Engaged & Confused: Elopement Planning during a Global Pandemic.
So, you’ve made it official. You’ve found your person. You’ve got the ring. You’re engaged!
But now what?
We’re in in middle of a global pandemic unlike anything we’ve ever seen. The world feels scary and with so much uncertainty about what the next several weeks and months hold it’s hard to know how to move forward with anything, much less start making plans to get married.
Here are a few questions you may have and some action steps you can take TODAY to start crafting your elopement.
are vendors even booking new clients right now?
This is a valid question, but YES. The wedding industry is a special community filled with people who care deeply and fall in love with your elopement day just as much as you will. We’re all itching to get back to doing what we love and the joy of working with a new client to begin crafting your timeline and hearing your story is a ray of sunshine for us right now. Keep in mind, there is a lot of uncertainty about when non-essential businesses will be allowed to work again, as well as what the gathering restrictions will be, so you likely won’t be able to plan for a date before late summer or fall at the earliest - and those dates (along with 2021!) are filling fast!
Send over your inquiry to your favorite vendors to start the conversation. They’re ready to celebrate with you, I promise!
how can I find vendors i like? we can’t go anywhere to meet anyone!
The beauty of technology. The wedding industry is rapidly adapting to our current circumstances to continue serving you. Some local bridal dress boutiques are offering virtual appointments and at home try-ons; venues are releasing virtual tours; there’s Facetime and Skype and Zoom.
As for finding vendors - hit up Instagram and Google! Ask your recently married friends who they used. Hashtags on IG can be a great tool and any vendor will be stoked to hear you found them there; get specific in your search - ex. #breckweddings, #breckenridgeelopementphotographer, #breckbride.
but what about this virus?
It’s changing life as we know it, isn’t it? Even when it’s over, we’ll likely still need to be mindful for the health and safety of those around us, as well as the current laws and recommendations.
things to think about:
Elopements vs. Big Weddings. Keeping your guest count small is one way to make sure your day can go on as planned. We don’t know how long it will be until larger weddings will be allowed, nor whether they’ll be banned again later if this thing rears its ugly tail again. If you’ve been considering keeping it small, this is the time to do it!
Travel restrictions. Be mindful of traveling for your elopement and understand that many vendors may not feel safe leaving their state for work. If you don’t want to wait too long, consider eloping in your home state!
Guest and vendor safety. Consider extra sanitation precautions and understand that your vendors may want to wear masks. Be understanding of social distancing measures.
Federal and state regulations. Your vendors (and you!) will need to abide by any current laws in places regarding non-essential businesses, gathering sizes, etc. They’re there for our safety and breaking those laws not only has consequences to everyone’s health, but could result in loss of your vendor’s business license, hefty fines, and even jail time.
tips to feel confident planning right now:
Trust your vendors! While we haven’t dealt with this specific situation before, we’re all here for you and have your best interests in mind.
Read reviews. “A calming presence.” “Worked with us.” “Flexible and understanding.” - these are all some examples of key words to look for when reading reviews.
Be flexible. No one knows when this will be over and how gatherings (read: weddings and elopements) will be affected until then. Your vendors will take care of you and help guide you in developing realistic plans for your day.
Ask questions. Read over your contracts and don’t be afraid to ask for clarification on anything you don’t understand. The more you know and understand, the better you’ll feel! Please be mindful, though, your vendors contracts are written to protect both you and them. Any clauses and stipulations are there for the safety of you and your event and the livelihood of your vendor. Please ask questions, but don’t expect them to change it for you.
Remember why you’re getting married! 50 guests, 10 guests, or just the two of you - at the end of the day, you’ll be married and that’s what’s important.
Relax and enjoy this time. Pandemic, social distancing, and quarantine aside, this is an exciting time for you! Please enjoy it. xo
A special thanks to our friend and local planner, Erica Bull, for her added input. Check out her work here!