the challenges of planning a wedding amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. While many have had to confront the harsh reality of cancellation or postponement, Kerrie’s dedication to her craft and her clients has inspired countless couples to find innovative ways to celebrate their special day.
We recently sat down with Kerrie to gather her top tips for making the most of a COVID-19 wedding, as well as hear from one remarkable couple whose love story was brought full circle through her expert guidance.
What is your number one piece of advice for couples who have postponed their weddings?
When faced with the daunting task of rescheduling a wedding, it’s easy to get caught up in the emotional turmoil. However, it’s crucial to keep your sights set on the ultimate goal – celebrating your special day with loved ones. The process of postponing a wedding is complex, involving financial, logistical, creative, and emotional commitments. To navigate this labyrinth, I highly recommend seeking guidance from an experienced wedding planning service.
Not only can they provide valuable insight into the rescheduling process, but they can also help you preserve and redirect any financial credits tied to vendors, suppliers, and venues. As Kerrie aptly put it, these professionals can guide you through the complex web of decisions, ensuring a smoother transition.
As you begin this new chapter in your wedding planning journey, remember that public health orders will play a significant role in determining the number of guests you can host, which may vary by state or territory. This means you’ll need to be flexible and prepared for potential changes to your original plans. Be prepared to adapt floor plans, seating arrangements, décor elements, catering options, and even venue choices if necessary.
To avoid any surprises, do your due diligence and research the regulations in your area. And don’t forget to consult with your wedding planner – their expertise can be a lifesaver in these uncertain times.
Some couples are struggling to decide between postponing their day or having a smaller, more intimate wedding sooner. What are your thoughts/advice on this?
Many couples remain indecisive, holding onto hope that circumstances will return to normality sooner rather than later. They long for the day when they can gather their loved ones from near and far, surrounded by the joy and celebration of their special day. However, until a vaccine is developed, it’s crucial to be flexible and adapt plans as needed. The reality is that international border issues will not be resolved in the near future, and domestic borders are still evolving.
As Kerrie noted, this uncertainty requires couples to be proactive and prepared for any unexpected twists.
Cancelling…
It’s crucial to carefully consider the potential consequences of cancelling a wedding venue or engaged service. According to Kerrie, it’s only advisable to do so when there are no other viable alternatives, and it’s essential to seek professional guidance before making any definitive decisions. Canceling a wedding can have far-reaching financial and logistical implications, including the risk of forfeiting deposits.
Moreover, it’s vital to thoroughly review all terms and conditions of contracts before taking any action.
Wedding Insurance…
Unfortunately, COVID-19 pandemic-related issues are typically excluded from standard wedding insurance policies. However, if a contract is non-performed due to the pandemic, coverage might still apply depending on the policy terms. To clarify the situation, it’s essential to consult with your wedding insurance company and review the ‘Terms and Conditions’ of your policy to determine the current and future implications.
Your wedding planner can also provide valuable guidance in making the right decision for your special day. As a precautionary measure, always thoroughly read the fine print of any contract or policy before signing it, ensuring all parties involved are aware of their obligations.
An Intimate Celebration…
When Jane and Harlan’s original wedding plans went awry, we had the unique opportunity to reimagine their special day from scratch. The result was an intimate ‘vintage country romance’ celebration that exuded warmth, ambiance, and a sense of closeness among loved ones. While it may not be every couple’s cup of tea, this non-traditional approach allowed them to create a personalized experience that truly reflected their love story.
It’s essential for couples to prioritize their own desires and not feel pressured into conforming to societal norms. Ultimately, the day belongs to the happy couple, and with the right mindset, there’s always another opportunity to recreate the magic – whether it’s through a future celebration or simply by cherishing the memories of this special day.
What is your advice for wedding vendors during the time of Covid-19?
As a specialist planner, it’s crucial to maintain a professional demeanor while being fair and approachable. Staying informed about the evolving public health orders and permissions is vital in today’s uncertain environment. By being clear and concise, you can provide much-needed guidance and reassurance to clients seeking expert advice on navigating this challenging journey.
Always prioritize integrity by only promising what you can deliver and avoid making unrealistic claims or undercutting existing contracts. Transparency is key, so be open about the real-world influences and capabilities of the day, just as you would expect honesty from others. The health and safety of your wedding clients, their guests, industry partners, and on-the-day teams must remain the top priority.
When sharing information, only provide facts you’re confident about, as misinformation can have negative consequences. Finally, don’t underestimate the power of humor – a much-needed tonic during trying times.
A Real-Life Covid Couple – The Story of Jane and Harlan’s wedding…
When planning their special day during a pandemic, Jane and Harlan had to adapt their vision. They acknowledged that they didn’t have to sacrifice their original dream wedding; they just needed to adjust it. This mindset allowed them to focus on the things that truly mattered – having meaningful interactions with loved ones and celebrating their love in an intimate setting.
The experience of planning this wedding was far from ordinary, but it ultimately turned out to be a memorable one for all involved. In fact, Kerrie described it as ‘magical’ due to the exceptional teamwork displayed by everyone involved. From the design and delivery of a stunning couture gown in under three weeks to the meticulous planning of every detail, including florals and music, the team went above and beyond to ensure a safe and joyous celebration.
As Kerrie reflected on the experience, she was most impressed by the collaborative spirit of the wedding professionals involved and the beaming smiles on Jane and Harlan’s faces as they bid each other goodnight. The incredible vendors who helped bring this day to life can be found below.
When it comes to planning a wedding during Covid, what do you think are the biggest difficulties? How do you suggest overcoming them?
For us, the paramount concerns are the well-being of our clients, their guests, and our on-site event teams. This commitment to safety, health, and welfare underpins every decision we make on a wedding day. Kerrie acknowledges that the public health guidelines can be tricky to navigate, as they require a delicate balance between logistics and creative expression. The goal is to ensure that the vision, style, and atmosphere of the celebration are preserved, without compromise.
As Kerrie notes, while some concepts may seem daunting at first, they can still be achieved with careful consideration, collaboration, and experience. In fact, seeking professional guidance before re-scheduling plans can help alleviate COVID-related stress. By partnering with a trustworthy wedding planning service, couples can turn uncertainty into confidence and make informed decisions that align with their unique vision.
We know health and safety are so important when it comes to wedding planning…what are your best tips to make a wedding Covid safe?
To ensure a seamless wedding experience, we prioritize open communication with our clients from the onset. This involves clearly explaining what we can deliver under current public health orders and encouraging their wedding party, families, and guests to prepare for the day ahead. Our team also develops a comprehensive plan that takes into account venue layouts and access points, allowing us to proactively manage traffic flow and minimize congestion.
Furthermore, we provide a thorough pre-day briefing document to all delivery teams, ensuring cohesion and adaptability in response to changing circumstances. Ultimately, our goal is to deliver an unforgettable day that captures the essence of the couple’s special moment.