Planning a wedding in uncertain times...

Anyone who has planned a wedding will tell you that there is a lot to think about, whatever time of year you choose for it to take place. But if the run-up to your wedding or even the big day itself are happening in the midst of the corona virus outbreak, you might be wondering what you should do to prepare (if that is even possible!) and plan for the potential that your wedding will in some way be affected.

Right now, whether you’re planning a wedding at home or abroad, there are countless moving parts surrounding COVID-19 and since this situation is fluid, what it means for your wedding, specifically, really depends on your wedding date.

To help you prepare for what you should do—and help you if you do sadly have to change plans—we spoke with experts across the industry, including travel consultants and wedding planners, to give you a closer look at how COVID-19 is affecting wedding planning right now, and how to prep for the coming months.

No. 1 - Be prepared

Whenever there is a problem, there is generally a solution, or if you can’t find a solution there is likely an alternative. It sounds very cliched but the best you can do is to keep calm and carry on. All of your guests whether they be family, friends, or colleagues all want to celebrate with you, but at a time that is safe and when you can all enjoy each others company.

No. 2 - Communicate with your vendors

Rather than second guess what your vendors are planning, get in touch with them, discuss worst scenarios and come together to create a game plan.

No. 3 - Notify Guests

To avoid having to constantly field questions from family members and friends, make a statement either on social media or on your wedding website acknowledging the coronavirus, and letting wedding guests know you will keep them in the loop with regards travel and accommodation, as and when accurate and up to date information becomes available.

No. 4 - Make it Intimate

Plan for a smaller guest count. It’s important to be aware that your guests travel plans and accommodation requirements are going to dictate the size of the guest list. So lowering your guest count is a sensible idea, as you may also have some potential guests who would perhaps choose not to attend the wedding or any pre-wedding events - go for small and intimate then you can avoid disappointment and some potentially awkward conversations.

No. 5 - Shop Savvy

With supply chains and manufacturing in the far east and China taking a heavy hit then dress choices could be restricted at best and at the worst unreliable. You could opt for shopping locally (when the opportunity returns), customising a high street dress or even recycling a used dress. When it comes to jewellery, favours, bridesmaids dresses, shoes etc, try to shop locally using small artisan business, they will need the financial boost a wave of much-wanted weddings will produce.

If you're just starting to plan a wedding it’s natural to have a million “what if” questions but we would say take note of the above and start with details that will not be affected by the coronavirus outbreak, plan your cake style, make menu plans, make a shortlist of preferred dresses and their accessories. By all means get excited about your big day and what it could hold but, hold off on major decisions. Currently, things are uncertain, so keep actively doing research so that you are ready to pounce when the time comes, just don’t lock anything in.

As always with wedding advice, it is there for ideas only, it’s always best to go with whatever suits your own personal style.

No matter what your own personal style, we know that you will find something in the Jules Bridal Jewellery collection to suit you. We have a wide selection from bracelets to headpieces, to compliment your wedding day ensemble as well as those of your bridal party.

Stay a little longer and take a look at some of our full collections? Click on the images below for Wedding Jewellery, Hair Accessories & Wedding Veils.