In a year filled with disruptions, few plans feel as deeply affected as weddings. You invest countless hours and resources into organizing a day that symbolizes your love, only to face the unexpected upheaval of a global pandemic. The reality is that many couples have had to reconsider their grand wedding plans.
With the ongoing threat of COVID-19, hosting a large wedding poses significant risks. Thousands of Americans have lost their lives to the virus, and many more have been infected. It’s clear that now is not the right time for large gatherings. Some couples have opted to completely reschedule their ceremonies for 2021, while others have chosen to hold intimate celebrations with safety protocols in place. And then there are those who tied the knot virtually in 2020—congratulations on navigating the new world of online weddings!
Regardless of the path chosen, it’s evident that now is not the moment for extravagant nuptials. Yet, some couples continue to push ahead with their crowded celebrations, seemingly unaware of the health risks involved. For instance, a wedding in Maine led to seven deaths and 177 COVID-19 cases. Similarly, attendees of a June wedding in Texas, including a 10-year-old boy, contracted the virus, leading to widespread infections. These incidents highlight the potential dangers of proceeding with large gatherings during a pandemic.
The message is clear: don’t be the person who endangers loved ones for the sake of a lavish wedding. Instead, follow the example of my dear friend Sarah, who made the difficult decision to postpone her September wedding to prioritize the health and safety of everyone involved.
Sarah faced a significant dilemma: pursue the wedding she had always envisioned or delay it to protect her loved ones. Ultimately, she chose to wait, demonstrating her care and understanding of the situation. “With my partner’s family having faced COVID and my own father’s health issues, we knew we had to minimize any risk at our wedding,” she shared. “The thought of a day meant to celebrate love turning into a source of harm was unbearable.”
Rather than scaling down their celebration to comply with safety measures, Sarah and her fiancé decided to postpone. “We want the full experience of celebrating with family and friends, embracing joy without the fear of safety,” she explained.
The hardest part for Sarah was letting go of the excitement she had for their wedding planning. Each day of anticipation turned into anxiety over health concerns and the cancellation of events they had looked forward to. “It felt incredibly unfair to have our engagement marred by worries about illness and job loss,” she reflected.
Support from friends and family has been essential during this challenging time. While many expressed gratitude for Sarah’s responsible choice, it doesn’t lessen the emotional toll of postponing a cherished event. After being a devoted bridesmaid for others, the delay of her own wedding brought feelings of isolation.
As of now, Sarah plans to reschedule her wedding for June of next year, but remains aware that circumstances may change. As her friend, I feel a mix of excitement and trepidation as I prepare to stand by her side on this special day. It’s crucial to allow her space to process this disappointment without pressure or judgment.
“It’s tough not knowing what the future holds,” Sarah noted. “If conditions worsen, we may have to adapt again. It’s challenging to stay optimistic when everything feels so uncertain.”
For couples still hoping to marry during COVID, Sarah advises embracing smaller gatherings and focusing on what can be controlled. She encourages couples to consider safe options like testing protocols and smaller ceremonies. “This year won’t allow for the wedding of your dreams, but love is not canceled. You can still commit to one another. Honestly, I would consider a small wedding now and a big celebration later—double the joy!”
If my wonderful friend can make the right call by postponing her wedding, you can too. Please don’t treat your wedding as an essential event that must happen now. If you decide to marry this year, prioritize safety and consider limiting your guest list. If you disregard this advice and proceed with a crowded venue, you may find yourself facing backlash from your community—a poor start to married life.
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In summary, postponing your wedding might be the best choice for you and your loved ones this year. It allows you to prioritize health and safety while still cherishing your love. Couples should embrace the flexibility of their plans and find joy in the love they share, regardless of the timing of their celebration.