As we head into 2021, nearly a full year into the global Covid-19 pandemic, it was recently estimated that over 1 million couples have been forced to postpone their wedding into this year and beyond. Furthermore, engagements have thankfully and understandably continued with many couples choosing to cement their relationship in or post lockdown. This means that more couples than ever are currently planning their wedding and all in the midst of the continuing pandemic, though thankfully, we are fast approaching the light at the end of the tunnel. So, how do you go about planning in the current climate and how can we help you keep your plans on track? Here’s a quick guide to what we are doing and some important considerations for the coming months.
- Zoom, zoom zoom!
It’s something we have all had to get to grips with over the past months and while video calls undoubtedly have their limitations, they are an incredibly useful tool when meeting or visiting in person aren’t possible. Here at Crockwell, even the most tech-phobic of our team are now whizzes at a video tour and for couples, the convenience of being able to look around the venue and discuss plans from the comfort of your own home is a huge plus. On top of this, we now have a wealth of videos of the venue which can help not only in seeing what Crockwell has to offer but also, in planning. Just head to our vimeo channel to view.
2. Check out our past weddings.
Many couples have now had to postpone their wedding to a completely different season to their original date. This can play havoc with your theme and decor which may change entirely. If you need some inspiration as to how Crockwell looks at a different time of year, just head over to our Featured Weddings for a full back catalogue of past Crockwell weddings throughout the year. You may also want to chat to your florist to see what is in season for your new date. Our advice would always be to go seasonal with flowers. Trying to use tulips in December, or dahlias in March is going to be expensive and you may well find when you start looking into it that there are some beautiful options for your new season. The same goes for outfits; bridal shops will bending over backwards to help tailor your dress and the chances are, some minor alterations could adapt your dress to your new season.
3. Use blogs and online content for inspiration
Today, there is a wealth of online content dedicated to wedding planning and inspiration. From Pinterest and Instagram for quick image searches and inspo to content rich blogs such as Love My Dress, Rock My Wedding and Pocketful of Dreams for detailed articles, news and advice, there is so much to be explored. These are great planning tools at any time but particularly now, when ease of access from home is so important.
4. Keep up with planning meetings
Here at Crockwell, we will conduct a detailed planning meeting with you 6 – 7 months ahead of your date. This is a detailed meeting at which we will discuss timings for the day (you will already have received an outline plan), layout of the ceremony and reception spaces, your chosen drinks package, any suppliers you have booked and your room allocations for overnight guests. By this point, it is great if you had had a chance to think through things like who is going to stay on site at Crockwell, book some suppliers such as florist, DJ / band, hair and make up etc. You can remind yourself of our recommended suppliers, venue floorplan and lots more here. We are keeping on schedule with these meetings as it’s important to have your plans in place, even if they may change in the run up to the day. Our catering partners, Ross & Ross Events are also working to plan with couples continuously so please do touch base with them any time. As soon as we are able to resume Taster Evenings, we will hold a series for all booked couples in 2021 and Spring 2022.
5. Keep an open mind!
This year, more than ever, couples are having to be flexible in their planning and approach. At Crockwell we continue to help couples make contingency and back up plans, in case their wedding is affected by the pandemic. We of course hope and believe that this will come to an end in the coming months but no-one quite knows what the future holds. Therefore, for everyone planning a wedding, it is important to keep an open mind, establish what your priorities are, and focus on the big picture, which is that you are marrying someone you love and wish to spend the rest of your life with. What could be more wonderful, after the year we have all endured.
