How to Host a Quarantine Wedding During COVID-19
The outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic has brought much of our normal lives to a screeching halt. Our favorite restaurants shut their doors, our workplaces shifted to work-from-home, and our kids made the tough adjustment to digital learning.
One particularly unfortunate consequence of the pandemic is the effect it has had on weddings. Across the world, engaged couples excitedly set their wedding day in 2020. For many, their plans shaken up by a global pandemic. Many couples reserved nonrefundable venues and entertainment long before the pandemic broke out.
Many engaged couples have opted to cancel their wedding, rescheduling for a future (and hopefully virus-free) date. However, for couples that want to stay the course of their original timeline, a little creativity is necessary. Contrary to what you might think, it is possible to host a pandemic-safe wedding!
Here are a few ideas on how to host a “quarantine wedding” that you and your guests will never forget.
Live-stream or Zoom your wedding
We’re lucky to be living in a time where technology gives us the opportunity to safely connect with loved ones around the world. A virtual wedding may not look like what you’ve always imagined. Still, it can bring your friends and family together to share this special moment with you and your partner.
You can choose between live-streaming your wedding or using a virtual meeting service like Zoom, Skype, WebEx, or GoToMeeting. If you opt to live-stream your wedding, your guests will be able to watch your ceremony, but you won’t be able to see them. Or, if you choose a webcam service like Zoom, you’ll be able to see them, too.
If you opt for the video chat route, you’ll need to compare a slew of different service providers. Zoom, WebEx, and GoToMeeting all have different pricing options dependent on the size of your group.
Whichever platform you choose, be sure to send your guests the invitation well in advance, just as you would for a traditional wedding (along with detailed instructions for less web-savvy relatives!).
Register with an online retailer
It’s not just attending in-person weddings that is risky during these times. There is also the inherent pressure placed upon guests to go to a designated store or stores to buy a gift from the couple’s registry. Luckily, today’s booming online shopping market solves that problem!
Choose an online storefront like Silver Superstore so your guests don’t feel pressured to go to a store in-person. This also ensures you won’t run up against the problem of unforeseen store closures in your guests’ areas.
Set the scene
Just because your wedding will be virtual doesn’t mean your guests won’t expect the scene to be as beautiful as it would be in person. Wherever you tie the knot, whether it’s at home or in Hawaii, decorate as if all your closest friends and family were present.
Send your guests favors in the mail
A great way to thank your guests for adapting to your unusual wedding style is to send them each a generous wedding favor. A classy and timeless idea is a silver box or mahogany chest with a thank you note tucked inside.